Book 12 Flashcards
On returning to Circe what did Odysseus have to do?
Fetch the dead body of Elpenor. They then had to perform the funeral rights. They burnt him along with his armour. They built a barrow for him and a monument so he’d get to the underworld safely.
What did Circe say about the sirens?
They bewitch everybody who approached them.
After telling him about the sirens what did she say?
He must make a choice.
What is the choice Odysseus must make?
Either go down a route with sheer cliffs where only one wan has ever escaped or go the route towards Scylla.
What happens if he goes towards Scylla?
He would lose six men, but that is better than his whole crew.
What else does Circe tell him about?
The sun god’s cattle.
What does she say will happen to the men if they hurt the cattle?
His ship will be destroyed along with his company.
What does she say will happen if he leaves the cattle alone?
They will have some chance of reaching Ithaca.
What does Odysseus tell his men about the sirens?
That their voices lure men onto their island.
Why does Odysseus tell his men about the sirens?
He confides in them because last time they opened the bag of winds and they were blown all the way back.
How does Odysseus prevent his men hearing the sirens?
He puts wax in their ears.
However who didn’t he put wax in?
Himself as he wanted to hear the sirens.
What do his men do to prevent him escaping?
They tie him to the mast, so he can still hear but can’t escape.
Why are the songs attractive to Odysseus?
They say they can make him a wiser man. They also compliment him and they know what happened at Troy.
As the men sail away what are they scared by and why?
They see a cloud of spume ahead and a raging surf, all of which could cause a shipwreck.
How does Odysseus encourage his men as they approach Scylla and Charybdis?
He reminds them that they have survived and of how he saved them from the Cyclopes.
What else does he remind do to calm their fear?
He gave them specific instructions so they don’t focus on the fear. He reminds them of how they are protected by the gods. He also speaks to everyone individually and calls them his friends.
What does Odysseus fail to mention?
The inescapable horror of Scylla fearing that in their panic the men might stop rowing and huddle below deck.
How does Odysseus disobey Circe?
By putting his armour on and by seizing a couple of long spears. He got ready to fight.
Why does Homer personify Charybdis?
To create a vivid description.
How does Homer make Scylla vivid?
The men were still looking at Charybdis when Scylla snatched the strongest six men.
Who didn’t listen to Odysseus when he told his men to stay away from the sun god’s cattle?
Eurylochus.
What did Eurylochus accuse Odysseus of?
Being made of iron through and through.
What else did Eurylochus not like?
How if they went onto the island they weren’t allowed to have anything to eat.
