Book 5 Flashcards
What happens at the start of book 5?
The gods at Olympia gather for a council meeting.
After the gods at Olympia gather for a council meeting.
Athena appeals to Zeus to let Odysseus free.
Why does Athena appeal to Zeus to let Odysseus free?
His son, Telemachus, is at Pylos and Sparta in search of news about his father, and the Suitors plan to ambush him on his return.
What does Zeus say after Athena’s appeal?
He says, Athena has already planned his revenge on the suitors and it is in her power to rescue Telemachus.
Who does Zeus send as a result of Athena’s appeal?
Hermes, god of travelling and messages
What does Zeus tell Hermes to say to Calypso?
That she must release Odysseus, who is to travel home alone and without the gods’ help.
- Make his own raft
- To arrive at Scherie
How is Hermes described on his way to Ogygia?
Like a seagull because he is swooping down over the sea and he wonders at the delightful sight.
What does Calypso do once Hermes arrives on the island? (3)
- She invites him inside
- Breaches xenia as doesn’t give him food and drink straight away
- Then offers him due hospitality, nectar and ambrosia
What is Odysseus doing and feeling as Hermes gets to the Island?
He is weeping on the shore, full of nostalgia.
What does Hermes tell Calypso, about Odysseus?
That he is destined to reach home.
How does Calypso feel about having to let Odysseus go?
She resentfully obeys, declaring that the gods always hate it when a goddess falls in love with mortal men and that she will not help Odysseus on his way. As she has no ship though she will willingly give him directions.
What does Odysseus do after Calypso agrees to let him go?
He moves from weeping on the shore to sleep with Calypso at night.
What does Calypso do after they sleep together?
She pretends to act willingly, to let him go with all her heart, disguising from him the true reason for her change of heart.
What does Calypso tell Odysseus after she tells him he can leave? (3)
- Make a raft
- She will stock it with the necessities
- Send a favourable wind
How does Odysseus respond to Calypso’s confession?
He doesn’t trust her and asks her to make an oath that she is not planning any mischief against him.
What does Calypso do after Odysseus suggests an oath?
She affectionately swears a solemn oath that she is acting out of fairness and pity.
What does the oath signal?
The end of Odysseus imprisonment, and the beginning of the action of the Odyssey.
What does Calypso do in a final attempt to lure Odysseus?
She offers him immortality if he stays.
How does Odysseus respond to this lure?
He tactfully declines and agrees that Penelope’s beauty cannot match Calypso’s, but he is determined to return home.
What does Calypso give Odysseus to help with his journey? (4)
- Tools
- Timber
- Cloth
- A favourable wind
How does Odysseus use his tools, what characteristics are shown?
He quickly and skilfully makes his raft, proving his handiwork, competency and practical knowledge.
After sailing away, how long does it take for him to see the island?
18 days
Who spots Odysseus sailing near Phaecia?
Poseidon, God of the Sea.
What does Poseidon do on sight of Odysseus?
He stirs up a mighty storm that goes towards Odysseus at all directions.
