Book Summaries - AO1 Flashcards
Book 4 - Menelaus and Helen
Telemachus and Pesistratus go to Sparta and are moved by King Menelaus and Helen’s words about Odysseus.
Menelaus tells the story of when he and Odysseus were in the Trojan Horse and Odysseus stopped him from ruining his plan.
Helen recounts when he snuck into Troy disguised as a beggar so she’ll know the plan.
Suitors realise Telemachus’ absence and plan to ambush him on his return. When Penelope hears about this, she is soothed by a vision from Athene.
Book 5 - Calypso
The gods gather on Olympus apart from Poseidon. They agree to let Odysseus go, Hermes is sent to Ogygia to tell him whereas Athene is sent to accompany Telemachus so he can have a safe journey home.
Meanwhile, Odysseus is weeping on Ogygia and Hermes tells Calypso Odysseus has been released. Begrudgingly she builds Odysseus a raft but no escort. Odysseus leaves, but is spotted my Poseidon who has just left Ethiopia. He raises his trident and causes a huge storm that almost drowns Odysseus. With the help of Athene and Leucothea, Odysseus arrives on the island of scheria
