Homer Flashcards
What is the Iliad about?
The Iliad is set during the Trojan War, the ten-year siege of the city of Troy by a coalition of Greek kingdoms. It focuses on a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles lasting a few weeks during the last year of the war.
What is the Odyssey about?
The Odyssey focuses on the ten-year journey home of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, after the fall of Troy.
Who was Odysseus
a legendary Greek king of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus also plays a key role in Homer’s Iliad and other works in that same epic cycle. Son of Laërtes and Anticlea, husband of Penelope and father of Telemachus and Acusilaus.
What happens in book 4 of the Pdyssey?
When they arrive at Sparta, Telemachus and Pisistratus are warmly welcomed. Telemachus is moved to tears by Menelaus’ recollections of his friend Odysseus. The king and queen recall some of Odysseus’ exploits at Troy but postpone serious talk until the next day. In the morning, Menelaus expresses outrage at the behavior of Penelope’s suitors and encourages Telemachus by telling him that Odysseus is alive and a captive of Calypso.
Back in Ithaca, the suitors have discovered that Telemachus is gone and plan to ambush his ship on its return. Penelope is distraught to learn of her son’s trip and the planned assassination but is soothed by a vision sent by Athena. Homer leaves the plot of Telemachus dangling as selected suitors board a vessel to set up the surprise attack.
What happens in book 6 of the Odyssey?
Princess Nausikaa has gone to the stream to wash her wedding linen after a dream from Athena.
Nausikaa decides to help Odysseus and sends him to the palace
What happens in books 9-12 of the Odyssey
Odysseus tricks the Cyclops
Poseidon wrecks the ship
It shows is that while Odysseus is clever, he is prone to rash decisions that harm his crew and hinder his journey
