Odyssey 15

Question 1

Athena Commands Telemachus

Answer 1

Who:
Athena and Telemachus.
Significance:
Athena, in a commanding role, directs Telemachus to return to Ithaca, cautioning about potential danger.
Plot Point:
Athena intervenes directly in Telemachus’s journey, ensuring his safe return and manipulating events to thwart the suitors.

Question 2

Telemachus’s Departure from Lacedaemon

Answer 2

Who:
Telemachus and Menelaus.

Significance:
Menelaus aids Telemachus in his journey home, offering guidance and arrangements.

Plot Point:
Telemachus departs from Lacedaemon, setting the stage for his return to Ithaca.

Question 3

Eagle Omen in Lacedaemon

Answer 3

Who:
Telemachus and Pisistratus.
Significance:
An eagle carrying a goose serves as a favorable omen, indicating positive outcomes for Odysseus and his lineage.
Plot Point:
Foretells the upcoming reunion of father and son, reinforcing themes of fate and divine intervention.

Question 4

Odysseus Tests Eumaeus Again

Answer 4

Who:
Odysseus (as the beggar) and Eumaeus.
Significance:
Eumaeus extends hospitality, advising Odysseus to await Telemachus’s return.
Plot Point:
Odysseus tests Eumaeus’s loyalty and hospitality once more, revealing the swineherd’s unwavering support.
Interaction 16: Eumaeus Narrates His Story

Who:
Odysseus (as the beggar) and Eumaeus.
Significance:
Eumaeus recounts his tragic past, highlighting the unpredictability of fate and justice.
Plot Point:
Emphasizes the theme of fate and underscores the notion that destiny can drastically alter one’s social status.

Question 5

Telemachus Arrives in Ithaca

Answer 5

Who:
Telemachus, Theoclymenus, and the ship’s crew.
Significance:
Theoclymenus interprets an omen favorably, hinting at positive outcomes for Odysseus and his descendants.
Plot Point:
Telemachus’s safe arrival in Ithaca builds anticipation for the imminent reunion with Odysseus, reinforcing divine favor.