The Odyssey Chapter 1-5 Flashcards
Kleos
Kleos is a term used in epic poetry that means immortal fame, but can also mean rumor or renown. A Greek soldier can earn kleos through his courage. A monument can bring kleos, as can reports of one’s offspring’s virtuous deeds.
in media res
the miiddle of things
Achaeans
specifically to people from the region of Achilles’ homeland, in south Thessaly. The term Achaean may also refer to the people who are called Mycenaeans, like the followers of Agamemnon.
Antoius
most arrogant of penelopes suitors
Calypso
was a nymph in Greek mythology, who lived on the island of Ogygia, where she detained Odysseus for several years. She is generally said to be the daughter of the Titan Atlas.
Eurycleia
The aged and loyal servant who nursed Odysseus and Telemachus when they were babies. Eurycleia is well informed about palace intrigues and serves as confidante to her masters
Lacedaeman
was mythical king of Laconia and son of the chief god Zeus and the Pleaid Taygete. He was a father of King Amyclas of Sparta and Queen Eurydice of Argos, by Princess Sparta, the daughter of King Eurotas.
Orestes
In Greek mythology, Orestes was the son of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon. He is the subject of several Ancient Greek plays and of various myths connected with his madness and purification, which retain obscure threads of much older ones.
Telemachus
telemachus Odysseus’s son. An infant when Odysseus left for Troy, Telemachus is about twenty at the beginning of the story. He is a natural obstacle to the suitors desperately courting his mother, but despite his courage and good heart, he initially lacks the poise and confidence to oppose them. His maturation, especially during his trip to Pylos and Sparta in Books 3 and 4, provides a subplot to the epic. Athena often assists him.
Nestor
In Greek mythology, Nestor of Gerenia was the son of Neleus and Chloris and the King of Pylos. He became king after Heracles killed Neleus and all of Nestor’s siblings. His wife was either Eurydice or Anaxibia; their children included Peisistratus, Thrasymedes, Pisidice, Polycaste, Stratichus, Aretus, Echephron, and Antilochus.
Epic Poem
a long, serious, poetic narrative about a significant event, often featuring a hero.
Epithet
: a word or phrase that describes a person or thing
Aegisthus
Sometimes spelled Aegisthus. The treacherous lover of Agamemnon’s wife, Klytaimestra. He conspired with her to kill her husband and was later murdered in revenge by Orestes, Agamemnon’s son.
Athena
daughter of zeus. goddess of wisdom, purposfull battle, and womanly arts.athena asists odysseus and tlemachus with divin powers.disguises herself as mentor, an old friend of odysseus
Clytemnestra
Clytemnestra, in Greek legend, a daughter of Leda and Tyndareus and wife of Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. She took Aegisthus as her lover while Agamemnon was away at war. Upon his return, Clytemnestra and Aegisthus murdered Agamemnon. Clytemnestra was then killed by her son, Orestes, with the help of his sister Electra, in revenge for his father’s murder.