The Odyssey Chapter 1-5 Flashcards
Epic Poem
typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation.
in media res
(Latin “in the midst of things”) is the literary and artistic narrative technique of relating a story from the midpoint, rather than the beginning
Hubris
excessive pride of self confidence
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.
Epithet
a word or phrase that describes a person or thing. An offensive word or name that is used as a way of abusing or insulting someone.
Epic Simile
also called Homeric simile , an extended simile often running to several lines, used typically in epic poetry to intensify the heroic stature of the subject and to serve as decoration.
Achaeans
an inhabitant of Achaea.
Aegithus
a lover of Clytemnestra slain with her by her son Orestes
Agamemnon
the son of king Atreus and queen Aerope of Mycenae, the brother of Menelaus, the husband of Clytemnestra and the father of Iphigenia, Electra or Laodike, Orestes and Chrysothemis.
Antieous
leader among the suiters
Athena
Goddess of wisdom, skills, and warfare
Atreus
was a king of Mycenae, the son of Pelops and Hippodamia, and the father of Agamemnon and Menelaus.
Calypso
a sea god who loved odysseus
Clytemnestra
She conspired with her lover Aegisthus to murder Agamemnon on his return from the Trojan War and was murdered in retribution by her son Orestes and her daughter Electra.
Eidothea
Eidothea is a genus of two species of rainforest trees in New South Wales and Queensland in eastern Australia, which belongs to the plant family Proteaceae, which also includes more familiar members such as the waratahs, grevilleas, banksias, macadamias and proteas.
Eurycleia
She nursed Odysseus and Telemachus, Odysseus’ son. Eurycleia’s name means “broad fame,” while Anticleia means “anti-fame.”
Helen
The daughter of Zeus and Leda, born from an egg. In the Homeric poems she was the outstandingly beautiful wife of Menelaus, and her abduction by Paris (to whom she had been promised, as a bribe, by Aphrodite) led to the Trojan War.
Ithaca
The island of which Odysseus and his family lived.
Lacedaemon
is another word for the great city of Sparta.
Menelaus
In Greek mythology, the king of Sparta and the younger son of Atreus. When his wife, Helen, was abducted by Paris, he asked the other Greek kings to join him in an expedition against Troy, thus beginning the Trojan War. He served under his brother Agamemnon.
Mentor
a friend of Odysseus entrusted with the education of Odysseus’ son Telemachus
Crestes
a hill of vineyard.
Penelope
the wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus
Proteus
a sea god, son of Oceanus and Tethys, noted for his ability to assume different forms and to prophesy.
