5th CLASSICS notes on Homer’s Odyssey
DIVINE INTERVENTION
The gods intervene in 4 ways in the Odyssey: directly, indirectly, discreetly and voluntarily.
This is not fully true but it is not fully false either.
BOOK 1: TELEMACHUS
The epic begins when Athena reminds Zeus that Odysseus is destined to return home, so whilst Poseidon is
away Zeus and Athena contrive to bring about his deliverance from Ogygia
Athena arrives in Ithaca disguised as a Taphian chieftain Mentes to put Telemachus on the road to
manhood because as we find out his help will be instrumental in Odysseus’ nostos.
To confirm Telemachus’ new-found self-confidence Athena reveal herself to be a goddess by vanishing
before Telemachus’ eyes but not before the suitors
Athena also closes Penelope’s eyes in sleep at the end of Book 1 to save her from wallowing in her grief.
BOOK 2: THE ACHAEAN ASSEMBLY
When Telemachus rises the next day to go to the Achaean Assembly Athena enhances his beauty so that he
cuts a fine and impressive figure on his way into town.
When Telemachus loses control in the assembly and prays aloud that a day of reckoning may fall on the
suitors when Odysseus will return and avenge the suitors’ outrage Zeus sends an omen. Two eagles fly
swoop over the assembly, fight and then fly off in different directions. Halitherses interprets this to signify
that Odysseus will not be parted from his friends for much longer.
Later whilst Telemachus stands brooding on the beach feeling helpless he prays to Athena for guidance and
the goddess appears disguised as Mentor: an old friend of Odysseus. The real Mentor had just supported
Telemachus at the assembly and received the condemnation of the suitors. She advises him to return home
and make provisions for his trip to the mainland, whilst she herself busies herself in hiring him a crew and a
ship.
Whilst Telemachus in up in the palace, Athena takes his form and hires a ship and crew in the town.
To conceal their departure Athena showers the suitors in sleep so that no one will see Telemachus leaving
the palace. They leave by sea under the cover of darkness in a hired ship.
BOOK 3: PYLOS
Athena, still in the form of Mentor, remains at Telemachus’ side for most of Book 3 teaching him how to
act in high society and bolstering his self-confidence by urging him not to be shy. As Mentor she seems the
elder so she leads by example in showing him how to make public offerings to the gods and how to speak
to a king like Nestor.
When her work is done she impresses upon Nestor the divine sanction of Telemachus’ quest by
transforming into a vulture and flying out of an open window. Nestor is naturally dumb-struck and in awe
5th CLASSICS notes on Homer’s Odyssey
of his guest who has the clear and obvious help of Athena, the very goddess who walked openly with
Odysseus in Troy.
BOOK 4: SPARTA
As Menelaus reveals how he came by knowledge of the whereabouts of Odysseus in Egypt. One of
Proteus’ daughters helped Menelaus to overcome her father, the old man of the sea, who seas everything
that happens on the waves, by hiding him and three of his companions in holes on the beach covered in
sealskins. Proteus soon emerged from the deep to bask with the seals in the midday sun whereupon
Menelaus following Eidothea’s advice wrestles him and refuses to let go though he transforms into all
manner of animal. Finally Proteus consents to telling him whatever he desires to know.
Menelaus then recounts how the gods contrived to punish the Greeks on their return from Troy. Poseidon
saw to Ajax the lesser (not Ajax, son of Telemon, who we meet in the underworld later) by driving him into
the cliffs and drowning him for outraging his niece Athena by raping Cassandra in her temple.
Agamemnon managed to get home quickly thanks to the aid of Hera.
Meanwhile in Ithaca, the palace realises Telemachus had gone to the mainland. Whilst the suitors storm off
to catch him on his return and kill him Penelope anxiously prays to Athena to save him and then gradually
wears herself out and falls asleep. Athena makes a phantom of Penelope’s sister Iphitome who assures her
that Telemachus has the help of none other than Athena and has nothing to fear. She refuses however to
give Penelope any word about Odysseus.
BOOK 5: CALYPSO
Returning to the story of Odysseus Homer brings us back to Olympus now where Athena again reminds
Zeus of his promise. Zeus then tells Hermes to go tell Calypso to release Odysseus.
In Ogygia Hermes receives hospitality from Calypso and tells her the will of Zeus. She obeys under protest.
On the fourth day after leaving Ogygia Poseidon spies him crossing the wine-dark sea and churns up the
sea with his trident. The swell wrecks Odysseus’ raft and he despairs.
But Ino, the white armed goddess (a sea nymph). Is passing by and saves him by giving him a magical veil
(like a life jacket) which keeps him afloat and saves him from drowning.
Once Poseidon drives off Athena discreetly calms the storm so Odysseus can swim for the coast of
Phaeacia.
In the current of a strong estuary now Odysseus prays to the river god to call off the waters so that he may
swim ashore. The river god hears his prayer and allows him access to the beach.
Once on dry land he immediately remains true to his word and casts Ino’s veil over his shoulder back into
the sea. Ino catches it and sinks back into the deep.
Athena then closes Odysseus’ eyes in sleep once he has safely tucked himself up beneath a pile of leaves
beneath two olive adjoining trees.
BOOK 6: NAUSICAA
Taking the form of one of her best friend’s Athena now appears over the sleeping Nausicaa, daughter of
King Alcinous of Scherie. She put it into her head to go down to the river and wash her clothes with her
hand maidens so she will look her best when she marries someone soon.
5th CLASSICS notes on Homer’s Odyssey
When Odysseus is awoken by the grils’ game and emerges naked, covered in dirt and brine looking like a
mountain lion the girls scatter in fear but Athena emboldens Nausicaa to stand her ground.
Whilst Odysseus bathes in the river Athena enhances his beauty so that Nausicaa will find him atrtactive as
well as charming.
On the outskirts of Scherie Odysseus ducks into a grove sacred to Athena whilsth Nausicaa and her maids
travel on towards the palace. There he prays to the goddess and rebukes her for not helping him in his
recent trials and begs her help now in Phaeacia. Athena hears his prayer as always but now Homer explains
why she doesn’t appear openly to Odysseus – out of respect for her uncle Poseidon who vowed to harry
him until he reached Ithaca.
BOOK 7: THE PALACE OF ALCINOUS
Athena now places a misty shroud over Odysseus to make him invisible to the Phaeacians.
Next she takes the form of a young Phaeacian girl carrying pitcher of water. Odysseus asks her directions to
the palace. Athena then guides him to the palace and in the course of the their journey she gives him some
background details about Phaeacia and also warns him about their xenophobia (distrust of strangers).
In the palace of Alcinous Odysseus follows Nausicaa’s advice and makes straight for Queen Arete and
kneels before her. Just at that moment Athena lifts the mist and the hero suddenly appears before the
astonished hall.
BOOK 8: THE PHAEACIAN GAMES
As the Phaeacians move towards their assembly place in the town Athena disguised as Alcinous’ herald
roams up and down the streets of Scherie spreading curiosity about the stranger.
When provoked by Braodsea into competing in the games Odysseus’ discus flies farthest and Athena,
disguised as one of the attendants proclaims his victory.
After Alcinous agrees to speed Odysseus home he reveals a strange old prophecy. Poseidon blessed the
Phaeacian’s with great skill in seafaring. Consequently they have no need of helmsmen because their ship’s
so blessed by Poseidon never lose their way on the sea but it was foretold that one day they would incur the
hatred of Poseidon for helping a stranger on his way home … This explains what happens later on in Book
13.
BOOK 9: THE CYCLOPS
After leaving Ismarus, the city of the Cicones, Zeus sends a gale that drives Odysseus and his fleet off
course. Eventually when the win died down a little he spied Cape Malea and for a moment felt he was in
the clear but then the wind picked up again and drove the ships into the open sea. The last recognisable land
mark was the island of Kythera but for nine whole days and nights the wind drove the ships into unknown
seas.
BOOK 10: CIRCE
On hearing Eurylochus’ tale of what befell half his comrades in Circe’s house Odysseus decides to go alone
to meet the Goddess. Along the track he is met by Hermes, disguised as a youth who teaches him how to
overcome Circe and gives him a magical antidote to her drug called moly.
BOOK 12: THE CATTLE OF THE SUN
5th CLASSICS notes on Homer’s Odyssey
Despite Odysseus’ urgings to the contrary, Eurylochus succeeds in convincing his men to land on
Thrinacia. During the night Zeus rouses a storm that prevents them from leaving the island for a whole
month, during which time they run out of meat and are forced to eat fish.
Whilst he sleeps Odysseus’ men break their promise to him and butcher some of the Sun-god’s cattle.
Then, even after being scolded by Odysseus they continue dining on beef for a whole week. Hyperion
threatens to go down to the underworld and shine on the dead if Zeus will not make the Achaean’s repay
their theft in blood. Zeus agrees and as soon as the Achaeans are clear of the island in open water he strikes
the ship with a thunderbolt and blasts the ship with squalls. The ship is torn to pieces and Odysseus’ men
drown but he alone escapes by clinging to some wreckage.
For nine days and nights he drifts until he finally washes up on Ogygia where the nymph Calypso takes him
as her lover.
BOOK 13:
Seeing the Phaeacians depositing a sleeping Odysseus with all his booty on the shore of Ithaca Poseidon
complains to Zeus. With his permission Poseidon transforms the returning ship to stone in full view of all
the Phaeacians. Alcinous recognises it for the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy and advises his people to
make immediate sacrifice to Poseidon in the hope that he will not raise a ridge of mountains all around their
land cutting them off from the sea.
Meanwhile in Ithaca Athena showers Odysseus in a mist to hide him.
After Odysseus has woken and checked his booty Athena comes up to him disguised as a shepherd boy.
Odysseus asks the boy what land he has reached and Athena tells him it is Ithaca.
Cautious Odysseus immediately lies and says he is a Cretan fugitive who killed Idomeneus’ son and has
heard tell of Ithaca. Athena waits until he has finished his tale and then chuckling reveals her divinity by
transforming into a beautiful woman. Odysseus rebukes her for abandoning him on his adventures since
Troy where she helped him openly. Athena explains that she could not be seen to help him because of
Poseidon, though she also admits that she has always been watching over him regardless of whether he
knew it or not because he is so intelligent, so cunning and self-possessed.
Together they stow his booty in the nearby cave of the Nymphs. Odysseus hauls it up whilst Athena finds
the best spot within the cavern. Then they both plan Odysseus’ revenge on the suitors under the shade of a
sacred olive tree. Athena tells Odysseus to go first to Eumaeus’ hut to get the lay of the land and to that end
she withers his looks and transforms him into a beggar.
BOOK 15: TELEMACHUS COMES HOME
Athena goes to Sparta where she finds Telemachus and Peisistratus asleep in the portico of Menelaus’
palace. Hovering at his ear she reminds him of his mission and tells him to beg leave to return home at
once. She also warns him of the suitors’ ambush and advises him to steer for the city side of the island
instead of the usual route. She also tells him to first visit Eumaeus before going to the palace.
Just as Peisistratus and Telemachus are making ready to leave Sparta Zeus sends an eagle swooping past to
the right of their chariot clutching a white goose in it talons. Helen interprets the omen to signify that just
like the eagle Odysseus too will pass his trials and seize his prize.
On leaving Pylos Athena sends a favourable wind that drives the ship quickly west towards Ithaca.
Just as they are about to disembark Apollo’s hawk rushes past the ship to the right bearing a struggling
dove in its talons. Some of the feathers fall in front of Telemachus. Theoclymenus, the fugitive Telemachus
took aboard at Pylos is a seer and interprets the omen to signify that Telemachus’ line will rule Ithaca
forever.
5th CLASSICS notes on Homer’s Odyssey
BOOK 16: FATHER AND SON REUNITED
Just after Eumaeus leaves the hut to go to the palace to inform Penelope of Telemachus’ safe return Athena
appears at the threshold disguised as a beautiful woman. She is visible only to Odysseus but not
Telemachus and she beckons Odysseus out. She then tells the hero to reveal him self to his son and restores
his good looks and his clothes whereupon Telemachus sees his father standing by the door. He never sees
Athena though he initially mistakes Odysseus for a god.
After confronting the suitors for their treachery against her son Penelope returns to her bedchamber where
Athena sends her to sleep.
Before Eumaeus returns to the hut, Athena also restores Odysseus’ disguise for fear that the swineherd
would not keep the secret but would blurt it out to Penelope.
BOOK 17: A STRANGER COMES TO TOWN
When Telemachus meets Theoclymenus and Peireaus he tells Periaeus to keep possession of his treasures
for the moment in case the wicked suitors steal them. He leads Theoclymenus to the palace where he gives
him hospitality and is reunited with his mother. During their talk the seer tells Penelope of the omen they
saw and foretells that Odysseus is home now, on the prowl waiting for his moment to strike. Penelope
hopes what he says is true and promises him great rewards if he is.
On the way towards the palace Odysseus’ disguise fools all but his faithful old dog Argos who he finds
sleeping on a dung heap by the gate. Odysseus stifles a tear for his dog and as he passes the dark shadow of
Death closes the dog’s eyes forever.
On hearing that Antinous hit the beggar with a stool Penelope prays that Odysseus will return soon and he
and Telemachus will kill all the suitors. Just then Telemachus sneezes. The sneeze sounds like a
thunderbolt in the hall and Penelope takes the sneeze as an omen signifying divine confirmation of her
prayer.
BOOK 18: THE BEGGAR IN THE PALACE
As Odysseus does his rounds of the great hall assessing each suitor in turn Athena inspires Penelope to
appear amidst the suitors. She calls her handmaiden Eurynome who advises her to take a bath to wash the
tears from her cheeks. Penelope refuses but asks Eurynome to fetch her handmaidens Autonoe and
Hippodameia to walk with her into the midst of the suitors for modesty forbids a lady to walk alone in the
society of men. Whist Eurynome is away, Athena showers Penelope in sleep and then makes her look
beautiful.
After Odysseus sends the disloyal maids scurrying off to Penelope’s chamber under threat of his telling
Telemachus about their affairs with the suitors, he takes charge of stoking the fire. Athena now inspires
Eurymachus to taunt the beggar so that his insults will cut deeper into Odysseus’ heart and seal his fate.
BOOK 19: PENELOPE MEETS THE BEGGAR
When the suitors go home Odysseus is left alone in the hall and Homer tells us that Athena helps him plot
his next moves but she is not actually present.
As Odysseus and Telemachus haul the spears and armour to the storeroom Athena lights the way Notcing
this unnatural light Telemachus takes it for the work of some god but Odysseus warns him to get a grip on
himself and get on with the task at hand.
On leaving the beggar and going up to her chamber Athena again seals Penelope’s eyes in sleep.
5th CLASSICS notes on Homer’s Odyssey
BOOK 20: PRELUDE TO THE CRISIS
As Odysseus lies battling with his emotions: seething rage and violence in his heart, Athena descends in the
form of a woman. She calms his spirit and assures him of his victory by her help, then showers him in
sleep.
The next morning Odysseus prays to Zeus to give him some sign of his approval. A clap of thunder sounds
above and a maid preparing bread for the day voices a prayer that Odysseus may yet return and kill the
suitors. Odysseus rises convinced of victory.
When Eumaeus comes into the hall he brings with him the cowherd Philoetius who greets Odysseus
hospitably and professes his loyalty and love for Odysseus. Odysseus now swear an oath to him that
Odysseus will return and kill the suitors whilst he is still in the hall. Just as he finishes speaking the suitors
begin to talk of killing Telemachus again and an eagle flies high to the left clutching a trambling dove.
Amphinomous the suitor’s seer interprets this omen to signify that they will be unsuccessful in their plans
and advises them instead to feast. They decide to do as he says and turn their attention to eating and
drinking.
When the suitors arrive they begin to bait Odysseus to little avail as Odysseus remains silent and endures
but Athena inspires Ctesippus to hurl a cows hoof at him. Odysseus however ducks and as the hoof
smashes into the wall behind he grins sardonically at the suitor. Telemachus then breaks up the commotion.
The suitors now cajole Telemachus into coaxing his mother to wed the one among them who gives her the
finest gifts but Telemachus refuses to drive his mother from the house. Athena now showers the suitors in
hysterical laughter. Theoclymenus the seer however has a premonition of doom. He sees their ghostly faces
drenched in blood and a shadow looming over the whole hall. Then the suitors hysterics turn on him and
Eurymachus calls for the suitors to escort the raving madman into the light so he can see that it is not night
but Theoclymenus refuses his escort and takes himself out of the hall back to Peiraeus’ house.
BOOK 21: THE GREAT BOW
Penelope is eavesdropping on the commotion in the great hall and so Athena now inspires her to descend
and set the challenge.
The moment Odysseus sounds the string of the bow Zeus sends a thunderbolt crashing across the sky as the
suitors’ faces go white in awe.
BOOK 22: SLAUGHTER IN THE HALL
In the thick of the fight Athena appears at the threshold disguised as Mentor. Odysseus is overjoyed to see
his old friend and pleads with him to help him fight the suitors but equally the suitors tell him to kill
Odysseus. Athena scolds Odysseus for losing his nerve and then transforms into a swallow and flies up into
the rafters.
When the suitors throw six spears in a single volley at Odysseus and his men Athena knocks them off target
but when Odysseus, Telemachus and the two herdsmen send four spears back in answer Athena guides
them to hit their marks. The suitors send another volley but this time Athena only sends four off their
targets. Amphimedon’s spear nicked Telemachus’ wrist and Ctesippus’ grazed Eumaeus’ shoulder.
BOOK 23: ODYSSEUS AND HIS WIFE
When Eurynome bathes Odysseus Athena restores his good looks.
When Penelope and Odysseus finally go to bed Athena holds back the dawn and prolongs the night.
Athena allows the dawn to rise once she is satisfied that Odysseus has had his fill of sleep.
5th CLASSICS notes on Homer’s Odyssey
As Odysseus leads Telemachus and the two herdmes out of town towards Laertes’ home in the hills Athena
shrouds them in darkness to hide them.
BOOK 24: PEACE
Hermes leads the ghosts of the slain suitors to the Fields of Asphodel in the underworld where they meet
the spirits of Achilles and Agamemnon exchanging war stories.
When Laertes takes a bath back at his hut Athena fleshes out his withered limbs and reinvigorates him.
Meanwhile Rumour speeds through the town spreading word of Odysseus’ return and the fate of the
suitors.
Antinous’ father Eupithes stirs the Achaeans up to take revenge on Odysseus despite Medon’s warning that
they fight with the obvious help of an immortal. Halitherses the soothsayer reminds them of the prophecies
he made which they ignored and urges them to listen to him for once and not draw the lightning on their
necks but as always he is ignored.
Athena now appeals to Zeus and asks him to bring Odysseus’ trials to and end. Zeus reminds her that none
of this was his doing but hers. He does however tell her that there is to be no war in Ithaca.
Athena takes the form of Mentor and joins Odysseus’ band of twelve men. She breathes immense strength
into Laertes and urges him to pray to Zeus and Athena and cast his spear. He does so and the spear kills
Eupithes.
As Odysseus and Telemachus rush at the suitors Athena calls out in her immortal voice for the fighting to
stop. The suitors’ fathers turn and run back to the town pursued by Odysseus and Telemachus bent on
killing them all.
Zeus now sends a lightning bolt that land before the feet of Athena. Everyone stands still as Athena, in the
form of Mentor, draw up the terms of the peace.
THE END