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Bust of Homer? (British museum)
Who was Homer?
We never say, “The Odyssey written by Homer.” Instead we say, “Homer’s Odyssey” or “The Odyssey,
attributed to Homer” because Homer didn’t write it. When the ancient Greeks talked about The Iliad or The
Odyssey they called them “Homer’s epics” and believed for the most part that Homer was a historical poet.
No one knew exactly where he had composed his poems but tradition and modern linguistic analysis of the
texts puts him in Ionia, in or near the city of Miletus in modern western Turkey. According to legend he
was blind, which is convenient because that means he was illiterate (he couldn’t read or write).
Why do we say Homer’s Odyssey if he didn’t write it?
Famous ancient Greeks like Pericles, Themistocles, Plato, Aristotle and Alexander the Great who lived
during the 5th and 4th centuries BC (when Greece was the height of its power) all knew their Homer and
quoted him often. But they never read Homer. Homer’s epics weren’t written down until the 3 rd century BC
and they weren’t written in Greece but in Egypt. In the city of Alexandria there was a famous library built
by King Ptolemy, who had been a close friend and bodyguard of Alexander the Great. Ptolemy wanted to
collect all the most famous Greek works and so his librarian Aristarchus set himself the arduous task of
standardising The Odyssey. The epic survives because of Aristarchus’ manuscript. Up until then the poem
had been passed down the generations by way of the Oral Tradition.
Legend has it that Homer was blind and illiterate. He never intended The Odyssey to be read. The Odyssey
was performed by a bard, plucking a lyre and singing the verses to a silent audience. People knew Homer
because they knew the songs. So if as you read The Odyssey and find it strange, remember that that is
because you are reading it instead of listening to it being sung and also bear in mind you are reading a
modern English prose translation rather than the original ancient Greek poem.
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Activity
24 students = 6 groups of 4
Spread out to different parts of the classroom
1 student from each group comes up to draw a song out of the hat
Each group translates that song into clear straight forward English
1.
Write out the lyrics of your favourite song
Now imagine you’re writing an email to someone in Outer Mongolia who only speaks a little English.
She doesn’t understand this song at all and has asked you to write out the lyrics in plain, straight
forward English.
2.
Rewrite the song into clear straight forward English so that a foreigner will understand what the song
means. Bear in mind this person has no means by which to listen to the song because her computer has
no speakers. All she wants to know is what the song is about and what kind of message it is trying to
put across.
3.
Give your re-written song to a volunteer to read. If your understanding of the song and your skill at
rewriting it was good enough, the volunteer should, if she knows the song, be able to name the song. If
not, you have just destroyed the song.
4.
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BOOK 1: Athena visits Telemachus, pp.3-14
Below are the first two lines of Homer’s Odyssey in the original Greek. The transliteration allows you to
get a certain sense of Homer’s meter (poetic rhythm), which was all-important to epic poetry.
Andra moy ennepe, mousa, poly-tropon, hos ma-la poll-ah
Plah-ngthay, epi Troy-ace hier-on ptoli-ethron epersen:
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Epic poetry was personified by a goddess, one of nine sisters, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne
(goddess of Memory) called the Muses. Each of the nine Muses personified one of the nine arts. Calliope
was the Muse of epic poetry.
Print showing Apollo (centre), god of the Arts with his bow dancing with the nine Muses
The Odyssey opens with a plea to the Muse of epic poetry. Rieu has translated the third word of the first
line of the poem above:  as Tell me because he is writing a prose translation but it actually means
Sing in me (or through me) because the Odyssey was actually a song. The Greeks believed everything came
from the gods even the inspiration to sing songs. Homer is evoking (praying to) Calliope to inspire him to
sing (through him) the story of Odysseus: the Odyssey.
Tell me, Muse, the story of that resourceful man who was driven to wander far and wide after he had
sacked the holy citadel of Troy. He saw the cities of many people and he learnt their ways. He suffered
great anguish on the high seas in his struggles to preserve his life and bring his comrades home. But he
failed to save those comrades, in spite of all his efforts. It was their own transgression that brought them to
their doom, for in their folly the devoured the oxen of Hyperion the sun-god and he saw to it that they
would never return. Tell us this story, goddess daughter of Zeus, beginning at whatever point you will.
Notice that Homer asks the Muse to begin where she will and then notice where the story
actually begins.
All the survivors of the war had reahed their homes by now and so put the perils of battle and sea behind
them. Odysseus alone was prevented from returning to the home and wife he yearned for by that powerful
goddess, the Nymph Calypso, who longed for him to marry her, and kept him in her vaulted cave.
The War in Troy lasted 10 years and according to myth Odysseus took a further 10 years to
return home. As you will see later he left Calypso’s island in the ninth year of his wanderings, so
clearly Homer has begun his story near the end. This means he is going to have to flashback at
some point to fill us in on the back-story. This technique of epic narrative or storytelling is called
IN MEDIAS RES (in the middle of things).
Read Book 1 and answer these questions as you go.
1) Why were Odysseus’ comrades doomed?
___________________________________________________________________________
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2) Why was Odysseus himself punished by the gods?
___________________________________________________________________________
3) Which character is responsible for interfering on Odysseus’ behalf and setting the story
moving? ____________________________________________________________________
4) Why do you think Telemachus thinks himself the son of “the most unfortunate man that ever
lived?”
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5) Why are the suitors in the palace? _______________________________________________
6) Mentes advises Telemachus to do two things the next day – what are these two things?
(i.) ________________________________________________________________________
(ii.) ________________________________________________________________________
7) What in your opinion is the significance of the Orestes myth in the context of Telemachus?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
8) Mentes disappears in front of Telemachus. Who is Mentes really and what affect does his
sudden disappearance have on Telemachus’ self-confidence? _________________________
9) When Penelope tells Phemius to sing a different song Telemachus effectively tells her to go
back to her chamber and attend to women’s things and to leave the men alone. Why do you
think Penelope is taken aback by his reaction and why does she obey without protest?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
10) Who is Eurycleia? ____________________________________________________________
Book 2: The Debate in Ithaca, pp.15-26
The Achaean Assembly
This assembly gives us insight into how Achaean society functioned. Odysseus is the king of Ithaca but he
has been absent now for 19 years. Ithaca however seems to be running on its own axis without incident.
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The Achaean kings therefore were not supreme rulers like medieval kings. Kingship seems to have been
elective. It does not follow that Telemachus will be king of Ithaca because he is the son of Odysseus. The
right to rule seems to hinge on fame, wealth and popularity. The suitors are all nobles from Ithaca and the
surrounding islands. Marrying the beautiful wife of Odysseus seems to be a stepping stone towards
becoming the king. Telemachus’ complaint however is not that they are standing between him and the
throne but simply that in courting his mother they are ruining him financially: eating him out of house and
home.
Telemachus in now a man, though he doesn’t act like it. Telemachus is in a state of arrested development.
At 20 years of age he still acts like a child. In place of Odysseus who should have been his role model
Pallas Athene has now decided to set him on the road to manhood, so that when Odysseus does return
Telemachus will be of use to him. The first step in this journey of self-discovery is for Telemachus to claim
his father’s wealth. To do this however he must be seen to be alike in word and deed as Homer would say.
He must act like a man by walking the walk and talking the talk. By calling an Assembly to settle the
matter of the suitors, Telemachus is doing the mature thing and by taking his father’s seat and arriving in
such style (thanks to Athena) he looks like a man. That is not enough however. He will also have to prove
himself as a speaker in the assembly. His argument will have to be rock solid and he will have to prove to
the assembled Achaeans that his grievance against the suitors is justified.
Detail from an ancient Greek vase painting showing an exhausted, grief-stricken and anxious Penelope
sitting at her loom and a cocky Telemachus with his father’s spears in hand cutting the umbilical chord and
assuming command of the household.
Read Book 2 of the Odyssey and the answer the questions below as you go.
1) What specifically is Telemachus’ complaint against the suitors? Hint: lines 40 – 65
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
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2) Why should the suitors fear the wrath of the Zeus?
______________________________________________________________________________________
3) How does Telemachus disgrace himself in the Assembly?
______________________________________________________________________________________
4) Antinous explains why the suitors are justified in seeking Penelope’s hand in marriage. How did
Penelope deceive the suitors? __________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
5) What solution does Antinous suggest to Telemachus’ problem?
______________________________________________________________________________________
6) Why should Telemachus fear the Avenging Furies of his mother if he agrees to Antinous’ suggestion?
______________________________________________________________________________________
7) How does Zeus intervene to show the Achaeans that he is on Telemachus’ side?
______________________________________________________________________________________
8) How does Eurymachus show himself to be an arrogant and impious man?
______________________________________________________________________________________
9) What plan does Telemachus announce at the Assembly? Where is he going, for how long and why?
______________________________________________________________________________________
10) In Book 2 there are 2 Mentors. Both look like the same man. One is an old friend of Odysseus who
supports Telemachus at the Assembly but the other who gives Telemachus advice on the seashore is
someone else in disguise. Who is this second Mentor really? _________________________________
11) Whilst Mentor is raising a crew and hiring a ship, Telemachus goes up to the palace to pack provisions
for his journey and meets Eurycleia. He makes her swear an oath to him. What promise does she
make? _____________________________________________________________________________
12) As Telemachus leaves in cover of darkness he and Mentor pour a libation (an offering of wine) into the
sea to “The Daughter of Zeus, the Lady of the gleaming eyes.” Who is this Lady of the gleaming eyes?
______________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK 3: Telemachus visits Nestor, pp.27-40
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Sandy Pylos as Homer calls it is an ancient city on the south-western coast of the Peloponnese. There is no
palace there though, at least not one that dates to historical times: Homer, c.750BC onwards. There is
however the site of a Bronze Age palace built by the Mycenaeans that lasted for several centuries before
being finally destroyed in the 11th century BC. Below is the megaron of the palace: the great hall with the
grand fireplace in the centre and an artist’s impression of what it may have looked like based on the
evidence. The great hall is where the Mycenaean kings held their lavish feasts, entertained their guests and
listened to the bards singing epic poems.
Homer dates to the mid-8th century BC (c.750BC) when the Greeks adopted an alphabet from the
Phoenicians of modern Lebanon. This is when western history begins: when the Greek began to write and
the Dark Age came to end. The archaeological evidence of this Dark Age does not suggest that this was an
age of heroes and powerful kings. The great Bronze Age palaces had long since been deserted and
destroyed. Pylos lay under a mound of rubble. Homer seems to be looking back in time to a Golden Age
when the Greeks were stronger, more powerful and much more prosperous.
Other such palaces have been discovered throughout Greece and the Aegean: Mycenae, where Agamemnon
lived, Thebes: the city of Cadmus, Knossos in Crete and of course Troy itself in the Dardanelles of modern
Turkey. All these palaces thrived until the end of the Bronze Age in the 11 th century BC. Then a new
people appeared in the Greece bearing iron weapons. The great Bronze Age civilisations collapsed and the
Dark Age began.
The megaron (great hall) of Pylos & an Artist’s impression of what it would have looked like.
In Book 3 Telemachus and Mentor arrive in Pylos, home
of Nestor: a former friend and comrade of Odysseus. It is
the first time Telemachus has had to deal with a king.
Mentor tells Telemachus that in order to have the truth
from Nestor he must appear to be the son of Odysseus.
This means he must he must act and seem kingly but he
doesn’t know how. He is taken aback by Neleus’ wealth
and is shy. Like a good teacher, Mentor leads by example
and Telemachus follows learning as he goes.
Telemachus & Mentor
Read Book 3 and answer these questions as you go.
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1) Why does Mentor tell Telemachus to forget his diffidence?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
2) For how many years did the Greeks besiege Troy without success, according to Nestor? ____________
3) With whom did Nestor share a single mind in Troy? Explain what this means. ___________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
4) Why did the army split in two after the victory?
__________________________________________________________________________________
5) When last Nestor saw Odysseus he had turned around and was sailing back to Troy. Why?
__________________________________________________________________________________
6) “ … what a good thing it is, when a man dies, for a son to survive him …” How is this statement
significant for Telemachus?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
7) Who, according to Nestor, showed such open affection for Odysseus in Troy? ___________________
8) Why did Nestor and Menelaus part company at Cape Sunium?
__________________________________________________________________________________
9) Where was Menelaus when Aegisthus killed his brother Agamemnon? _________________________
10) How does Mentor’s miraculous departure affect Nestor’s opinion of Telemachus’ and his mission?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
11) If Pallas Athene acted as a teacher to Telemachus in Books 1-3, why does she leave Telemachus at the
end of Book 3 to travel to Menelaus in Sparta alone?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
12) Heroes in Greek mythology are always accompanied on their adventures by a friend of about the same
age (Heracles and Iolaus, Achilles and Patroclus, Orestes and Pylades, Theseus and Pirithous). This
companion usually acts as charioteer and as a general side-kick. At the end of Book 3 Athena leaves
Telemachus and the book closes with a scene very much like a film with the son of Odysseus being
driven off into the sunset by the son of Nestor in an impressive chariot. What is Homer doing?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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Book 4: Menelaus and Helen, pp.41-62
By now you will have noticed that Hospitality is a constant theme in the Odyssey. Hospitality is more than
a social grace however. Xenia as it is called in Greek was an expression of piety (devotion to the gods). The
word xenos form whence we get xenophobia (fear of strangers) can mean both stranger (or guest) and host
in Greek depending on the context. In short, a xenos is someone who is bound to the code of Xenia. The
god of Xenia is none other than Zeus, so to break the code of Hospitality is a very serious offense.
The reasoning behind this code makes good sense. Greece is a land of steep mountains. Traveling from one
place to another necessitated passing through wild lonely places. A traveler was therefore very vulnerable.
The Greeks believed that any traveler, no matter who he was or what he had done, enjoyed the protection of
Zeus until he got to where he was going. To attack a traveler on the road was seen as heinous and to refuse
a guest food and rest at one’s home was equally heinous because it was thought that any guest may in fact
be a god in disguise.
Under the code of Xenia both guest and host were bound to each other under Zeus Xenios, the god of
Hospitality. This means that both guest and host could expect certain things from each other.
Telemachus demonstrates the model of good hospitality in Books 1. Here are the steps that a good guest
and host most take.
Step 1
On arrival the guest must wait on the threshold of the portico (porch) of the host’s home until he is noticed
by the host.
Step 2
The host invites the guest into his home.
Step 3
The host sees to the guest’s every need. He takes the guest’s cloak and spear, provides the guest with a
comfortable chair, brings water for the guest to wash, brings food and drink (the best he has) and entertains
the guest with music and talk.
Step 4 – very important
Only after the guest has rested, eaten and drunk his fill may a host ask him who he is.
In Book 3 (p.29) Nestor asks Telemachus and Mentor , Who are you, friends? From what port have you
sailed over the highways of the sea? Is yours a trading venture; or are you sailing the seas recklessly, like
roving pirates, who risk their lives to ruin other people? Up to this point the host has no idea who he has
welcomed into his home or what this stranger’s intentions are but he must welcome him nonetheless by
order of Zeus.
Step 5
When the guest is ready to leave he must first ask permission. If his host is a good one he will not detain his
guest any longer than he wishes.
Step 6
A good host always gives his guest a parting gift and provisions for the journey ahead. As Athena tells
Telemachus in Book 1, p.11, make it (the gift) the best you can find and you won’t lose by the exchange.
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The gift must befit the guest’s social status: a kingly gift for a king, a princely gift for a prince or a modest
gift for a poor man.
Read Book 4 and answer these question as you go.
1) How is Menelaus alerted to the arrival of Telemachus and Peisistratus and how are they described to
the king?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
2) Is Menelaus a good host? _________________________
3) Menelaus is very rich but does he appear boastful or modest? ________________________________
4) For whom of his former comrades in the Trojan War does Menelaus now grieve the most ? _________
5) Who recognises Telemachus for the son of Odysseus? ___________________________
6) What does Helen do to make them all forget their grief? _____________________________________
7) How did Helen come to meet Odysseus in Troy? ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
8) How did Helen try to make the men inside the Wooden Horse give themselves away and how did
Odysseus foil her attempt? ____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
9) The next morning Menelaus compares the suitors to two fawns left by the deer in the lion’s den. How
does this allegory compare with the fate of the suitors? ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
10) How does Menelaus know the true whereabouts of Odysseus? ________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
11) Why will Menelaus be sent by the gods to the Elysian Fields (the Greek equivalent of Heaven)?
__________________________________________________________________________________
12) Why does Telemachus reject Menelaus’ gift of three horses and a chariot? ______________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
13) What gift does Menelaus give Telemachus instead? ________________________________________
14) Meanwhile in Ithaca the suitors plot to kill Telemachus on his return. What is their plan?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
15) How does Penelope find out about the suitor’s plot? ________________________________________
16) How does Pallas Athena set Penelope’s mind at ease?
__________________________________________________________________________________
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ODYSSEUS
Although we haven’t met him yet, we know a great deal about Odysseus by now.
Draw up a character profile for Odysseus.
“ Tell me, Muse, the story of that polytropos man …” Homer’s Odyssey: Book 1, line 1
polytropos literally means much turned. Why do you think Rieu translates this word as resourceful?
What are the resources Odysseus draws on as a hero?
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HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
WRITE AN ESSAY TRACING THE DEVELOPMENT OF TELEMACHUS FROM BOY TO MAN
THROUGH THE INTERVNETION OF PALLAS ATHENE.
Your essay can be as long as you like but must cover at least 6 main points.
NB: Any student who offers an essay that covers less than 6 points will be writing it again
ESSAY PLAN
Plan your essay in your study groups. As a group come up with a strategy. How are you going to
approach writing this essay?
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT 2
What do we learn about Odysseus’ character in Books 1-4?
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT 3
Assess the role played by Pallas Athene in Homer’s Odyssey. Base your answer on Books 1-4 only.
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BOOK 5: Calypso, pp.63-75
The Odyssey is so famous because of the essential humanity of Odysseus. Therefore the Odyssey is a
human story. Homer’s Iliad is essentially about how Achilles, the son of a goddess, comes to terms with his
own mortality and destiny. Like Achilles, Odysseus is offered an incredible choice between becoming
immortal and living for eternity like a god or remaining mortal and dying. Unlike Achilles however
Odysseus chooses to remain mortal, to return to his wife and son in Ithaca and to suffer all the torments that
the gods fling upon human beings. Whatever we might say about Odysseus, we cannot deny that he is
basically a good man. He does not pretend to be more than mortal. He accepts that he is flawed and admits
that he has done things of which he is not proud. The redeeming quality in Odysseus is that he is simply a
man doing his utmost to get home. That is something to which we can all relate: trying to get home. To do
it he is going to be matched against gods, monsters and even death itself but Odysseus is determined. He
will stop at nothing in order to reach his beloved wife and son. What is worse is that that is his most earnest
desire: simply to get home. He has no idea what will happen once he gets there but being at home in a
world in which he knows and is comfortable is preferable to the wild unknown world into which the gods
have thrown him. In that world he is alone for the most part and must rely solely on his wits. He must draw
on everything he has: his environment, his skill and his intelligence to survive.
In Book 5 we finally meet Odysseus and it is a huge anticlimax. We meet someone quite different to the
man we were led to expect in the first four books. Seven years of being marooned on Ogygia has broken
Odysseus. We also meet another goddess: Calypso, who is very different to the goddess we have already
met: Pallas Athene. Calypso loves Odysseus but not as Pallas Athene loves him. Calypso has made him her
lover. What is interesting though is that Calypso doesn’t appear to understand the nature of love or indeed
how a real relationship works. When she is faced with that reality, she loses interest in Odysseus and her
love turns to hatred when she tries to beguile him into insulting her. But the wily Odysseus is more than a
match for her word play and he cunningly side steps her trap leaving her with no option but to help him
leave her island.
As you read Book 5 it may help you to think of Calypso as a mortal woman. She is a very lonely woman
who lives in isolation and not by choice. She desperately wants to share eternity with someone. The fact
that a very attractive and famous hero washed up on the shores of her island seven years ago was the best
stoke of luck she ever had. But when it comes to love and devotion Calypso has a huge problem. Can you
work out what it is?
POLYTLAS means of many woes or long suffering
One of the reasons why the gods love Odysseus is that unlike most other men like Aegisthus, Odysseus
never blames the gods for his lot in life. Instead he simply grits his teeth and gets on with it. He
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demonstrates an essential quality of a Homeric hero: patient endurance. As he explains to Calypso in Book
5 (p.68), … what if one of the gods does wreck me out on the wine-dark sea? I have a heart that is inured to
suffering and I shall steel it to endure that too. For in my day I have had many bitter and painful
experiences in war and on the stormy seas. So let this new disaster come. It only makes one more.
Polytlas Odysseus is also extremely pious. He never blames the gods, never ignores their advice and never
neglects to offer thanks to them. In spite of all he has suffered at the hands of the gods Odysseus is
consciously aware of his mortality and so wisely does his best not to consciously offend the gods.
The only point in the Odyssey where Odysseus finally despairs, where he is pushed by circumstances
beyond his control to breaking point is when he is shipwrecked in the storm in Book 5. Here, for the first
and only time in the Odyssey he longs for death. Fortunately for polytlas Odysseus a goddess takes pity on
him.
As you read Book 5 answer these questions.
1) Who brings up the subject of Odysseus’ imprisonment by Calypso at the assembly of the gods?
___________________________________________
2) Which god does Zeus send to inform Calypso that Odysseus is to be set free? ____________________
3) Where is Odysseus and what is he doing when Zeus’ messenger arrives in Calypso’s cave?
__________________________________________________________________________________
4) What do the gods eat and drink? ________________________________________________________
5) On what grounds does Calypso object to Zeus’ command? ___________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
6) Her argument seems very feminist to us. Can you explain why?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
7) Odysseus makes Calypso swear a solemn oath that she will not harm him as he leaves her island. Why
do you think he doesn’t trust her? _______________________________________________________
8) During their meal Calypso lays a cunning trap for Odysseus so that he will insult her. What is the
question she puts to him? ______________________________________________________________
9) How does Odysseus avoid insulting her?
__________________________________________________________________________________
10) Who shipwrecks Odysseus on his way across the sea to Phaeacia? _____________________________
11) In the storm Odysseus’ despairs. What death does he think would have been better than to die at sea?
__________________________________________________________________________________
12) Who saves him from drowning, what does she give him and what is he to do with it once he reaches
land?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
13) Who else intervenes and calms the winds so that Odysseus can paddle on in relative safety? _________
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14) When Odysseus reaches the shores of Phaeacia what is the first thing that he does?
__________________________________________________________________________________
15) After that he crawls under an olive tree and makes a bed of leaves for himself carefully, then falls
asleep. To which goddess do you think the olive is sacred? ___________________________________
BOOK 6: Nausicaa, pp.76-84
As you read the Odyssey remember that Homer is a storyteller cleverly weaving well-known myths
together to form a coherent whole. Book 6 is one aspect of Homer’s narrative genius because in this book
Homer does something very new: he introduces humour to an epic. Book 6 is funny, fascinating and juicy.
As you read how Odysseus comes to meet Nausicaa, pay attention to the imagery Homer employs to
describe the hero and the princess’s appearances. Also notice Odysseus’ tact – how he goes about begging
the girl’s help. Notice too the kind of role he adopts – how he compliments her indirectly, how he subtly
drops famous names into the conversation and how he comes across as a much traveled man of great
renown fallen on hard times. As you read try to give Odysseus an impressive voice. Some students once
gave him the voice of Sean Connery (James Bond) for Book 6.
But it is also important to note that although Pallas Athene augments his attractiveness Odysseus does not
seduce the girl; though he could easily. Despite having to take advantage of the girl’s good will and
manners Odysseus will not cross the line. This shows us that Homer’s hero has a moral backbone. There
are some things that even Odysseus will not do and one of them is to take advantage of a naïve and
impressionable young woman. Odysseus is noble hearted.
Notice also that Nausicaa is not two-dimensional. She has a personality and her own agenda. She
demonstrates self-control and will power even though she is quite clearly taken by the handsome stranger
and on the way to Scherie she is concerned for her reputation.
Ancient Greek vasepainting from a plate
showing Odysseus
creeping forth from the
undergrowth directed
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As you read Book 6 answer these questions.
1) How does Athena convince Nausicaa to go down to the river to wash her clothes?
__________________________________________________________________________________
2) What goddess does Homer say Nausicaa looked like as she kept the beat for her hand maidens as they
played with the ball? _______________________
3) Which animal does Homer equate Odysseus to as he comes forth from the undergrowth and
approaches the girls? ________________________________________
4) What is Odysseus wearing? _________________________________
5) Why doesn’t Nausicaa run away? ______________________________________________________
6) As he stands before Nausicaa Odysseus has to decide whether to drop to his knees and kiss her feet or
stay where he is. Which option does he choose and why? ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
7) Odysseus compares her beauty to a palm tree he once saw on his travels. Where did he see this palm
tree and why do you think he drops this into the conversation?
__________________________________________________________________________________
8) Why does Nausicaa tell her hand maidens that they must look after the unfortunate wanderer?
__________________________________________________________________________________
9) Why does Odysseus refuse to bathe in front of the ladies? ___________________________________
10) Why was Odysseus radiant with grace and beauty after his bath? _____________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
11) When Nausicaa sees him she makes a wish. What is her wish?
__________________________________________________________________________________
12) Why does Nausicaa fear to travel back to the city of Scherie with Odysseus sitting next to her in the
wagon?
__________________________________________________________________________________
13) Who in the Palace of Alcinous does Nausicaa advise Odysseus to beseech? _____________________
14) Why doesn’t Pallas Athene appear to Odysseus directly? ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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BOOKS 7 & 8: PHAEACIA, pp.85-109
Book 7: The Palace of Alcinous, pp.85-93
1) What form does Pallas Athene take when she appears to Odysseus?
2) How does the goddess hide Odysseus as he walks towards the palace?
3) Why are the Phaeacians amazed when Odysseus kneels before Arete?
4) Do you think Alcinous is a good host or a bad host?
5) What do the Phaeacians decide to do for Odysseus?
6) Arete notices something about him and then asks him who he is and how he came to Phaeacia. What
does she notice?
7) How does Odysseus answer her without giving away his identity?
8) How does he answer Alcinous’ question without embarrassing Nausicaa?
Book 8: The Phaeacian Games, pp.94-109
9) Some scholars think that Homer, who was said to be a blind bard, plays a cameo role in his own epic.
What is the name of the character who Homer himself might have played? _____________________
10) Why does Odysseus draw his purple cloak over his face during the lay?
_________________________________________________________________________________
11) Who notices him doing it and what remedy does he tactfully propose?
_________________________________________________________________________________
12) Who else drew his purple cloak over his head and was observed by his host doing so because of a
song? _______________________________
13) What reason does Odysseus give for not competing? ______________________________________
14) Why does he change his mind? _______________________________________________________
15) How does Pallas Athena intervene during the Games and can you mention two other examples of how
she does this in the Odyssey? _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
16) For what does Alcinous wish Odysseus to say the Phaeacians surpass all other men at when he is safely
at home with his wife and son?
__________________________________________________________________________________
17) What myth does the bard first sing about? Summarise the story briefly _________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
18) What gift does Euryalus make to Odysseus and why?
__________________________________________________________________________________
19) How does Odysseus seek to flatter himself by asking the bard to sing?
__________________________________________________________________________________
20) What does Alcinous ask Odysseus at the end of Book 8? _____________________________________
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The first part of the Odyssey is now over. Odysseus is nearly
home. King Alcinous of Phaeacia has agreed to ferry him back
to Ithaca but before he does so he has asked this mysterious
stranger who he is. Odysseus now reveals his true identity Now
Homer will fill us in on the back-story. This narrative
technique is called FLASHBACK and it is a hallmark of epic
poetry.
The Odyssey simply means the story of Odysseus. It consists of 24 Books that tell the story of
Odysseus’ nostos (return) from Troy. The word Odyssey today has come to mean a wandering
adventure (e.g. 2001 Space Odyssey) but the wanderings of Odysseus only constitute 3 Books of the
poem: Books 9-12. It is in these Books that Odysseus has many of his most famous adventures.
As you read the wanderings of Odysseus imagine Homer as a film director making an action and
adventure film. Think how many genres Homer covers. Are there thriller moments in the Odyssey?
What about love and romance, drama, comedy, horror, intrigue, suspense and of course fantasy?
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BOOK 9: The Cyclops, pp.110-124
Read Book 9 and answer these questions as you go.
1) Odysseus is a self-aware hero. For what does he tell Alcinous he is famous? __________________
2) What is your impression of Odysseus’ leadership in Ismarus? ______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
3) Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote a poem called “Choric song of the Lotus-eaters” in which Odysseus
and his men eat of the lotus plant and forget their homes, their wives and their mission. How
does the real Lotus-eaters episode differ to Tennyson’s version? ____________________________
4) Does Odysseus land his whole fleet in the land of the Cyclopes? ____________________________
5) How many of his men does Odysseus pick to come with him towards the cave of the Cyclops? ___
6) What is Odysseus gut feeling about what is to come? _____________________________________
7) When they find the cave empty his men are for making off with the contents but Odysseus
decides to wait for the owner to return, why? ___________________________________________
8) When the Cyclops addresses the Achaeans Odysseus reminds him of a duty. What duty? ______
__________________________________________________________________________________
9) What is the Cyclops’ reply? __________________________________________________________
10) Why do you think Odysseus lies to the Cyclops by telling him that Poseidon wrecked his ship and
that he and his companions are the only survivors? ______________________________________
11) Why does Odysseus refrain from killing the Cyclops after he devours two of his men?
__________________________________________________________________________________
12) What heroic quality does Odysseus demonstrate by this wise choice of action? _______________
13) The next morning after the Cyclops devoured two more of Odysseus’ men and left sealing the
Achaeans inside the cave behind him Odysseus conceives of a plan. What is his plan?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
14) What does Outis mean?
“Cyclops,” I said, “you ask me my name. I’ll tell it to
you and in return give me the gift you promised me.
I am called Outis. Outis is what I am called
by my mother and father and by all my friends.”
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15) In what way does this clever pun help to save their lives?
__________________________________________________________________________________
16) How does Odysseus and what remains of his scouting party manage to escape?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
17) Despite his men’s pleas Odysseus cannot stop himself from taunting and gloating over the
Cyclops. What negative quality does this incident reveal about Odysseus’ character?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
18) What big mistake does Odysseus make when he taunts the Cyclops? ________________________
19) Why did Zeus ignore the sacrifice Odysseus made him? ___________________________________
20) What is the Cyclops’ name and who is his father? ________________________________________
Odysseus’ pun in Book 9 is not just a trick but also a pun. When introducing himself tothe Cyclops
he calls himself Outis but later on when the other Cyclopes ask the Cyclops who blinded him he
replies that Me tis has did it. The change comes as a result of Greek grammar but the two terms:
Outis and Me tis mean the same thing. However when spoken as one word without changing the
emphasis metis means cunning.
You have already learned Polytropos Odysseus and Polytlas Odysseus. Now meet polymetis
Odysseus. Polymetis means much cunning, of many ploys, tricksy or wily. Specifically however
polymetis implies pure intelligence. Whenever Odysseus uses his mind alone to outwit his opponents
he can and Homer does call him polymetis. In fact polymetis is by far the most frequently used
adjective employed by Homer to describe his hero. For example, it was polymetis Odysseus who
avoided insulting Calypso, who prevailed upon the good will of Nausicaa, Arete and Alcinous and
who tricked the Cyclops.
Metis was the Titan goddess of Cunning. Zeus took her to wife before he married Hera but feared
that her child would be cleverer than he so he swallowed her whilst she was still pregnant with
Athena. Athena continued to grow however and burst through Zeus’ forehead foiling his plan. It is
for this reason that Athena and Zeus are said to think with the one mind and also that she alone of all
the other gods can hold Zeus’ aegis.
Polymechanos means many devices, many stratagems, inventive and innovative. Whenever Odysseus
turns his environment to his advantage he is polymechanos Odysseus. This is a tactile form of
intelligence. For example, Odysseus is a master of disguise who once crept into Troy disguised as an
old man and was recognised only by Helen. His most famous stratagem was the Wooden Horse. He
didn’t build it but he did conceive the idea. It is polymechanos Odysseus who escapes from the
Cyclops’ cave strapped beneath a huge ram. Whenever Odysseus invents something or uses his
surroundings to his advantage he is polymechanos. After polymetis, polymechanos is the second most
frequent adjective used by Homer to describe his hero.
Polytropos: the most important adjective however is only used twice in the Odyssey. Once in the first
line and once in Book 10 and in each case polytropos defines Odysseus quintessentially.
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BOOK 10: Circe, pp.125-139
1) What doe Aeolus the keeper of the winds give to Odysseus as a gift?
2) Why does Aeolus refuse to offer Odysseus hospitality a second time?
3) In your opinion, is Odysseus a man who learns by experience? Compare the manner in which he lands
his ships in Ismarus with what he does in Telepylos.
4) How many ships had Odysseus when he left Troy?
5) How many was he left with after Laestrygonia?
6) How does the way in which Odysseus got the lay of the land in Aiaia differ to the way in which he got
it in Laestrygonia?
7) What is your impression of Odysseus’ leadership in reference to the stag and in relation to how it came
about that Eurylochos’ scouting party went out towards Circe’s house instead of Odysseus’?
8) Why doesn’t Eurylochos enter the house?
9) What does Circe do to the men who entered?
10) What is your impression of Odysseus’ leadership in light of his reaction to Eurylochos’ report and the
fact that he seems to learn by experience?
11) Who does he meet on his way to Circe’s house and what does he receive?
12) When Odysseus defeats Circe and pins his sword to her throat she surrenders and recognises him for
the man of whom she was warned about long ago. What adjective does she use to describe Odysseus?
13) How does Odysseus react to Eurylochos’ refusal to obey his orders?
14) How long does Odysseus spend in Aiaia and who eventually makes him leave?
15) Where is Tieresius to be found?
16) What happens to Elpenor?
Essay: Compare and contrast Calypso to Circe
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BOOK 11: The Book of the Dead, pp.140-156
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
Does Odysseus descend into the kingdom of Hades like Heracles, Theseus and Aeneas?
For what reason do the ghosts of the dead approach Odysseus?
What ghost does he meet first and what does Odysseus promise to do on his return to Aiaia?
Whose is the second ghost that he meets and why does Odysseus’ heart break at the sight?
What does Teiresius reveal to Odysseus about Thrinacia, his home in Ithaca and how he is to appease
Poseidon’s wrath?
Why did Anticleia die and how is Laertes living out the winter of his years?
How many times does Odysseus try to hug Anticleia and what happens each time?
What heinous crime did Oedipus commit with Epicaste’s (also known as Jocasta)?
Why do you think Homer returns to the Palace of Alcinous after the catalogue of women?
What does Agamemnon’s ghost warn Odysseus to do on his return to Ithaca – something that
Agamemnon failed to do on his return to Argos?
What question does Odysseus put to the ghost of Achilles and what is Achilles’ answer?
How does Achilles’ choice differ to one that Odysseus made?
Who of Odysseus’ former comrades in Troy obviously bears a grudge against him even in death?
What was the eternal punishment that Minos gave to Tityus?
Can you work out the origin of the verb to tantalize?
Why do you think the gods gave Sisyphus such a pointless job?
Why did Heracles descend into the underworld and why does Odysseus only meet his wraith?
Why do you think Odysseus wanted especially to meet Theseus and Peirithous? (Clue: Look at one!)
After having met the dead, why does Odysseus suddenly lose his nerve and run away?
Who is dread Persephone?
BOOK 12: Scylla & Charybdis, pp.157-168
1) Why does Odysseus return to Aiaia?
2) Why, if Circe knew all along how Odysseus could get home, did she send him to Cimmeria? Think of
Homer …
3) Why do you think Odysseus wants to hear the Sirens song?
4) Why does Odysseus choose to sacrifice 6 men on the Scylla side of the strait?
5) Why do you think he does not mention Scylla to his men?
6) Why does Odysseus agree against his better judgment to land on Thrinacia?
7) What does Zeus do once they have landed?
8) The description of the Achaeans plight in this episode bears strong similarities to another tale told by
someone else in the Odyssey. Who told the tale and where was he?
9) What happens whilst Odysseus is sleeping and has something like this happened before?
10) How did Odysseus find out that Zeus himself agreed to punish Odysseus’ men after Hyperion
complained?
11) How did Odysseus escape being sucked down by Charybdis?
12) After 10 days adrift in the sea where did Odysseus wash up?
The flashback is now over. We now know how Odysseus came to be marooned on Ogygia for seven years.
He is hasn’t much longer now to wait before being reunited with his wife and son. He will however be
reunited with someone else beforehand: Athena.
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Why doesn’t Pallas Athene help Odysseus during his wanderings?
It is puzzling that Odysseus, Pallas Athene’s champion, should wander the waves alone without her help.
Though she does intervene on his behalf, she does not do so openly. In Books 1-4 Athena openly helped
Telemachus and in Pylos Nestor told him that no man was ever helped much by Athena as Odysseus was in
Troy. But during his wanderings Pallas Athene remains aloof, no doubt driving things from the wings but
nonetheless hidden from view. Why?
Homer tells us the answer at the very end Book 6. Whilst Odysseus lingered in Athena’s sacred grove he
prayed to her and Pallas Athene heard his prayer but still refrained from appearing before him, out of
deference to her Father’s brother Poseidon, who persisted in his rancour against the noble Odysseus until
he reached his own land (p.84). So we therefore have the answer. Out of deference for her uncle Poseidon,
Pallas Athene will not appear directly to Odysseus until he reaches Ithaca.
Once on the dry land of Ithaca Polyphemus’ curse is complete. Remember his curse in Book 9.
Hear me Poseidon, sustainer of the Earth, god of the sable locks. If I am yours indeed and you claim me as
your son, grant that Odysseus, sacker of cities and son of Laertes, may never reach his home in Ithaca. But
if he is destined to see his friends again, to come once more to his own house and reach his native land, let
him come late, in wretched plight, having lost all his comrades, in a foreign ship, and let him find trouble in
his home. By Book 13 the curse has been brought to fruition. He is late, he is wretched, alone, he has no
ship of his own and he now must face the suitors but he is home again and so at last Pallas Athene appears
before him.
The Power of Fate in the Odyssey
Fate is a central theme in the Odyssey. It is what keeps us interested. Homer cleverly keeps us one step
ahead of Odysseus for unlike the hero we knew from the very beginning of the poem that he would return
to his homeland. Remember Homer’s invocation of the Muse in Book 1
Tell me, Muse, the story of that resourceful man who was driven to wander far and wide after he had
sacked the holy citadel of Troy. He saw the cities of many people and learnt their ways. He suffered great
anguish on the high seas in his struggle to preserve his life and bring his comrades home. But he failed to
save those comrades, in spite of all his efforts. It was their own transgression that brought them to their
doom, for in their folly they devoured the oxen of Hyperion the sun-god and he saw to it that they would
never return. Tell us this story, goddess daughter of Zeus, beginning at whatever point you will.
Remember also in Book 1 how Zeus contrives with Pallas Athene, whilst Poseidon is away in Ethiopia, to
bring Odysseus home (p.4). Zeus also reveals that although Poseidon is so implacable towards him he stops
short of killing him (p.5). We are therefore assured from the beginning by Homer that Odysseus will retrun
to Ithaca. That his destiny.
In the Achaean Assembly of Book 2 Telemachus prays to Zeus for a day of reckoning on which he will
destroy Anitinous and the suitors. Zeus hears the prayer and to show that he approves he sends an omen:
two eagles that swoop over the Assembly and attack each other before flying off. The omen is interpreted
by Halitherses the soothsayer to mean that Odysseus is not going to be parted from his friends for much
longer (p.18-19). This is yet another promise that Odysseus shall return and all this even before we have
met the hero.
Ignorance of the power of Fate is as Zeus says a lamentable thing (p.4) in the Odyssey. Whenever the
suitors jeer a soothsayer like Halitherses who interprets the truth from an omen sent by Zeus, they seal their
doom just a little bit more. Whenever Athena speaks about destiny we trust her because she is an immortal
goddess, the owl-eyed daughter of Zeus who does not lie. She protects the hero: that lovable rogue
Odysseus who gives us so much enjoyment. We want Odysseus to reach Ithaca. We look forward to the day
of his nostos (return) and we want to see the suitors pay for their abuse of the code of Xenia (Hospitality).
Homer assures us of this from the very beginning of his poem and reaffirms his commitment to this ending
throughout the story. It is not a question of if Odysseus reaches Ithaca. For us, thanks to Homer, it is always
a question of how and when.
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Fate is unalterable according to ancient Greek religion and for us mere mortals, as an anonymous poet (with
whom Homer would agree) once put it, life is but a game and we are the playthings of the gods. Odysseus
is very definitely a plaything of the gods but to his great credit he accepts this; unlike Aegisthus who, as
Zeus tells us in Book 1, ignored Hermes’ warnings and incurred a doom that was not his destiny. Therefore
arrogance in the face of what would seem doubtful incurs the wrath of the gods. Sneering at a soothsayer
who looks to the flight of the birds to know the mind of Zeus for example is just such an arrogance.
Ignoring the solemn and freely given warnings of the gods is such an arrogance. Openly abusing hospitality
out of petty self-interest is such an arrogance. All arrogance angers the gods in Homer’s world and even
Odysseus, the wisest man alive – according to Zeus in Book 1, is not free of this human failing for he too
arrogantly taunts a Cyclops who has been justifiably blinded. Justifiably blinded not simply because he
devoured Odysseus’ men but because he was fated by an ancient prophecy to meet this destiny at the hands
of a man called Odysseus.
Homer also unravels fate as we get further into the epic. In Book 11 Teiresius tells us that Odysseus is fated
to return home to Ithaca, settle the matter of the suitors, go inland to appease Poseidon and to die peacefully
at a ripe old age in a foreign land.
Fate cannot be altered in the Odyssey. Fate is ultimately in the hands of Zeus. Transgressions bring doom
upon men and once the decision is made, so it will be done. Odysseus will reach home alone, in wretched
state, having lost all his comrades and he will find trouble at his home. This was the Cyclops’ curse which
Poseidon heard and to which Zeus agreed but Odysseus will come home and will have a day of reckoning
against the suitors. On that we can rely because Zeus, the father of men and gods who holds the aegis is the
guaranteur of destiny in Homer’s Odyssey and no man can level blame at anyone but himself for doom or
destiny. Homer has Zeus explain this before we are even where Ithaca is.
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BOOK 13: Odysseus lands in Ithaca, pp.169-180
Answer these questions as you read Book 13.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
How does Poseidon punish the Phaeacians for helping Odysseus?
How does Pallas Athene hide Odysseus return?
Why do you think Odysseus is so cautious even when he hears that he is home?
Why does Odysseus give out to Pallas Athene?
How does she respond?
Where does Odysseus stash his booty?
To whom does Pallas Athene first send Odysseus and why?
Where is Telemachus?
How does Pallas Athene disguise Odysseus?
Where does the goddess go at the end of Book 13?
BOOK 14: In Eumaeus’ hut, pp.181-194
Answer these questions as you read Book 14.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
What does Odysseus do when Eumaeus’ dogs charge at him?
In your opinion, is Eumaeus a faithful slave?
Why is Eumaeus’ hospitality in some ways dearer than that of Menelaus or Alcinous?
Why according to Eumaeus do beggars lie about the whereabouts of Odysseus?
For what prize does Odysseus try to get Eumaeus to enter into a wager with him on the return of
Odysseus?
Why in your opinion does Eumaeus refuse to take the bet?
Why do you think Odysseus launches into such a long winded tale about who he is?
In what way does Odysseus weave truth together with lies?
Would agree that Odysseus is manipulative? Prove your answer by way of an example.
Why does Homer make Odysseus play upon the good nature of Eumaeus?
Why do you think Homer addresses Eumaeus in the second person, “And you, Eumaeus …”
BOOK 15: Telemachus returns. Pp.195-209
Answer these questions as you read Book 15.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Who made the bowl that Menelaus gives to Telemachus?
How does Helen interpret the omen?
What point of etiquette (manners) does Peisistratus help Telemachus to overcome at Pylos?
What crime has Theoclymenus committed?
Why is Telemachus nonetheless obliged to take him onboard his ship?
How does Odysseus manage to prolong his stay at Eumaeus’ hut?
How did Eumaeus come to be a slave of Odysseus?
How does Theoclymenus interpret the omen as the ship reaches Ithaca?
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BOOK 16: Odysseus meets his son, pp.210-222
th
Answer these questions as you read Book 16.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
To whom of his crew does Telemachus entrust the care of Menelaus’ presents?
How is Odysseus alerted to the arrival of Telemachus?
Why does Telemachus visit Eumaeus before going to the palace?
On being introduced to his guest by Eumaeus why is Telemachus mortified?
What if asked is Telemachus’ first wish?
Why does Odysseus get up and leave the hut after Eumaeus’ leaves?
How does Telemcahus’ reaction to seeing his father compare to Odysseus’ reaction to being told he
was in Ithaca?
Why does Odysseus tell Telemachus he must steel his heart to any maltreatment he might endure from
the suitors in the palace?
What must Telemachus do when Odysseus gives him the nod?
Why does Odysseus intend to sound out the servants?
In the Achaean Assembly, where does Antinous intend to catch Telemachus unawares?
If Antinous is an evil schemer, how is Eurymachus a bare faced liar?
BOOK 17: Odysseus goes to town, pp.223-238
Answer these questions as you read Book 17
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
Why does Telemachus go on ahead to the palace?
Why, in your opinion, does Telemachus treat his mother so coldly?
Why does Telemachus tell Peiraeus to hold onto Menelaus’ presents for the time being?
Who do Eumaeus and Odysseus run into at the fountain of the Nymphs?
What conveniently happens to Argus when he sees his master again? Explain why it is convenient for
Homer.
Why does Antinous round on Eumaeus when he sees the beggar?
What heinous crime does Antinous commit against the beggar?
How do the other suitors react to this incident?
How does Penelope interpret Telemachus’ sneeze?
What prize does Penelope offer the beggar for true word of Odysseus’ return?
Why does the beggar agree only to talk to Penelope at sunset?
BOOK 18: The Beggar in the Palace, pp.239-249
Answer these question as you read Book 18.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
How did the other beggar come by the nickname Irus?
Why does Odysseus make the suitors swear an oath before agreeing to fight Irus?
Which two characters does Telemachus cleverly nominate as judges for the bout?
Why does Odysseus decide to simply break Irus jaw instead of dealing a killer blow?
“The noble Odysseus was glad of their unconsciously prophetic words …” What does this mean?
Why do you think Odysseus advises Amphinomous to quit the palace?
Why does Amphinomous return to the feast with a heart?
What, according to Penelope, did Odysseus tell her before he left for Troy?
In what way is Penelope like her husband?
Who is Melantho and how has she betrayed Penelope?
How does Eurymachus’ failed attempt at throwing a footstool at the beggar compare with our
knowledge of Odysseus as a hero who learns through experience?
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BOOK 19: Eurycleia recognises Odysseus, pp.250-265
Answer these questions as you read Book 19.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
What is Telemachus’ excuse for moving his father’s arms to the store-room?
How does the beggar prove to Penelope that he actually met Odysseus in Thesprotia?
Where does the beggar say Odysseus has gone to know the will of Zeus?
How does Eurycleia recognise Odysseus?
Who named Odysseus and what does the name mean?
Why doesn’t Penelope hear Eurycleia’s exclamation?
What promise does Odysseus make Eurycleia even though she was his nurse as a child?
What does Eurycleia offer to do for Odysseus and why does he reject her offer?
Dreams that come true come from which of the two gates: horn or ivory?
By what means does Penelope intend to choose a new husband on the following day?
BOOK 20: Prelude to the crisis, pp.266-276
Answer these questions as you read Book 20.
1) Why does Odysseus have a moment of doubt as he tries to get to sleep in the great hall?
2) Who sets his mind at ease?
3) For what does Odysseus ask Zeus the next morning and how does the Father of men and of gods
respond?
4) What is your impression of Philoetius: a faithful or unfaithful slave?
5) What puts an end to the suitors’ scheming in the Assembly place?
6) Why are the suitors increasingly taken aback by Telemachus’ words to them?
7) What does Ctesippus do?
8) A grim mood descends over the hall. Who sees the sun eclipsed in the sky, blood splattered on the wall
and a host of ghosts waiting to descend to Hades?
9) “But as for their supper, nothing less palatable could be imagined than the fare which a goddess and a
strong man were soon to spread before them; but it was their villainy that had started it all.” How does
this closing statement compare with the fate of Aegisthus?
Read Book 21 and answer these questions.
1) Like Menelaus’ bowl given to Telemachus, Odysseus’ great bow was also a gift. Who gave it to him?
2) What famous hero killed him and do you know what that hero was made do by the gods to make up for
the crime?
3) Why does Eumaeus burst into tears?
4) Why does Telemachus want to try at least to string the bow?
5) How many time does he try and why does he give up finally?
6) Do you detect any tension between father and son here? Explain why.
7) What is tallow and why does Antinous want to treat the bow with it?
8) When Philoetius and Eumaeus go outside the beggar follows them, sounds them out and reveals
himself to be none other than Odysseus. How does he prove his identity to them?
9) Disguise & Revelation and Disguise & Recognition are related but different themes in the epic. Can
you think of one other example for both themes that you have read so far in the Odyssey?
10) Who says, “for I am master in this house” and what has now changed since the beginning of the epic?
11) Why do you think Telemachus threatens Eumaeus when he is “cowed by the angry cries in the hall”?
12) Why do Eurycleia and Philoetius lock the doors to the great hall whilst all attention is focused on the
beggar with the bow?
13) Why do you think Homer compares Odysseus testing the bow to a poet testing a lyre?
14) How does Zeus show his support for Odysseus?
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5 YEAR CLASSICAL STUDIES notes
HOMER’S ODYSSEY Books 1-4
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15) At the end of Book 21 the beggar turns to Telemachus and tells him that they are about to make ready
the suitors’ supper “and then to pass on to further pleasures of music and dancing, which add to the
delights of a banquet.” Can you explain the dark irony in this?
Read Book 22 and answer the questions below?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
What does nostos Odysseus do at the very beginning of Book 22?
Which of the suitors does Odysseus shoot first?
Why do the suitors labour under the delusion that Odysseus killed Antinous by accident?
Who does Eurymachus blame for the injustices done to Odysseus?
Had Odysseus simply landed on Ithaca and gone straight to the palace to seek vengeance he might
have believed Eurymachus’ lies but he doesn’t. Why doesn’t he?
Who killed Amphinomous?
Who sneaks off to the storeroom and arm the suitors and what happens to him the second time?
How does Mentor reveal himself to be an immortal to Odysseus?
Why is it fitting that Philoetius the cow-herd kills Ctesippus?
Why does Odysseus kill the priest Leodes?
Who convinces Odysseus not to harm Phemius and Medon?
What animal does Homer liken Odysseus to when Eurycleia finds him among the corpses in the great
hall?
Why does Odysseus warn her not to gloat over the dead suitors’ corpses?
Odysseus has acquired this wisdom from personal experience – when, where and against which
enemy?
How does the manner in which Telemachus kills the disloyal slave women differ to Odysseus’
instructions.
How is Melanthius punished?
Why do you think Odysseus refuses to a change of clothes when Eurycleia offers it to him?
Why do think justice is so harsh in the Odyssey?
Read Book 23 and answer the questions below.
1) When Eurycleia tells Penelope that Odysseus is home she reacts in the same way as her husband and
son when they were given their first wishes. How does she react?
2) Eurycleia tells Penelope that she never trusts anyone. Why do you think Penelope doesn’t trust
anyone? Explain your answer.
3) How realistic and human is Odysseus and Penelope’s reunion? Is it as you had imagined?
4) How does Odysseus conceal the massacre from his neighbours?
5) After his bath, why does Odysseus order Eurynome to make a bed for him in the great hall?
6) How does Penelope satisfy herself that Odysseus really is her husband?
7) After they make love and begin to talk, does Odysseus leave any part of his wanderings out when he
recounts the story to his wife?
8) Where does Odysseus go the next morning?
9) Where does he tell Penelope to go with her maids?
10) You may have expected the story to end the night before with nostos Odysseus and Penelope going to
bed but there is more that Odysseus must do. How many suitors has he killed and where did they come
from?
BOOK 24
Read Book 24 and answer these questions.
1) Who foresaw the suitors’ murder and descent into Hades?
2) Here at the end of Odyssey the ghost of Amphimedon, one of the suitors, explains from first to last
how and why he and the other suitors were killed. What is the significance of his telling this tale to the
soul of Agamemnon?
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5 YEAR CLASSICAL STUDIES notes
HOMER’S ODYSSEY Books 1-4
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3) Why does Homer remove all the slaves from Laertes’ vineyard leaving no one for Odysseus to meet
but his broken hearted old father?
4) Why do you think Odysseus tests his father?
5) What makes Odysseus lose all thoughts of trickery and reveal himself to his father?
6) Which goddess flies about the town telling the Ithacans about the massacre?
7) Which Ithacan takes the lead against Odysseus and why?
8) What reason does Halitherses claim for the massacre and how does this compare to something Zeus
said at the beginning of the epic?
9) How many, including Odysseus himself, are pitted against the Ithacans?
10) Who casts the last spear thrown in the epic, who does it kill and what is the significance of this?
11) How does Athena bring the feud to an end?
How does Zeus show his approval?
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