The Odyssey Books 1-6
Summarize the account Nestor gives of the aftermath of the Trojan War.
After the war, there is a disagreement about when to return home. Agamemnon wants to stay on shore and make sacrifices while Menelaus wants to leave. Some leave, including Nestor and Odysseus, while others stay. After journeying for some time, Odysseus changes his mind and decides to turn back to side with Agamemnon. Nestor continues and has a speedy trip home.
Summarize the advice Athena gives Telemachus.
Athena advises him to tell the intruders to go home. If Penelope wished to remarry, she should go to her father and have him arrange the marriage. Telemachus is to sail to Pylos and Sparta to speak with Nestor and Menelaus about his father's whereabouts. If Odysseus is dead, come home. If he is alive, wait a year.
At the meeting of the gods at Olympus, which god/goddess appeals on the behalf of Odysseus? What is the reason for Poseidon's grudge against Odysseus?
Athena appeals on behalf of Odysseus, Poseidon's grudge against Odysseus is because Odysseus blinded Poseidon's son, the cyclops, Polyphemus.
After learning of the deadly plan, what hope does Penelope receive?
Athena appears to her in disguise as her sister, Iphthime, and lets her know that Athena will protect Telemachus.
How does Athena convince Nausicaa to go the river shore?
Athena disguises herself as a friend of Nausicaa and tells her to go to the river to wash her clothes so she can be suitable for a husband.
Nausicaa is convinced that Odysseus has the favor of the gods because...
Athena has made him bigger, stronger, and more handsome.
What encouraging news does Athena give Telemachus?
Athena tells Telemachus that Odysseus is still alive.
How does Telemachus gather his ship and crew for the journey to Pylos?
Athena tells Telemachus to prepare to set sail while she gathers the ship and crew. Athena disguises herself as Telemachus and goes to town, where she tells Telemachus' story and finds a ship and crew of fine men.
How does Athena reveal herself to Nestor and all those present? What effect does it have on Nestor?
Athena turns into a bird and flies away. Nestor declares that Telemachus will find success since he has the favor of the same god who favors his father. He then pours out elaborate sacrifices to the gods.
What final argument does Calypso use to keep Odysseus on her island and what is his response?
Calypso questions why he would want to go home to his wife when she can't possibly be as beautiful as a goddess. Odysseus agrees that Calypso is more beautiful but nevertheless longs for home.
How does Odysseus view Nausicaa when he meets her?
He compares her to a goddess and finds her very beautiful.
Aigyptos inquires about the reason for the council. Summarize the response Telemachus provides.
He explains that his home is overrun with suitors who refuse to give a proper proposal to Penelope's father and he lacks the skill to fight them. Some of the suitors are sons of the men at the council meeting and he asks them to call their sons home and leave him at peace.
Why does Antinoos call for a fast ship and twenty men?
He learns of Telemachus' journey to Pylos. He plans to wait for him off the shores of Ithaca in an inlet and attack his ship on its way home.
For which man does Menelaus mourn the most and why does he mourn?
He mourns for Odysseus because he misses him and his hard work. He is disturbed that nobody knows where Odysseus is or what has become of him.
What does Telemachus tell the suitors in his speech?
He tells them to drink and eat in peace tonight, for tomorrow he will ask them all to leave, if they continue to stay, he will appeal to Zeus for vengeance against them.
Who first recognizes Telemachus and how is he recognized?
Helen enters the room and recognizes him. She says he looks exactly like Odysseus and others agree.
Summarize the message Hermes is instructed to deliver to Calypso.
Hermes tells Calypso that Odysseus will return home without any men. He will build a raft and after a difficult 20-day journey, he will visit the Phaeacians, where he will be treated like a god and sent home with riches.
Menelaus tells the story of his journey home. What does the Old Man of the Sea instruct him to do when he is stuck on his island?
Menelaus must travel back to Egypt to the river Aigyptos and perform a sacrifice to the gods before he will have a speedy journey home.
Hospitality, or xenia, was deeply important to the ancient Greeks. Describe the hospitality shown to Athena in her visit disguised as Mentor.
Mentor is led inside and provided with food & drink before discussing business. Telemachus makes him comfortable with a rug and armchair and has his hands washed.
What advice does Nestor give Telemachus?
Nestor warns Telemachus not to leave the suitors alone for too long. He tells Telemachus to sail for Sparta to talk to Menelaus.
Describe Odysseus' situation when "The Odyssey" begins.
Odysseus has lost all his men. He is being kept prisoner by Calypso, a sea nymph, who wants him to forget Ithaca and become her husband. All the gods feel sorry for him, except Poseidon.
Describe Odysseus at the end of Book V (5)
Odysseus is thankful to be on dry land. He is exhausted and asleep thanks to Athena.
Explain Penelope's visit. Why is she upset, and why does she leave?
Penelope is upset with the storytelling of the Trojan War taking place at the party. She leaves because Telemachus tells her to leave.
What roles do Poseidon, Ino, and Athena take in Odysseus' journey to Phaeacia?
Poseidon - raises a terrible storm to hurt Odysseus and destroy his ship. Ino - tells Odysseus to remove his clothing and gives him a scarf/veil to protect him. Athena - stops the waves from hurting Odysseus and leads him to the river where he can finally rest.
Why is Calypso upset at the message from Hermes?
She believes the gods to be hypocritical in the situation.
Describe Athena's departure and its impact on Telemachus.
She flies up through the roof like a bird and it inspires confidence in Telemachus. He believes her to be a god.
What trick does Antinoos reveal that Penelope has been using to ensure that she will not need to choose a new husband?
She is weaving a great burial shroud for Laertes and she has assured the suitors that she will choose a husband when it is finished. During the day she works on it, at night she unravels it.
What promises does Calypso make Odysseus?
She promises to help him make a raft, provide him with food and drink, and work no secret mischief on him.
Describe the suitors. Who are they? Why are the suitors there? What about their behaviors?
The suitors are lords from nearby lands who want to marry Penelope. They are staying in Odysseus' home, eating his food, and disrespecting his household.
After Telemachus' plea, what do the suitors do?
The suitors intend to stay in Ithaca, at Odysseus' home, eating his food, until Penelope chooses a husband.
How are Telemachus and Nesterides received in Lacedaemon and why are they received in this manner?
They are welcomed, given food, and invited to join in a feast. Menelaus commands that the strangers are welcomed because in his travels he was a stranger looking for accommodation many times.
Describe the omen that Zeus sends to Ithaca. How is it interpreted?
Two eagles soar from a mountain peak. When they reach the meeting, they tear at each other's necks and cheeks. Then they dart away to the east. It means Odysseus will return home with death and destruction for the suitors.
Describe what happens between Agamemnon, Aigisthos, and Orestes after the return home from Troy.
While Agamemnon is in Troy, Aigisthos seduces his wife, Clytemnestra. Upon his return, Agamemnon is murdered by Aigisthos. His son, Orestes, avenges his death and kills Aigisthos.
Summarize the story told by Helen and Menelaus about Odysseus in Troy.
While Helen was in Troy, Odysseus enters the city disguised as a beggar. She swears not to give away his identity. He kills many Trojans and brings away many secrets. When the warriors are hiding in the Trojan horse, Helen mimics the voices of the wives of the men inside. Odysseus stops them from answering her.
