The Odyssey: Unit Handbook

No other texts in the Western imagination occupy as central a position in the self-definition of Western culture as the two epic poems of Homer, The Iliad and The Odyssey. They both concern the great defining battle of Greek culture, the Trojan War. Whether or not this war really occurred, or occurred as the Greeks narrate it, is a relatively unanswerable question. We know that such a war did take place around a city that quite likely was Troy, but beyond that it's all speculation. This war, however, fired the imaginations of the Greeks and became the defining cultural moment in their history. Technically, the war wasn't fought by "Greeks," it was fought by the Myceneaens; the Greek culture that we call "classical" is derived from Dorians and Ionians. However, the Greeks saw the Trojan War as the first moment in history when the Greeks came together as one people to destroy the Asian city of Troy. This unification gave the Greeks a sense of national or cultural identity, despite the fact that their governments were small, disunified city-states. Since the Greeks regarded the Trojan War as the defining moment in the establishment of "Greek character," they were obsessed about the events of that great war and told them repeatedly with great variety; as the Greek idea of cultural identity changed, so did their stories about the Trojan War.

The Iliad begins like its counterpart, The Odyssey, in a style known as "in media res." This Latin phrase literally translates to "in the middle of things." Homer begins his two epic poems in the middle of the stories, then later fills in the details of earlier happenings.

The Iliad is the story of a brief event in the ninth year of the war (which the Greeks claim lasted ten years); the great hero Achilles is offended when the leader of the Greeks, Agamemnon, takes a slave girl Achilles has been awarded. Achilles withdraws from the battle and prays to his mother, Thetis, a goddess, to turn the tide of battle against the Greeks. The gods grant Achilles his prayer, and he does not return to battle until his best friend is killed by the great Trojan hero, Hector. Achilles throws himself into the battle, fights Hector, and kills him; in a final gesture of contempt, he drags Hector's lifeless body around the walls of Troy. If there is a "theme" to the epic, it is "Achilles choice." Achilles has been offered a choice, either to be a great and famous hero in war and die young (Achilles does die in Troy when a poison arrow strikes him in the ankle), or to live a long, happy life without any lasting fame whatsoever. Although Achilles initially chooses not to die young, the death of his friend forces him to make the choice that will make him famous for all time, but tragically dead at a young age.

The Odyssey is the story of the homecoming of another of the great Greek heroes at Troy, Odysseus. Unlike Achilles, Odysseus is not famous for his great strength or bravery, but for his ability to deceive and trick (it is Odysseus's idea to take Troy by offering the citizens a large wooden horse filled, unbeknownst to the Trojans, with Greek soldiers). He is the anthropos polytropos, the "man of many ways," or the "man of many tricks." His homecoming has been delayed for ten years because of the anger of the gods; finally, in the tenth year, he is allowed to go home. He hasn't been misspending his time, though; for most of the ten years he has been living on an island with the goddess Kalypso, who is madly in love with him. Odysseus is offered a choice, much like Achilles's choice: he may either live on the island with Kalypso and be immortal like the gods, or he may return to his wife and his country and be mortal like the rest of us. He chooses to return, and much of the rest of the work is a long exposition on what it means to be "mortal."

If The Odyssey has a discernible theme, it is the nature of mortal life, why any human being would, if offered the chance to be a god, still choose to be mortal. This choice becomes particularly problematic when Odysseus, in Book XI, meets the ghost of Achilles in the Underworld; Odysseus remarks to Achilles how all the shades of the dead must worship and serve Achilles, but Achilles replies that he would rather be the meanest and most obscure slave of the poorest landholder than be the most famous of the dead. If being dead is so awful, what is it about being human that makes up for the infinite suffering that attends our deaths? As part of this question concerning the nature of human life, much of the book deals with the nature of human civilization and human savagery.

The Greeks in general regard Homer's two epics as the highest cultural achievement of their people, the defining moment in Greek culture which set the basic Greek character in stone. Throughout antiquity, both in Greece and Rome, everything tended to be compared to these two works; events in history made sense when put in the light of the events narrated in these two works. There are two very important words repeatedly used throughout the Homeric epics: honor and virtue or greatness. The latter term is perhaps the most reiterated cultural and moral value in Ancient Greece and means something like achieving, morally and otherwise, your greatest potential as a human being. The reward for great honor and virtue is fame (kleos ), which is

what guarantees meaning and value to one's life. Dying without fame (akleos ) is generally considered a disaster, and the warriors of the Homeric epics commit the most outrageous deeds to avoid dying in obscurity or infamy (witness Odysseus's absurd insistence on telling Polyphemos his name even though this will bring disaster on him and his men). The passage from Book XI discussed above presents Achilles's final judgement on kleos and its value when he tells Odysseus that he would rather be alive and the most obscure human on earth than dead and famous.

"The Great Wanderings," from which these extracts are taken, make up Books IX-XI of The Odyssey ; in this part of the epic, Odysseus narrates to his hosts, the Phaiakians, who have rescued him from the sea after he leaves Kalypso's island, about his adventures following the Trojan War and how he came to be shipwrecked alone on the island with Kalypso. It is this part of the story you are probably most familiar with and have encountered in some form or another, if only in the Kirk Douglas movie. If there is a general idea animating the account of these wanderings, it is the nature of civilization and ordered society. Most of the fabulous events, especially the story of Polyphemos, in some way deal with the values that underlie the early Greek notion of order and civility, as well as those values that underlie the heroic code.

The Divine Beauty Contest
As The Iliad begins in media res (supra, "Introduction and Background"), it is a little difficult to discern the cause of the Trojan War, which serves as the backdrop (and, often, foreground) for the epic poem. In The Iliad and Greek mythology, the "divine beauty contest" provides the impetus for the start of the Trojan War. The story goes like this:

Long ago the father immortal Zeus fell in love with one of the daughters of the Old Man of the Sea, Proteus. The daughter's name was Thetis, and it was foretold to Zeus that this woman would bear a son greater than he. Zeus remembered that he was able to overthrow and destroy Cronos, his own father. Zeus did not want to risk this same fortune befalling him, therefore he bestowed the lovely Thetis upon a mortal king named Peleus.

Everyone was invited to the great marriage between Thetis and Peleus, everyone except the goddess Eris, the goddess of strife. Peleus and Thetis did not want to invite Eris. Deeply offended, Eris devised a plan to ruin the wedding. She cast a golden apple down among the guests, inscribed with the phrase, "for the fairest." Immediately the three supreme Olympian goddess, Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite began to bicker about whom the apple belonged tOdysseus

The three goddesses eventually appealed to Zeus to decide who was the most beautiful, but Zeus wisely refused to render such a decision. Instead, he took the three goddesses to Mount Ida, near Troy. Tending his flocks in the fields was King Priam's son Paris, one of the most beautiful mortals ever to walk the earth. Zeus chose Paris to make the decision about whom was the most fairest. Athena and Hera attempted to sway Paris’s decision with promises of fortune and fame, but the prince chose Aphrodite, who she promised him to award him the most beautiful woman on earth. It is just so happened to be that Helen, wife of Menelaus, King of Lacedaemon (Sparta), was the most beautiful mortal woman alive.
Back to Top
Back Home

The Iliad Summary
Apollo is angry because Agamemnon has failed to let one of the god's priests ransom a daughter Agamemnon had allotted himself as a war-prize. Agamemnon reluctantly gives the girl up but insists on taking in her place Briseis, a captive originally assigned to Achilles--hence the "wrath of Achilles," which is the epic's announced topic. Achilles complains to his divine mother, Thetis, who persuades Zeus to let the Trojans prevail in battle until Achilles's honor is satisfied. Lured by a false dream sent by Zeus, the Greeks mass for battle, as do the Trojans. Homer gives long lists of both and their allies. Paris agrees to single combat with Menelaus to settle the issue of the war and everyone on both sides hopes that the war will soon be over, but when Paris starts to lose Aphrodite wafts him away. Even Helen is mad at both Paris and the goddess. The Olympians quarrel among themselves and help stir up battle on the fields of Troy. Athena helps Diomedes wound Aphrodite as that goddess is bearing her Trojan son Aeneas off the battlefield. Ares comes to the aid of the Trojans, and Diomedes wounds him, to Odysseus The Trojan hero Hector drops home during battle to make some sacrifices. His wife Andromache begs him not to leave her a widow, but he goes back to battle anyway. Diomedes and the Trojan hero Glaucus discover that their fathers were friends and exchange armor--Diomedes gets the better of the bargain, giving his bronze armor in return for golden armor. Hector wreaks havoc, and Apollo keeps Athena from helping the Greeks. Ajax is chosen to face Hector in single combat; they fight till night without result. Antenor advises the Trojans to give up Helen, but Paris refuses. The Greeks build a wall and dig a moat to protect their ships. Guided by Zeus, Hector leads a Trojan rout of the Greeks, but nightfall keeps them from climbing the walls and burning the ships. Advised by Nestor, Agamemnon finally agrees to return Briseis to Achilles and give him other great gifts, but Achilles won't come back. He knows that his glory will mean his death. Sent to spy on the Trojans, Odysseus and Diomedes capture a Trojan spy and learn about a Trojan ally on his way. They kill him and the spy. The next day brings another bloody battle. Nestor carries off one of the wounded. Achilles sends his close friend Patroclus to find out who it is, and Nestor urges Patroclus to wear Achilles's armor and lead their men into battle. Led by Hector, the Trojans break through the Greek walls. Poseidon disobeys Zeus and helps rally the Greeks. Poseidon keeps Agamemnon from calling a retreat to the ships, while Hera (borrowing a magic girdle from Aphrodite) seduces Zeus and lulls him to sleep. Hector is wounded by a stone, and the Trojans are driven back.. Zeus wakes up mad at his wife and sends Apollo to heal Hector, who comes back and burns the Greek ships. Achilles agrees to let Patroclus wear his armor and lead his men. The Trojans fall back, but Hector kills Patroclus after Apollo stuns him.. There is a big fight for the battle of Patroclus. Menelaus goes to tell Achilles his friend is dead. Achilles weeps and carries on. His mother Thetis promises to buy him some new armor overnight. Just seeing him come out to the field of battle makes the Trojans retreat some. Achilles reconciles with Agamemon and leads the Greeks to battle. Zeus allows the gods to join in the battle. The Greeks are supported by Hera, Athena, Poseidon, Hermes, and Hephaestus; the Trojans, by Apollo, Artemis, Ares, and Aphrodite. The gods quarrel among themselves, while Achilles is winning the day. The Trojans retreat within their walls. Hector reproaches himself for not having retreated at the first appearance of Achilles. He goes out to meet Achilles in single combat and is slain. Achilles ties his body behind a chariot and drags it off to the Greek ships. Funeral games are part of the magnificent burial Achilles gives Patroclus. As part of his mourning, Achilles keeps dragging the body of Hector around the tomb. Zeus insists that he give the body back, and the gods help Hector's father Priam sneak into the Greek camp to beg for it.
Back to Top
Back Home

Alcinous - The king of the Phaeacians, husband of Arete and father of Nausicaa, he is a generous, kind, and good-humored ruler and father.

Antinous - The leader of the suitors and the first slain by Odysseus. He is a cruel, greedy, and hypocritical villain, always attempting to justify his evil behavior by distorting the motives or acts of others.

Anticleia - The mother of Odysseus. She encounters him in Hades while he is there.

Athene - Daughter of Zeus, goddess of wisdom and patroness of the arts and crafts, also known as Pallas. Odysseus is her favorite and protege.

Calypso - The sea nymph who keeps Odysseus captive for nine years and who, in hope of making him her husband, offers him immortality.

Circe - The enchantress who transforms the crew of Odysseus into swine and who, when she finds that she cannot conquer Odysseus, takes him as a lover and helps him with advice and supplies on his voyage home.

Elepnor - A young seaman in the crew of Odysseus who dies in an accident on Circe island and whose spirit reproaches Odysseus in Hades.

Eumaeus - The chief swineherd of Odysseus, who remains faithful to his master during his long absence and who plays an active part in assisting Odysseus to regain his kingdom.

Eupeithes - The father of Antinous. He manifests the same rashness and disloyalty that is exhibited by his son when he leads a band of Ithacans to attack Odysseus but is quick to recognize his error and apologize.

Eurycleia - The faithful and devoted old nurse of Odysseus, recognizes him by the scar on his leg.

Eurylochus - One of Odysseus' officers; he is an unimaginative and sober person, who wisely avoids entering Circe's palace in Book X, but who also abets the sailors when they slaughter the cattle of Helios.

Eurymachus - The second most important suitor; he is as evil as Antinous, but far more soft and cowardly.

Helen - The wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta. She was the cause of the Trojan War.

Hermes - Son of Zeus, the ambassador of the gods, conductor of the dead souls to Hades, and patron of travelers, merchants, and thieves.

Hyperion - The god of the sun. Also known as Helios. It is his cattle which is eaten by Odysseus' crew.

Irus - A cowardly bully who is a beggar on Ithaca and a favorite of many of the suitors.

Laertes - The old father of Odysseus, who lives in isolation from the demands of public life, on a small farm in the back hills of Ithaca. He remains alert and agile, despite his age.

Leucothoie - A sea nymph who helps Odysseus read the island of the Phaeacians during the storm in Book V.

Melantho - One of the serving maids in the palace of Odysseus; she is a nasty and impudent young girl and is disloyal to her master, having become the mistress of Eurymachus.

Melanthius - The chief goatherd of Odysseus. In his master's absence he has ignored his duty and has ingratiated himself with the suitors by catering to their whims.

Mentor - A faithful friend of Odysseus who was left behind on Ithaca as Telemachus' tutor; he is wise, sober, and loyal.

Nausicaa - The daughter of Alcinous and Arete. She is a charming young maiden, in her adolescence.

Nestor - King of Pylos, father of Peisistratus. A very wise and garrulous old man, one of the few survivors of the Trojan War.

Odysseus - King of Ithaca, husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, son of Laertes. He is the first of the Greek epic heroes to be renowned for his brain as well as his muscle.

Peisistratus - The gallant young son of Nestor. He is the companion of Telemachus on his journey through the Peloponnesus.

Penelope - The wife of Odysseus. She is serious and industrious, a perfect wife and mother in many aspects.

Philoetius - The chief cowherd of Odysseus; he is brave and loyal and, despite his age, stands besides his master during the battle with the suitors.

Polyphemus - A one-eyed Cyclops who held Odysseus and his men captive in his cave until he was made drunk and blinded by Odysseus.

Polyphemus. Because Odysseus is a sailor and must travel home by ship, Poseidon is able to do him much harm. The god bears a grudge against him because of his rough treatment of Polyphemus.

Scylla - A sea monster with six heads whom Odysseus and his crew must pass during their voyage.

Sirens - Two beautiful maidens who dwell in a flowery meadow on an island somewhere between that of Circe and of Scylla. They tempt passing mariners to their deaths by their tantalizing songs.

Telemachus - The son of Odysseus and Penelope. He is just entering manhood and is very self-conscious about his duty, and his father's reputation as a hero, which he feels he must live up to.

Tiresias - The most famous of all Greek seers. The legend was that in compensation for his blindness the gods had given him his awesome visionary powers. His spirit is consulted by Odysseus in Hades.

Zeus - The supreme god and king of Olympus. He is officially neutral in human affairs; his duty is to carry out the will of Destiny, but he is often sympathetic towards humans.

Cicones - A Thracian tribe whose capital was raided by Odysseus and his men after leaving Troy.

Ismaurus - The capital of the Cicones, located in Thrace, to the north- east of Greece.

Laestrygonians - A tribe of cannibal barbarians who seriously defeat Odysseusand his men when the Greek ships land in their country.

Olympus - A mountain in Greece, which is home to many of the gods and goddesses.

Scheria - The island home of the Phaeacians, and the kingdom of Alcinous. Alsomay be referred to as Drepane.

Troy - A kingdom that was destroyed by the Greeks in the Trojan War. It islocated on the western coast of Asia Minor.

Thrinacia - Island home to the cattle of the sun god, Helios.
Back to Top
Back Home

Invocation to the Muse; survey of Odysseus' condition in the 10th year of his wanderings. The whole of the action and most of the principal persons are introduced in the first few hundred lines.

What is missing from the proem (the opening lines)? How does it define Odysseus? Why is Poseidon angry?

Council of the gods on Olympus. What types of gods does Homer present? How do they match your expectations? Why is Aigisthos singled out by Zeus? What kind of system of morality does Zeus invoke? Why is Athena so concerned with Odysseus? Why is Zeus so surprised with her plea? In the line ending her speech, the word malice, odusso, puns on the hero's name.

Athena goes disguised to Ithaca to see Telemakhos and persuade him to seek news of his father. What is happening in Ithaca? What kind of person is Telemakhos? How old is he? What does he need? Why does Athena mention Orestes to him? Is her story about him complete?

Telemakhos complains in the assembly of the suitors' bad behavior and smashes a scepter to the ground. Try to remember a similar scene of scepter-smashing and think about what point the author might be trying to make with the comparison.

Athena, disguised as Mentor, appears to Telemakhos and promises help. He sails off, after asking Eurykleia under oath of secrecy, to prepare provisions. Who is in charge in Ithaca? Where is Odysseus's father? Is Telemakhos just looking for Odysseus?

The travels begin. At each place, act as an anthropologist, noting the customs, landscape and character of the people; start with Ithaca itself. Telemakhos arrives first at the palace of Nestor. Why go there first? What is happening at Pylos as Telemakhos arrives? What do we learn about Odysseus here? Note the gracious hospitality he receives from Nestor; compare Telemakhos's reception of Athena earlier. Keep your eyes open for other such encounters. One thing to watch: when does the guest reveal his name? What sign does Nestor see as indicating Athena's presence?

Telemakhos and Pisistratus are welcomed at Sparta (Lacedaemon) by Menelaos and Helen, who recognize Telemakhos's resemblance to his father. They all cry in grief over old memories, and Helen puts a soothing drug in their wine. Note the two stories told by Menelaos and Helen. What more do we learn about Odysseus and about Agamemnon? Do you see any pattern in the accounts of the heroes as they return from Troy? Is Helen as you expect her to be? Is there anything strange about her marriage? Compare Sparta to Ithaca.

Menelaus predicts the destruction of the suitors and tells the story of his return, including the encounter with Proteus, who told him of the other homecomings. What do you make of Proteus? What are the functions of this episode? Note the Odyssean elements here. Do M and H deserve the happy afterlife Proteus predicts?

T is persuaded to stay in Sparta. The scene changes to Ithaca where the suitors plot to ambush Telemakhos en route home. Penelope is upset, but Athena cheers her with a dream. The ambush is laid. How many days are we into the story at this point? Try to keep track of this. We won't be seeing T again for a while.

Hermes to order Kalypso to send him home, and Hermes delivers the message. When was the first council? Are there any real differences from the first one? Why Hermes? For more on Hermes look up the relevant pages in ML, noting in particular his different functions and attributes. What is the etymology of Kalypso? Try to comment on the description of her domain. Is she a good hostess? Why has Homer kept Odysseus from us for 4 books?

Kalypso agrees, tells Odysseus to build a boat, and reassures him when he suspects treachery. The next day he departs. What is Odysseus’s first utterance in the epic and what does it say about his attitude to other humans and to the gods? Why is he like this? Why does he reject Kalypso's offer of immortality? Does this situation remind you of any other myths? Can they guide your interpretation of this episode?

As Odysseus sights the island of Skheria, the home of the Phaiakians, Poseidon wrecks his boat. The sea-goddess Leucothea saves him, but in his near-paranoia, he almost rejects her help. Again, as you read, think about how he has reached this point. Athena stills the storm, and he reaches the coast, finds shelter and falls asleep.

Note the similes in this book; are they different from the similes in The Iliad? To what is Odysseus being compared? Why are these comparisons made?

In this book you read (at least) 2 indications of the seasons. What time of year do you think it is? (This is important for understanding some of the underlying mythic patterns).

Note the history of the Phaiakians early on, and consider whether this affects their reception of Odysseus Athena visits Nausikaa, princess of Skheria, in a dream and tells her to go wash clothes at the river. She meets Odysseus (naked), who asks for help. What does Athena appeal to in Nausikaa? Try to visualize Odysseus's meeting with this young woman. What do we learn about Odysseus’s character in this encounter? What information does he withhold?

Odysseus addresses Nausikaa; she gives him clothing and food, and instructs him on how best to approach her parents. Why doesn’t she take him herself? On reaching the city, Odysseus waits outside in Athena's grove. Why do you think Athena fails to reveal herself to Odysseus? Describe Skheria..

Odysseus is hospitably received and promised convoy home. Queen Arete questions him and he describes how he came to Scheria. Who wears the pants in this family? Compare the reception with those we have seen so far. Note exactly what Odysseus says about himself. Is he a good guest? Who are the Phaiakians, anyway?

King Alcinoos summons the Phaiakian assembly, which agrees to send Odysseus home by ship. Having returned to the palace, they're entertained by the singer Demodokos. Describe Demodokos, and think about any other figures that he suggests. Odysseus weeps at his song (why?), and, after being taunted, wins a discuss contest.

Alkinoos introduces exhibitions of dancing; Demodokos sings of Hephaistos' revenge on Ares and Aphrodite. Why does Odysseus react to this story differently? More dancing, and gifts for Odysseus He now asks Demodokos for a certain story and weeps again. Alkinoos questions him. Think about the content of the songs, Odysseus's response to them, and the epithets given to him in this book. What is going on? Do you recall another incident of weeping at dinner? Also, do you like the Phaiakians? Do they resemble any other group of people..

We are now 1/3 of the way through, and the epic can in fact be divided into three parts. In Book 9, we see Odysseus at the beginning of his return; in Books 5-8, near the end, 10 years later. Has he changed? How?

Try thinking again about Books 6-9 as an anthropologist might in investigating alien cultures. How would you categorize or classify these cultures? As always with myth, think about food. Why do you think Homer has put them all in the epic? Remember, Homer does nothing without cause.

Start thinking about the type of human being that Odysseus personifies and about the larger

allegorical significance of his journeys. The Odysseus myth has influenced texts from Dante's Inferno, to Joyce's Ulysses, to Conrad's Lord Jim, to Huckleberry Finn -- even Captain James Telemakhos Kirk of the Starship Enterprise (yes, think about that!) owes much of his identity to Odysseus.

Note exactly how Odysseus identifies himself, and how and where he begins his story (Compare it to Menelaus' account of their departure from Troy). Don't assume he's telling the truth. Pay attention to what he says about his behavior and his awareness of his audience.

The Kyklops Polyphemos. This is the key episode. Note the description of the island and the nature of Kyklopean society Pay attention to Odysseus's behavior. Is it commendable? Is he a good guest? Is Polyphemus a good host? Look for mentions of Zeus and the guest-host relationship. What vice gets Odysseus into trouble? What virtue gets him out of it? What types of behavior are approved and condemned by this story? Does Odysseus' victory over the Kyklops, and the means he uses to achieve it, suggest any other myths? What is the significance of calling himself Nobody?

Aiolos, king of the winds, receives Odysseus, and sends him off with a bag of winds, which his crew opens when he sleeps. Who is to blame here? Pay attention to the description of Aeolus' family.

Odysseus loses 11 ships in an attack on the Laistrygonians. Note his tactics. The remaining ship arrives at the island of Kirke. The crew begins to rebel: why? Pay close attention to the description of her house and Kirke herself. A reconnaissance team is turned into pigs, except Eurylokhos who returns with the news. Odysseus rescues them. How? For how long do they stay there, and why? Compare Kirke, Nausikaa, and Kalypso; which does Odysseus prefer and why? Are there any indications that Homer is aware of a 'double standard'?

Odysseus insists on going, so Kirke tells him he must visit the Dead (but not why). As they leave, the helmsman Elpenor falls off the roof and dies. At this point do you see any similarities between Odysseus' journey thus far and Menelaus'?

Remember that Odysseus is telling a story to an audience from whom he wants to obtain something, so pay close attention to how he shapes his story and their reaction to it. If you are unsure about the identity of some of those in Hades, look them up in ML. In general, what does the journey to the Underworld symbolize?

Leaving Kirke's island, Odysseus sails to Hades. He performs the prescribed ritual, and meets: Elpenor, Tiresias, his mother, and a sequence of beautiful (of course) heroines, including Ariadne and Oedipus' mother, here called Epikaste. What does he learn from each? What impact do they have on him?

Odysseus ceases his story to remind the Phaiakians of his eagerness to return home; they persuade (?) him to continue. The tone of the story changes: how? He tells of meeting Agamemnon, Akhilles, and Aias, Minos and Herakles. Alarmed, Odysseus departs. Consider why Odysseus is there. Are his comrades from Troy the same? Which characters have the greatest effect on him, and why? Remember the importance of mortality.

Odysseus and company return to Aeaea, bury Elpenor, and meet Kirke, who warns of further dangers: the Sirens, Wandering Rocks, Skylla and Kharybdis, the island of Thrinakria, and the ox herds of Helios.

Odysseus sets out; they pass the Sirens, Wandering Rocks and Skylla, reaching Thrinakria, where the crew kills the cattle of Helios, to whom Zeus then promises vengeance.

After 6 days the Greeks sail on, but a storm drowns all save Odysseus, who escapes Charybdis and drifts to Kalypso's island. This ends his story.

Why are the Sirens' songs so seductive, especially to Odysseus. Why doesn't Odysseus tell his crew all of Kirke's warnings? Does he follow all her advice himself? How is his crew like the suitors back in Ithaca? Has Odysseus' behavior changed after his experiences in Hades? How many people has Odysseus killed up to this point?

Odysseus having received further presents, departs. He falls asleep (again!) on the voyage and they deposit him on the shore. Pay attention to Poseidon's anger and Zeus' attempts to calm him down. Odysseus awakens unaware he is home until Athena, in disguise, tells him. He pretends to be a violent Cretan fugitive (why?). Athena then reveals herself. Why does Athena treat him this way? Do you side with Odysseus in his frustration? When was the last time he saw her? Here we encounter the first of Odysseus's "lying tales". Notice the others as they come in the next few books. Why does Odysseus lie? Is there any truth hidden in the lies?

Athena warns Odysseus about the suitors (does he know this already?, and disguises him as a beggar. She goes to Sparta to fetch Telemakhos. Consider: Odysseus as his own Trojan horse.

Odysseus goes to the hut of Eumaios, his swineherd, and is hospitably received. Eumaios describes the suitors' arrogance, demonstrates his loyalty to Odysseus, and speaks of Telemakhos' danger. Odysseus signals who he is to Eumaios; where? Odysseus tells another elaborate tale about his identity and history, describing himself as a wandering Cretan, and mentioning that he has had recent news of Odysseus Eumaios refuses to believe this. After supper, Odysseus hints about needing a blanket.

In Sparta Athena tells Telemakhos to return to home and advises him how to avoid the suitors' ambush. Telemakhos,having said goodbye to Menelaus, is sent of with his presents, kind words and a favorable omen. He reaches Pylos via Pherae and rejoins the ship. How many days has it been since we last saw Telemakhos? Just before departure Theoclymenus, a prophet, persuades Telemakhos to take him aboard. Meanwhile, in Ithaca, Odysseus offers to leave Eumaios' hut, but is persuaded to stay. He inquires about his father and mother. Eumaios tells his story. Telemakhos receives an omen upon arriving in Ithaca.

Eumaios welcomes Telemakhos, who asks who the disguised Odysseus is. He leaves Eumaios to tell Penelope he has returned. After Eumaios leaves, Athena transforms Odysseus into his true shape and father and son recognize one another. They plan the destruction of the suitors. Eumaios a messenger from Telemakhos's ship and they deliver their messages. The suitors, upset at their failure to kill Telemakhos, discuss other ways. Penelope talks to the suitors. Eumaios returns to Odysseus, who has been changed back to his disguise.

The next day, Telemakhos sets out for town, having given instructions that Odysseus should be brought there to Odysseus Having brought Theoklymenos to the palace, he tells Penelope of his journey. Theoclymenos prophesies that Odysseus has already reached Ithaca. Think about Penelope's reaction to this, and about her reactions over the next several book to news. The suitors amuse themselves, and Eumaios arrives with the disguised Odysseus, whom the goatherd Melanthios mocks and attacks. Entering later, Telemakhos gives him food. Antinous provokes Eumaios and Telemakhos intervenes. Odysseus begs from Antinous who violently insults him, and Penelope prays for his death. She sends for Odysseus to see if he has any news about himself! Telemakhos sneezes: a good omen. Odysseus postpones his interview until the others have left. Eumaios returns to his hut.

The beggar Iros insults Odysseus, who replies. What follows is a parody of a heroic duel. The suitors congratulate Odysseus, who tries to warn Amphinous of the coming vengeance. P., prompted by Athena, adorns herself and enters the hall, enticing the suitors to give her gifts. At evening, Odysseus offers to look after the lamps for the serving-women, one of whom, Melanthos, insults him. Odysseus threatens them. Eurymachus mocks Odysseus and throws a stool at him (recalling which episode?) Telemakhos persuades to go home for the night.

As the story develops, think about the similarities and differences between Penelope and Odysseus Also, do you think Penelope "recognizes"Odysseus here in some way?

Odysseus and Telemakhos, aided by Athena, remove all arms from the hall. Penelope enters with her attendants. Melanthos again insults Odysseus, who threatens her. Penelope converses with Odysseus.

In reply to her questions, Odysseus pretends to be a Cretan. He describes a meeting with Odysseus and predicts he will soon return. Penelope is dubious, but orders her guest be treated well.

O refuses to have his feet washed by anyone but Eurykleia. She bathes him and recognizes an old scar, whose origin Homer tells. What does this mythical digression say about Odysseus? Odysseus prevents her from revealing his identity.

P. tells Odysseus of her anxieties and a strange dream. Odysseus interprets the dream, but she isn't convinced. She states her intention to hold a competition for her hand tomorrow and retires. Is there anything strange about her dream? Why does she suddenly decide to hold this contest?

Athena restrains Odysseus when the maidservants sleep with the suitors. Penelope prays for death, which Odysseus hears and he calls for a sign from Zeus. Telemachos enters in the morning and asks about Odysseus Preparations are made for the festival of Apollo, Eumaios returns and Melanthius again insults Odysseus. An omen dissuades the suitors from killing Telemakhos, who defends Odysseus One throws a cow's foot at Odysseus (Cyclopean?), which angers Telemakhos A strange momentary transformation of the scene is interpreted by Theoclymenus as a warning of coming disaster. The suitors laugh, while Penelope listens sadly.

P. brings out O's bow and promises to marry whoever strings it and shoots through the row of axes. Eumaios weeps. Odysseus signals to T not to string the bow himself, after he almost succeeds (!). Leodes fails, predicting it will bring death to many; Antinoos has the bow treated. Odysseus reveals himself to Eumaios and Philoetius and warns them to prepare for action. Consider T's behavior throughout this book.

Eurymachus fails; Antinoos suggests postponing the contest. Odysseus asks to be allowed to try. The suitors abuse him but Eumaios brings the bow.

Eumaios and Philoetius have the women removed and the doors locked. Odysseus strings the bow and wins with one shot. Telemakhos arms and stands beside Odysseus

Odysseus shoots Antinoos and reveals himself. Eurymachus fails to appease him and is killed. T kills Amphinomus, and ties up Melanthius.

Athena helps Odysseus(Is this a fair fight?) Leodes is killed, but Phemius and Medon are spared: why? All suitors die.

Eurykleia is summoned; note his rebuke of her victory cry. The 12 disloyal maids can the hall and then are hanged, while Melanthius is taken out and mutilated. Odysseus purifies the hall and Eurykleia summons Penelope. How does Odysseus feel about all this. Has he changed since the Trojan War?

Eurykleia tells the incredulous Penelope of Odysseus's actions. She enters the main hall. T is impatient with her, but Odysseus supports her reasoning. Odysseus takes precautions to keep the slaughter secret.

Odysseus, now royally dressed, convinces Penelope he really is her husband. How does he do it? He tells her about his adventures and they spend the night together. Consider P's reactions throughout this episode: are they believable? How does she "out-Odysseus" Odysseus here?

Hermes conducts the suitors souls to Hades, where Agamemnon, talking to Achilles, then praises P's fidelity. Compare the human perspective on his death with the divine one in Book 1: has the epic shifted focus from human-god relations to male-female?

O visits his father, telling him a false story before revealing himself. Why does he treat Laertes this way? Compare the different ways family members recognize O: what do these tell you about the strength of the different relationships?

The Ithacans, learning of the slaughter, march out to fight Odysseus With Zeus' permission, Athena intervenes to save O, who goes to fight along with his father and son. Laertes kills Eupeithes. Athena intervenes and makes peace. Note that Odysseus still wants to fight. How does Athena discourage him? Is this ending believable in your eyes?

What is the function of this Book? Some Analysts believe it is a later addition to the epic; what do
you think? Could the epic end with Book 23?
Back to Top
Back Home

I. Prompt. In at least three typed pages, compare and contrast the choice to become immortal faced by Achilles and Odysseus. In your opinion, what is the reason for each man’s choice? How would the stories be different had they decided otherwise? Describe a decision you made which had a great impact on your life thus far. Compare your decision and its impact to those of Achilles and Odysseus.

    A. Content. The essay must:
        1. develop a clear position on the issue;
        2. demonstrate the validity of the position using at least five quotes, each of no greater length than three (3) sentences;
        3. use appropriate quote format; and
        4. employ vocabulary appropriate for the intended audience.

    B. Format The essay will be graded heavily on:
        1. the inclusion of an appropriate introductory paragraph which meets the prescribed criteria (thesis + signposts);
        2. topic sentences which meet the prescribed criteria (main idea + opinion).
        3. Each paragraph of the essay must include the following :
            a. A sentence which begins with a prepositional phrase;
            b. an appositive; and
            c. a compound sentence.
        4. The essay must not include the following words:
            "get," "got" or variations thereof, and
            "a lot" and "lots."
The misuse or misspelling of any of the "Words you will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever misuse" will result in a failing grade until the essay is revised. "Words you will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever misuse" include:

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
December 1999
			1	2	3	4
5	6 Vocab Test #7	7	8 Read to p. 769 of Odyssey	9	10 Read Odyssey outline due + read to p. 15 in Unit Handbook	11
12	13	14 Read to end of Odyssey Odyssey Essay R/D due	15	16 Vocab Test #8 Odyssey Essay F/D due	17	18
19	20 Winter break begins	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
December 1999
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7 Vocab test #7	8	9 Read to p. 769 of Odyssey Odyssey outline due	10	11
12	13 Odyssey R/D due	14	15 Read to end of Odyssey	16	17 Vocab test #8 Odyssey F/D due	18
19	20 Winter break begins	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31