Review of "The Odyssey" by Homer:

"The Odyssey" is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to the legendary poet Homer, composed in the 8th century BCE.
It is a foundational work in Western literature, celebrated for its intricate portrayal of the hero Odys seus and his long
and arduous journey back to Ithaca following the Trojan War. The narrative unfolds across 24 books and explores a
diverse array of themes, including heroism, cleverness, loyalty, and the fickle nature of the gods.

Plot and Main Characters:

• Odysseus: The central character, renowned for his intelligence and resourcefulness. The epic chronicles his 20-
year ordeal to return home.
• Penelope: Odysseus's faithful wife who perseveres while warding off persistent suitors.
• Telemachus: Odysseus and Penelope's son, who embarks on a quest to find his father.
• Athena: The goddess of wisdom and warfare, who supports Odysseus on his journey.
• Poseidon: The god of the sea, who harbors animosity toward Odysseus.

Additional Characters and Major Encounters:

• Calypso (Book 5): Calypso is a nymph who detains Odysseus on her island, Ogygia, and keeps him as her lover for
seven years. The encounter with Calypso involves her offering him shelter, using materials of the island, and
eventually releasing him.
• Circe (Book 10): Circe is a sorceress who transforms Odysseus's crew into pigs. Odysseus's encounter with Circe
involves her using her magical powers. She provides him with guidance, materials, and a magical potion to
protect him and his crew.
• The Sirens (Book 12): The Sirens are enchanting creatures whose songs lure sailors to their deaths. To resist their
allure, Odysseus has his crew block their ears with beeswax, and he himself is tied to the mast of the ship.
• Scylla and Charybdis (Book 12): Scylla is a multi-headed sea monster, and Charybdis is a monstrous whirlpool.
Odysseus chooses to face Scylla, losing a few of his crew. The materials used in this encounter are the ship itself
and the rowers' oars.
• Aeolus (Book 10): Aeolus, the keeper of the winds, provides Odysseus with a bag of winds to aid his journey. The
material used here is the bag containing the winds, which he provides to Odysseus.
• The Lotus Eaters (Book 9): Odysseus and his crew encounter the Lotus Eaters, natives of a distant land who
tempt his crew with a narcotic plant called the lotus. The materials used are the lotus plant, which they
consume.
• Polyphemus the Cyclops (Book 9): Odysseus and his crew are captured by the cyclops Polyphemus. To escape,
Odysseus uses a sharpened wooden stake as a weapon to blind the cyclops.
• The Trojan Horse (Book 4 and 8): The iconic wooden horse is used by the Greeks as a stratagem to infiltrate
Troy. Inside the horse, Greek soldiers are armed with spears and swords. The Trojan Horse represents a
significant material and strategic element in the epic.
• Penelope and the Suitors (Books 1-24): Throughout the epic, Penelope is besieged by suitors who seek her hand
in marriage while consuming Odysseus's wealth. The resolution of this conflict occurs when Odysseus, in
disguise, triumphs in a bowstring challenge, revealing his true identity and vanquishing the suitors.
Questions and Answers for Teachers:
1. How does Odysseus employ the materials and guidance provided by Circe to overcome the challenges posed by
the sorceress?
• Odysseus uses a magical potion provided by Circe to protect himself and his crew from her
enchantments. The materials and guidance from Circe are crucial in this encounter.
2. Can you elaborate on the significance of the use of the wooden stake in Odysse us's encounter with Polyphemus,
the cyclops?
• Odysseus uses a sharpened wooden stake as a weapon to blind Polyphemus, allowing him and his crew
to escape from the cyclops's cave. This scene underscores Odysseus's resourcefulness and the use of
available materials.
3. What materials are employed in the construction of the Trojan Horse, and how does it contribute to the fall of
Troy?
• The Trojan Horse is constructed from wood, and inside it, Greek soldiers are armed with spears and
swords. The wooden horse is a material and strategic element that leads to the fall of Troy.
4. In the encounter with Scylla and Charybdis, what materials and resources does Odysseus use to navigate this
perilous passage?
• In this encounter, Odysseus relies on the ship itself and the rowers' oars to navigate between Scylla and
Charybdis. No specific materials beyond the ship and oars are mentioned.
5. How does the encounter with the Lotus Eaters test the loyalty of Odysseus's crew, and what material
temptation do they face?
• Odysseus's crew is tempted by the narcotic plant called the lotus, which the Lotus Eaters offer. This
material temptation tests the loyalty of the crew, as consuming the lotus leads to forgetfulness and a
desire to stay on the island.

1. Odysseus: Odysseus is often referred to as "Laertes' son" or "son of Laertes" to emphasize his lineage and
connection to his father, Laertes.
2. Telemachus: Telemachus, Odysseus's son, is sometimes called "Telemachus the True" to highlight his loyalty and
integrity.
3. Penelope: Penelope, Odysseus's wife, is known for her unwavering faithfulness and cleverness. She is referred
to as "wily Penelope" or "Penelope of many wiles."
4. Athena: Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, is occasionally referred to as "Pallas Athena" or "Pallas" to
signify her wisdom and martial attributes.
5. Hermes: Hermes, the messenger god, is sometimes called "Hermes the Wayfinder" or "Hermes the Guide" due
to his role in guiding and assisting mortals on their journeys.
6. Polyphemus: The cyclops Polyphemus, whom Odysseus encounters, is often referred to simply as "Polyphemus
the Cyclops."

"The Odyssey" remains a timeless masterpiece celebrated for its exploration of human nature, heroism, and the
complex interplay between the gods and mortals. The inclusion of weapons and materials used in these encounters
underscores the depth and complexity of the narrative, demonstrating Odysseus's resourcefulness and the challenges he
faces throughout his epic journey.
 Character Synopsis

1. Odysseus: Odysseus is the central character and the hero of the epic. He is known for his intelligence,
resourcefulness, and cunning nature. Odysseus is the king of Ithaca and a valiant warrior. He embarks on a long
and perilous journey back home after the Trojan War. Throughout the epic, his character evolves from a cunning
and determined leader to a wiser and more introspective figure. His ultimate goal is to reunite with his loyal
wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus.
2. Penelope: Penelope is Odysseus's faithful wife. She endures his long absence and the relentless advances of
suitors who seek to marry her and claim Odysseus's throne. Penelope is a symbol of fidelity and patience. She
uses her intelligence and wit to delay choosing a suitor while waiting for Odysseus's return.
3. Telemachus: Telemachus is Odysseus and Penelope's son. He is a key character who undergoes significant
development throughout the epic. Initially, he is a young and inexperienced prince. However, over the course of
the story, he matures into a brave and assertive young man who plays a crucial role in the resolution of the
conflict with the suitors.
4. Athena: Athena is the goddess of wisdom and warfare. She is a staunch supporter of Odysseus throughout his
journey. Athena frequently intervenes in the mortal world to guide and protect Odysseus, offering him counsel
and assistance. Her favor is instrumental in Odysseus's eventual return home.
5. Poseidon: Poseidon is the god of the sea and one of Odysseus's primary adversaries. He holds a grudge against
Odysseus for blinding his son, the cyclops Polyphemus. Poseidon's antagonism results in numerous obstacles
and delays for Odysseus on his voyage.
6. Calypso: Calypso is a nymph who detains Odysseus on her island, Ogygia, for seven years. She is enamored with
him and offers him shelter and companionship. Calypso uses her wiles to keep him with her, but ultimately, she
releases him at the behest of the gods.
7. Circe: Circe is a sorceress who transforms Odysseus's crew into pigs but later becomes an ally. She provides
Odysseus with guidance and magical assistance during his journey. Her character exemplifies both danger and
assistance encountered by Odysseus.
8. Polyphemus: Polyphemus is the cyclops encountered by Odysseus and his crew. He captures them in his cave
and is known for his brutal nature. Odysseus uses his cunning to blind Polyphemus with a wooden stake,
allowing their escape. Polyphemus is a symbol of the dangers faced on the hero's journey.
9. The Suitors: The suitors are a group of over a hundred men who seek Penelope's hand in marriage and usurp
Odysseus's kingdom during his absence. They are depicted as arrogant and disloyal individuals who squander
the wealth and resources of Odysseus's palace. The character of the suitors represents the corruption of power
and the disloyalty that Odysseus must confront upon his return.
10. The Lotus Eaters: The Lotus Eaters are the inhabitants of a distant land whose narcotic plant, the lotus, tempts
Odysseus's crew. Those who consume the lotus experience forgetfulness and a desire to remain on the island.
The character of the Lotus Eaters represents the allure of temptation and the challenges faced during the
journey home.
Question: What is the central theme in "The Odyssey" Question: What material temptation is offered by the
that involves the journey of the hero and the challenges Lotus Eaters to Odysseus's crew?
he faces? Answer: The narcotic plant called the lotus, which
Answer: The hero's journey. induces forgetfulness.

Question: Which god of the sea holds a grudge against Question: What is the name of the nymph who assists
Odysseus and presents many obstacles on his voyage? Odysseus after his release from Calypso's island,
Answer: Poseidon. providing him with advice and materials for his journey?
Answer: Ino, also known as Leucothea.
Question: What is the name of the enchanting creatures
whose songs lure sailors to their deaths in "The Question: What are the songs of the Sirens known for,
Odyssey"? and how does Odysseus avoid their deadly allure?
Answer: The Sirens. Answer: The songs of the Sirens are known for luring
sailors to their deaths. To resist their allure, Odysseus
Question: Who is the sorceress who transforms has his crew block their ears with beeswax, while he
Odysseus's crew into pigs but later becomes an ally? himself is tied to the mast of the ship.
Answer: Circe.
Question: Who is the keeper of the winds in "The
Question: In his encounter with Polyphemus, what does Odyssey," and how does Odysseus use the gift of the
Odysseus use as a weapon to blind the cyclops? winds in his journey?
Answer: A sharpened wooden stake. Answer: Aeolus is the keeper of the winds. He provides
Odysseus with a bag of winds to aid his journey.
Question: What is the name of the stratagem used by However, when Odysseus's crew opens the bag, it
the Greeks to infiltrate Troy in "The Odyssey"? results in a disastrous setback.
Answer: The Trojan Horse.
Question: What are some of the major character flaws
Question: What is the primary conflict in "The Odyssey" and strengths of Odysseus, and how do these traits
involving Penelope and a group of over a hundred men? influence his journey in "The Odyssey"?
Answer: The suitors seeking Penelope's hand in Answer: Odysseus is known for his intelligence,
marriage and attempting to claim Odysseus's throne. resourcefulness, and cleverness, but he also exhibits
traits like arrogance and recklessness. These
Question: What is the name of the nymph who detains characteristics influence his actions and the challenges
Odysseus on her island and keeps him as her lover for he faces on his journey.
seven years?
Answer: Calypso. Question: In "The Odyssey," what role does the concept
of xenia, or guest-friendship, play in the narrative, and
Question: In "The Odyssey," which material tempts how is it illustrated in the epic?
Odysseus's crew on the island of the Lotus Eaters? Answer: Xenia is a central theme and cultural practice in
Answer: The narcotic plant called the lotus. ancient Greece. It involves the relationship between
hosts and guests. The concept is illustrated through
Question: What is the name of the multi-headed sea various encounters in the epic, such as the hospitality
monster encountered by Odysseus, representing one of offered by hosts and the expectations of respect from
his challenges on the journey? guests.
Answer: Scylla.
Question: What are the roles of the minor gods and Question: How does the theme of the role of fate and
goddesses in "The Odyssey," and how do they influence the gods influence the events in "The Odyssey," and
the events in the epic? how do the gods both aid and hinder Odysseus in his
Answer: Minor gods and goddesses, such as Hermes journey?
and Eurylochus, play crucial roles in guiding, assisting, Answer: The theme of fate and the gods is a recurring
or challenging Odysseus on his journey. They represent motif, with divine forces favoring or thwarting Odysseus
the complex relationship between mortals and the as they see fit.
divine in the narrative.
Question: In "The Odyssey," how does the theme of
Question: What is the significance of the character hospitality, represented by the concept of xenia, impact
Eumaeus in "The Odyssey," and how does he contribute the narrative, and what are some examples of its
to the story? significance in the story?
Answer: Eumaeus is a loyal swineherd who helps Answer: The theme of hospitality and xenia plays a
Odysseus and Telemachus. He represents loyalty, pivotal role in the narrative, with encounters between
humility, and the contrast between the faithful servants hosts and guests illustrating the cultural practice of
and the disloyal suitors. hospitality.

Question: What is the significance of the character Question: What are the symbolic elements and themes
Tiresias, a blind seer, in "The Odyssey," and how does associated with the return of Odysseus to Ithaca, and
his advice influence Odysseus's journey? what does it signify in the context of the epic?
Answer: Tiresias is a prophet who provides Odysseus Answer: The return of Odysseus to Ithaca symbolizes
with important advice and prophecies during his visit to the restoration of order, the return of a rightful ruler,
the Underworld. His insights help shape Odysseus's and the resolution of the central conflict in the epic
actions.

Question: How does the character of Athena represent

the interplay between the divine and mortal realms in
"The Odyssey"?
Answer: Athena, the goddess of wisdom, is a key figure
who frequently intervenes in the mortal world. She
offers guidance and protection to Odysseus,
exemplifying the complex relationship between the
gods and mortals in the epic.

Question: How is the theme of loyalty and fidelity

explored in "The Odyssey," and what characters
exemplify these qualities?
Answer: Loyalty and fidelity are prominent themes in
the epic, with Penelope's unwavering loyalty to
Odysseus serving as a powerful example.

Question: What role does cleverness and

resourcefulness play in the narrative of "The Odyssey,"
and how does Odysseus use these qualities to
overcome challenges?
Answer: Cleverness and resourcefulness are central
themes, and Odysseus employs these qualities in
various exploits, such as the Trojan Horse and blinding
Polyphemus.
Question: How does the concept of nostalgia or Question: What moral and ethical dilemmas does
"nostos" (the desire to return home) contribute to the Odysseus face on his journey, and how do his decisions
overall theme of "The Odyssey," and what moments in reflect the theme of moral choice in the epic?
the epic reflect this yearning for home? Answer: Odysseus faces moral and ethical dilemmas,
Answer: The concept of nostalgia or "nostos" is a such as deciding whether to reveal his identity or
central theme in "The Odyssey." It represents the strong blinding Polyphemus to escape. These decisions reflect
desire to return home, which is a driving force for the theme of moral choice, as he often balances
Odysseus throughout the epic. Moments that reflect competing values and desires.
this yearning for home include his emotional reunion
with Penelope and his eventual return to Ithaca. Question: How does the theme of prophecy and fate
intersect with the actions and choices of the characters
Question: What role does disguise and deception play in in "The Odyssey," and what are some examples of
the narrative of "The Odyssey," and how does Odysseus prophetic moments in the narrative?
use these tactics during his journey? Answer: The theme of prophecy and fate is woven into
Answer: Disguise and deception are common tactics the narrative, with characters seeking guidance from
used by Odysseus during his journey. He often assumes oracles and encountering prophetic moments. For
false identities to outwit his adversaries, such as when instance, Tiresias provides prophecies in the
he pretends to be a beggar upon his return to Ithaca Underworld, and the suitors consult the bird diviner
and uses the element of surprise to his advantage. Theoclymenus.

Question: In "The Odyssey," how is the theme of the Question: What symbolism is associated with the
hero's dual nature explored, with Odysseus often character of Argos, Odysseus's loyal dog, and how does
depicted as both a cunning trickster and a valiant his story contribute to the emotional depth of the epic?
warrior? Answer: Argos, Odysseus's loyal dog, symbolizes
Answer: The theme of the hero's dual nature in "The faithfulness and enduring loyalty. His death upon seeing
Odyssey" is illustrated by the fact that Odysseus is both Odysseus return to Ithaca underscores the emotional
a cunning trickster, using his wits to overcome depth and the idea that even faithful companions await
challenges, and a valiant warrior, as seen in his heroic the return of their loved ones.
exploits in the Trojan War.
Question: How do the themes of memory and
Question: What is the significance of the character of forgetfulness play a role in "The Odyssey," with the
Eurylochus in "The Odyssey," and how does he lotus-eaters inducing forgetfulness and Penelope using
represent the complexities of loyalty and leadership? memory as a test of Odysseus's identity?
Answer: Eurylochus is a character in "The Odyssey" who Answer: The theme of memory and forgetfulness is
raises questions about loyalty and leadership. He seen through the lotus-eaters, who induce forgetfulness
initially leads a mutiny against Odysseus, demonstrating and a desire to remain, and Penelope's use of the
the complexities of loyalty within the crew. memory of their marriage bed as a test of Odysseus's
identity.
Question: How does the theme of transformation and
metamorphosis manifest in "The Odyssey," with Question: What role does the element of time play in
characters like Circe and the transformation of "The Odyssey," and how does the epic's narrative
Odysseus's crew into animals? structure with flashbacks and cyclical events enhance its
Answer: Transformation and metamorphosis are storytelling?
recurring themes in the epic. Characters like Circe have Answer: Time is a significant element in "The Odyssey."
the power to transform others, and this theme The narrative structure with flashbacks and cyclical
represents the idea of change and adaptation on the events enhances storytelling by creating a sense of
hero's journey. nostalgia and emphasizing the importance of the past
and the passage of time in the hero's journey.