Book XIII

After Odysseus has finished his story, King Alcinous, moved by Odysseus' tale, makes sure Odysseus is well prepared to set back out. He orders some of his people to be crewmen on Odysseus' ship. The Phaecians give Odysseus lavish gifts made of bronze. Alcinous even holds a celebration that features a banquet , Demodocus' singing, and an offering to Zeus by killing an ox, so Odysseus will have a safe journey back. Once Poseidon realizes Odysseus had arrived in Ithaca, he becomes furious that the Phaecians helped him and calls on Zeus for permission to attack Odysseus. When Odysseus awakes, he can hardly recognize Ithaca. Athena explains that he is indeed home, and that he must plan to attack the suitors.

Why do you think Athena disguised Ithaca so Odysseus wouldn't recognize it?

Why is it important for him to be in disguise at his own home, after being away for so long?

In book twelve, Odysseus returns to Elpanor to bury his dead crewmate. There he and his crew stay overnight with Circe, she tells Odysseus of the obstacles he must face before returning to Ithaca, such as Scylla and Charybdis. Once past the initial obstacles they stay for a month on Helios’ island with his sacred animals. Although instructed not to, Odysseus’ men slaughter them for food, this results in all of them dying except for Odysseus.

                Why do you think Odysseus went out of his way to return to his dead crewmate in order to give him a proper burial?

                Odysseus has shown that he can get through almost any physical obstacle. After this book, what physiological obstacles do you think he will have to pass?

               

Book 11

In this section of The Odyssey, Odysseus tells us about his visit to the underworld and of the many people he met while he was there. He receives advice and predictions about his future from multiple people in this section. What is some of the advice/predictions he receives and from who? How do you think that this affects his decisions later in the story and presently as he continues his journey? Do you think that hearing about his future from Tiresias affected the way he made decisions later in the story?

The Odyssey Book X

In book ten Odysseus tells Alcinous the second part of his journey. There are many instances where the Gods interfere and help/ hurt Odysseus and his crew. Although the Gods have been a big reason that Odysseus has not made it home yet, he continues to trust them and do what they say. Why do you think that Odysseys so readily trusts the Gods and does their bidding? Why do you think that the Gods continue to help him or hurt him? Why does Odysseus sometimes seem go against what he thinks is morally right and do what the Gods want?

The Odyssey Book IX

In book IX, we come across an incident where Odysseus reacts with anger, (Lines 558-563). This side of Odysseus that we see is very new. Why do you think this area of his personality is just presenting itself now? Odysseus has been living an extremely harsh life for years, and he has never expressed real rage. Give some examples where Odysseus should have reacted with anger within some of his hardships, but did not show it.

The Odyssey Book VIII

Throughout the book, Odysseus has suffered and been mocked on his journeys, but he seems to maintain his values. Give an example of when he is tactful and respectful in this chapter. Why do you think Odysseus remains honorable despite actions by either the gods or mortals that interrupt his voyage home?

Odyssey Book VII

Athena intervenes into Odysseus's life again while he is trying to find the palace of King Alcinous. What advice does she she give him so that he is assured a way to travel home by the King? Athena must have other duties to tend to as the daughter of Zeus, but why do you think she keeps intervening in the life of Odysseus, a mortal?

The Odyssey Books V and VI

We finally get to meet Odysseus.  Think back to some of the references made and epithets given about Odysseus in Books I-IV.  Give two examples from Books V and VI that support or refute those earlier references / epithets.