Odyssey book 9-10

• What is the title of the narrative that Odysseus is making in books nine to twelve of the Odyssey?

  The Apology
• Who does Odysseus speak to after being shipwrecked?

  King Alcinous
• Where is Odysseus found after being shipwrecked?

  On the beach hiding behind a leafy branch
• What is the presumed location of the island where Odysseus is found?

  Modern Corfu or a smaller Albanian island
• How far is the location of Odysseus from Agra Gaea?

  20 days sailing
• What does Odysseus invoke Zeus as during his narrative?

  The god of guests
• How does Odysseus express his feelings towards Zeus in his narrative?

  He blames Zeus for his misfortune
• What does Odysseus sacrifice at the end of the book?

  A ram
• What does Odysseus claim about Zeus's reaction to his sacrifice?

  Zeus takes no notice of it
• What is one of the important themes in the narrative regarding Odysseus?

  His reputation
• What does Odysseus confirm to King Alcinous at the beginning of the book?

  His name and background
• What mistake does Odysseus make after leaving the Cyclops?

  He reveals his name in anger
• What is the significance of Odysseus's piety in the narrative?

  It reflects his respect for the gods and rituals
• How many stages does Odysseus's journey consist of in book nine?

  Six stages
• What is the first stage of Odysseus's journey from Troy?

  To Ismaris, the city of the Cicones
• What happens during the second stage of Odysseus's journey?

  They spend two days and two nights on an unnamed island
• What is the fourth stage of Odysseus's journey?

  They reach the island of the Lotus-Eaters
• What does Odysseus take with him to the Cyclops island?

  A goatskin full of precious wine
• How do Odysseus's men initially behave upon arriving at the Cyclops island?

  They eat some of the Cyclops's cheese
• What is the name of the Cyclops that Odysseus encounters?

  Polyphemus
• What does Polyphemus do when he first meets Odysseus and his men?

  He kills two men and eats them
• What does Odysseus plan to do after Polyphemus kills his men?

  He plans to kill Polyphemus that night
• Why does Odysseus realize he cannot kill Polyphemus immediately?

  Because of the heavy boulder blocking the door
• What does Odysseus use to blind Polyphemus?

  A huge staff of green olive wood
• How does Odysseus hide the sharpened staff before using it?

  In a dung pile
• What clever trick does Odysseus use when asked for his name by Polyphemus?

  He tells him he is "Nobody"
• What is the significance of the Cyclops saying "Nobody has hurt me"?

  It confuses the other Cyclopes who cannot help him
• How do Odysseus and his men escape from the Cyclops's cave?

  By hiding under the sheep
• How many men does Odysseus lose to Polyphemus?

  Six men
• What does Odysseus offer to Polyphemus before he gets him drunk?

  A bowl of very strong wine
• What does Odysseus do to the staff before blinding Polyphemus?

  He heats it in the fire
• How does Odysseus's cleverness play a role in his encounter with Polyphemus?

  He uses trickery to escape and blind the Cyclops
• What does the green olive wood signify in Odysseus's plan?

  It won't burn, making it suitable for blinding
• What does Odysseus do after blinding Polyphemus?

  He escapes with his men under the sheep
• What does Odysseus's encounter with Polyphemus reveal about his character?

  It shows his intelligence and resourcefulness
• How does the theme of hospitality (Xenia) play out in Odysseus's encounter with Polyphemus?

  Polyphemus violates the principle of hospitality by attacking Odysseus's men
• What does Odysseus's clever use of language demonstrate in his interaction with Polyphemus?

  His ability to manipulate situations to his advantage
• What is the fate of Odysseus's men after they escape from Polyphemus?

  They are tied under the sheep to escape
• How does Odysseus's encounter with Polyphemus contribute to the overall narrative of the Odyssey?

  It highlights themes of cleverness, survival, and the consequences of pride
• "he was not yet dead, but he would die soon enough"