Odyssey+9

Summary: (Kate W)
In this chapter Odysseus explained to King Alcinous his attempted journey from troy to Ithaca, and his encounters with the Cyclops. Odysseus tells King Alcinous that his fleet of ships first fell upon a series of enchanting islands with mythical fruits that made his troops want to abandon their journey home. Odysseus also tells the king that after he had gathered his unwilling troops to the ships for further venture they found the lush island of the Cyclops. When they landed their ships Odysseus rounded 12 of the best men in his company to explore the lay of the land and the cave of Polyphemus. Once they entered Polyphemus cave they found vast amounts of cheese, sheep and ewe’s. Then the feasted on these goods until they were full, and hid in the deep caverns of the cave awaiting the arrival of the Cyclops. When he arrived his milk his sheep as he did routinely, lit a fire and then found Odysseus and his troops hiding, Odysseus tried to persuade him to give them the gift of hospitality, he was enraged by this ate most of his men whole as punishment to Odysseus for telling him what to do. Polyphemus kept Odysseus as prisoner, until he was able to devise a plan to escape his wrath.

Major Themes (and page numbers): (Brenda)
Loyalty-111 Homeric Hero- 115 to 123 Hospitality- 115 Homeric Similes- 121, 124

Locations Traveled and Mentioned: (Molly)
Ismarus (p.111) Where Odysseus and his comrades killed the Cicones men, and stole the women and many valuable items.

Malea (p.112)

Cythera (p.112)

Country of the Lotus-Eaters (p.112) Where Odysseus' men ate the lotus fruit, and had to be forced by Odysseus to leave the island.

Cyclopes' Country (p.113)

The luxuriant neighboring island with goats (p.113) Where Odysseus and some of his men blind Polyphemus.

Study Guide Questions:
Odysseus tells to Alcinous about his sad wanderings and all the things he has had to go through.
 * What is the first thing that Odysseus reveals to Alcinous? (Marla) **

Zeus sent down great winds and a great storm from the North. The crew then rowed the ships for nine days until they are carried to the land of the lotus eaters.
 * What happened on Ismarus? (Marla) **

If you eat the lotus fruit you will forget about trying to get home and we will just stay on the island and eat more lotus fruit.
 * What happens if you eat the lotus fruit? (Marla) **

There is a cave which is the home of many goats who are not bothered by humans.
 * What lives on the island next to the Cyclopes? (Marla) **

the cyclops doesnt see Odysseus and his men so the cyclops goes on with his normal routine, driving his flock into the cave and starting his fire. After he finishes preparing for his dinner he then spies Odysseus and his men.
 * What does the Cyclops do when he enters the cave? (Marla) **

He eats his men, and imprisons Odysseus and the rest of his men.
 * How does the Cyclops treat Odysseus and his men? (Sam) **

He finds a stick, heats it, and puts it under a fire and throws it at his eye.
 * What does the Cyclops do after hearing about Poseidon’s actions? (Sam) **

He can't kill him because he's the one that his able to move the rock to get him out of his cave.
 * Why can’t Odysseus kill the Cyclops? (Sam) **

He tells him that his name is Nobody.
 * What does Odysseus tell the Cyclops his name is? (Sam) **

He gives
 * What “gift” does the Cyclops give to Odysseus? (Sam) **

They take an olive branch and heat the end up in the fire, then stab it in his eye and twist it in until it begins to bleed.
 * What do the men do to Polyphemus? (Hiba) **

They climb underneath the rams and cling onto their fur. The next day when Polyphemus opens the rock to let the rams and sheep outside, Odysseus and the men run out with them.
 * How do Odysseus and his men escape? (Hiba) **

The prophecy told that a man named Odysseus would rob him of his sight.
 * What was the prophecy that Telemus made to Polyphemus? (Hiba) **

He prays that Odysseus will never reach Ithaca, or at least to come late, after losing all his comrades, and have trouble when he returns.
 * What does Polyphemus pray to Poseidon to for? (Hiba) **