The Odyssey Characters and Terms

Front

The Trojan War

Back

The 10-year war between the Greeks and Trojans to recover Menelaus's wife, Helen.

Front

Calypso

Back

A sea nymph who detains Odysseus on the island of Ogygia.

Front

Aigisthos

Back

Has an affair with Agamemnon's wife, Clytemnestra. Kills Agamemnon.

Front

Hermes

Back

Messenger of the Greek gods and son of Zeus.

Front

Laertes

Back

Father of Odysseus.

Front

Ithaca

Back

Greek Island; home of Odysseus.

Front

Telemachus

Back

Son of Odysseus and Penelope.

Front

Penelope

Back

Cunning wife of Odysseus; mother of Telemachus, holds off the suitors for many years.

Front

Menelaus

Back

King of Sparta; brother of Agamemnon; husband of Helen.

Front

Zeus

Back

King of the gods of the ancient Greeks.