The Odyssey Background Knowledge

In ancient Greek mythology, who is the king of the gods?

• Zeus

• Poseidon

• Hades

• Hera

In ancient Greek mythology, who is god of the sea?

• Athena

• Hermes

• Poseidon

• Apollo

The nations of __________ & _____________ fought against each other in the Trojan War.

What was the purpose of the Trojan horse?

• a gift of surrender

• a symbol of power

• a mockery of defeat

• a deceptive military tactic

Who is Athena?

• Zeus' wife

• goddess of wisdom and war

• Poseidon's daughter

• goddess of knowledge and peace

The Odyssey is written as an ____________ poem.

What is an archetypal character?

• A complex character who symbolically embodies a universal meaning and basic human experiences, regardless of time or place.

• A simplistic character who assumes an easily identifiable role based on a narrow set of traits.

• A character who changes and develops throughout the story.

• A character who does not change or develop throughout the story.

Which are characteristics of an archetypal hero? Check all that apply.

• Unusual circumstances of birth

• Goes on a quest

• Possesses a special weapon and/or superhuman traits

• Receives supernatural help

• Sacrifices himself for the greater good

Who is the Muse?

• goddess of enlightenment

• goddess of light

• goddess of learning

• goddess who inspires art, literature, and science

If a stranger came to your home, ancient Greek customs dictated that you must... (Check all that are true.)

• give them food

• invite them in to your home

• give them somewhere to rest safely

• be punished by the gods if you treat them unkindly