The Odyssey: Cicones - Cycolps

The epithet, or repeated phrase, Homer uses to describe Odysseus is "son of _____"

• Laertes

• Anticlea

• Ithica

• Larry

Answer explanation

Laertes was married to Anticlea and King of Cephallenians. His realm included many islands (including Ithica), and presumably some of the mainland.

Odysseus is recounting the events of his journey to his host, Alcinous, king of the Phaeacians, after having spent seven years on the island of Ogigya with the nymph _______

• Charybdis

• Calliope

• Circe

• Calypso

Answer explanation

Calypso loved Odysseus, but could not overcome his longing to return home. Not even when she promised him immortality.

In the land of the Cicones, Odysseus and his men's ______ costs them dearly.

• ego

• pride

• hubris

• laziness

Answer explanation

Odysseus and his men are guilty of hubris, or excessive pride. It cost Odysseus 72 men.

Before they arrived on the island of the cyclops, Odysseus and his men landed on the Island of the ______ - Eaters, where the inhabitants lived a carefree life and eating a plant.

• Flower

• Lily pad

• Plant

• Lotus

Answer explanation

Consuming the lotus plant made the inhabitants of the island live in a state of bliss and have no sense of urgency.

Why didn't the cyclops feel threatened by Odysseus and his men?

Choose the best answer.

• They had no weapons

• They were much too small

• Even if they killed him, they would be stuck in the cave

• He could just crush them if they tried

Answer explanation

Polyphemus was the only one strong enough to move the boulder blocking the entrance. If the men killed him, they would be stuck in the cave.

How many men does Polyphemus eat?

• 2

• 4

• 6

• 8

Answer explanation

Polyphemus eats two men for dinner the first night, two more for breakfast, and again two men for dinner the second night.

Odysseus originally tells Polyphemus his name is

• Odysseus

• Nobody

• Everybody

• Somebody

Answer explanation

Odysseus and his men stab Polyphemus in his eye. Odysseus tells Polyphemus his name is Nobody. When Polyphemus calls out in pain for other cyclops to help him, he yells, "Nobody has hurt me!" and so no other cyclops come to his aid.

How did Odysseus and his men escape the cave of the cyclops?

• On the underbelly of his sheep

• By working together to move the rock

• Men from the boats come and let them out

• They threaten Polyphemus until he agrees to let them go

Answer explanation

Odysseus and his men strap themselves to the underside of Polyphemus's sheep as he must let them out of the cave to graze. Polyphemus feels the back of each sheep before they are let out and doesn't realize the men have escaped.

This God is angry with Odysseus because of what he did to his son, Polyphemus, so he makes Odysseus's journey home very difficult

• Apollo

• Hades

• Zeus

• Poseidon

Answer explanation

Odysseus must journey across the sea to return home to Ithica. Angering Posiedon was a grave mistake and make is journey last many years.

How does Poseidon know who blinded Polyphemus?

• Odysseus told Polyphemus his real name as he sailed away

• Zeus is always watching and told Poseidon

• The other Cyclops on the island recognized him by his ships

• One of his men turned on him and told Poseidon in a prayer hoping to be spared

Answer explanation

Odysseus could not help himself, he had to tell Polyphemus his real name so that it would be known he was responsible for this tricky act.