Study Guide Answer Key: Book 1

Use the answers to the questions below as a guide to evaluate student understanding.  Use the Pronouncing Glossary at the back of The Odyssey if you need help with names and places.

Where is Odysseus?

Odysseus is in Ogygia, with Calypso.

Who did Aegisthus murder?  Who murdered him?

Aegisthus murdered Agamemnon and Orestes murdered Aegisthus.

Who is Atlas’ daughter, mentioned by Athena?

Calyspo (line 63 of Book 1)

Why does Poseidon hate Odysseus?

Odysseus blinded the son of Poseidon, the cyclops Polyphemus.

Who is Athena disguised as when she appears in Ithaca?

She appears as Mentes, lord of the Taphians and friend of Odysseus. 

Why is Telemachus’s house full of strange men?

They are suitors of Penelope.

What does Athena suggest Telemachus tell Penelope to do, if she wishes to marry?

She suggests he tell Penelope to go to her parent’s house.

Where does King Nestor live? What about Menelaus?

Nestor lives in Pylos and Menelaus in Sparta.

Does Telemachus recognize Athena? How do you know?

Yes, Homer tells us in lines 478-9 of Book 1. 

Who is Antinous?

Antinous is a suitor who, along with Eurymachus, is a highly vocal member of the group.