CharactersCharacters

Odysseus- main character who is our hero of this story and is showing his identity by looking on his past adventures

Aeolois- a helpful king who shows Xenia, but also demonstrates fear of the gods by not helping Odysseus the second time

Crew- at first they show loyalty, but then they show how temptation can lead to trouble when they opened the bag as we learned from our earlier destruction myths

Kirke- demonstrates power of goddesses, but also disputes the way of the patriarchal society by getting rid of the men in her world so she as a woman could lead

Antiphates- demonstrates the risks of this journey and obstacles on Odysseus' way home and also does not show Xenia

Eurylokhos- one of Odysseus’ crew members. Shows doubt of Odysseus Shows good leadership at first, but breaks down when he encounters Kirke.

ThemesThemes

Xenia- Aeolis displays Xenia by holding a feast for Odysseus and housing him for a month (pg. 165- line 15)

Desire to Return Home- Aeolis gives him supplies because Odysseus’ only desire is to return home

Loyalty- Aeolis shows Odysseus loyalty by helping him get home Crew first shows loyalty when voyage starts Crew betrays loyalty first by opening Odysseus’ bag of gifts

Pleasure vs. Duty- Odysseus sleeps with Kirke to free crew

Role of Women- Kirke despises men and uses her powers over men by making them into pigs

Conflict: Man & Gods- Aeolis believes the rest of the gods are against Odysseus.

Epithets Epithets

Aiolos- wind king dear to the gods, warden of winds

Odysseus- glory of commanders, o great contender, master mariner and soldier, master of land and sea ways

Kirke- loveliest of all immortals

Odysseus: LeaderOdysseus: Leader

As a leader Odysseus has always been very wise, but his crewmate Eurylokhos believes he is over confident and will end up killing the whole crew

Odysseus may be becoming a little hubristic is his strength as a leader and warrior and hero, but it has not been the death of him

The sadness from all his dead crew members may be taking a toll and he can only put up with so much loss when he is already feeling like he lost his home

ContinuedContinued

When Odysseus heads off to attack Kirke against Eurylokhos’ suggestion he is making a rash move, but he is saved by Hermes

The influence of the gods has once again saved Odysseus’ life

Odysseus does not make many mistakes as a leader, but it appears that way since he has encountered many bad hosts who have killed his men