Book 11 Land of the Dead: P. 1064

Book 11 Land of the Dead: p. 1064 Background: The Greeks believed that after a person dies, his or her spirit went to the underworld, a land below the earth. They believed that a person’s spirit continued to exist after death. The spirit had to make a long journey to the underworld and could not complete its journey unless the proper rites were observed. The spirits that had not yet reached the underworld were frightening, restless and hungry. The ruler of the underworld was the god Hades, brother of Zeus (ruler of the sky) and of Poseidon (ruler of sea). Sometimes people who were compelled traitors are extremely evil/bad were denied proper burial rights as a punishment.

Questions! Line# Answer: Write the quote or in your own words

1. What is happening in lines 550-564? In this passage Odysseus is placating the spirits of the dead with milk,honey,wine,water, barley and animal sacrifices.

2. Why does Odysseus grow sick with fear?

3. Who is Odysseus looking for and why?

4. Who is Elpenor and what is his problem Lines 576-610

5. Who does Odysseus see next? Does it Lines 614 surprise him? Why?

6. How does Odysseus demonstrate his heroic qualities in this passage?

7. What does Tiresias foretell? Lines 637-651 8. What must Odysseus do? Lines 663-667

9. What desired consequences will come from Lines 667-670 following Tiresias advice?

Book 12 1) The Sirens p.1071-73 2) Scylla and Charybdis p.1073-76 3) The Cattle of the Sun p.1076-83 Background: True to his word, Odysseus returns to Circe’s island for the Elpenor’s funeral. Next the Greeks must get past the Sirens (temptation) whose irresistible songs lure sailors to their death. Next they must confront Syclla ( a six headed monster) or Charybdis ( a monster whirlpool that swallows everything near it three times a day). Finally, if the Greeks survive these terrors, they will meet the most dangerous test of all: the temptation of the island of the sun god, Helios. If they can resist temptation they can return home safely.

Questions Line # Answer: write the quote or in your own words 1) The Sirens p.1071-73 1. Summarize Odysseus speech in lines 685-398. What is the plan? 2. Do you think the Sirens’ song is the same for every listener?

3. What lesson/morals is Homer trying to teach?

2) Scylla and Charybdis p.1073-76 4. What dilemma are the men facing?

5. How does Odysseus show he is a good leader in lines 763-782?

6. Why does Odysseus keep the information about Scylla secret from his men? 7. What is the morals/lessons Homer wants a. to teach the audience. b.

8. Lines 823-4, What does this passage reveal about Odysseus’ character?

3)Cattle of the Sun God p.1076 8. How long are Odysseus and his crew stuck on Helios Island?

9. Summarize Eurylochus’ insidious plea to a. the crew ( include 2 points)

b. 10.What happens each time Odysseus falls asleep?

11. Restate what does Lord Helios threaten to do? Why?

12.Explain what would this mean for a. mortals? b.

13. What two strange occurrences appear a. after the crew eat the cattle?

b. 14. What does Zeus do to Odysseus ship and crew?

15. After nine days of drifting alone at sea, Odysseus reaches the island of Ogygia, who lives there?

16.Where is Odysseus at when he finishes telling this tale?