V. Characters in The Odyssey

1. V. Characters in The Odyssey

2. A. Alcinoos– King of Phaiacians • B. Anticleia– Odysseus’s mother who dies while he was away fight Trojan War • C. Antinoos – ringleader of Penelopeia’s suitors • D. Arete – King Alcinoos’ wife, known for her kindness

3. E. Argons – Odysseus’s old faithful dog • F. Athena – goddess of wisdom, Odysseus’s spiritual guide • G. Calypso – witch/nymph who wanted Odysseus as her husband • H. Circe – daughter of Helios; terrible goddess with lovely hair, who spoke the language of men

4. I. Demodocos – blind minstrel • J. Eumaios – swineherd, a faithful servant of Odysseus • K. Eupeithes – Father of Antinoos • L. Eurycleia – faithful old servant of Odysseus and his family

5. M. Eurymachos – one of Penelopeia’s suitors • N. Hyperion – Sun god • O. Iros – beggar at Odysseus’s home • P. Laertes – Odysseus’s father; lives in seclusion in the country

6. Q. Odysseus – protagonist, epic hero • R. Melanthios – the cruelest of Penelopeia’s suitors • S. Nausicaa – Alcinoos’ daughter • T. Penelopeia – Odysseus’s faithful wife

7. U. Philoitios – faithful cattle herder • V. Poseidon – god of the sea; hates Odysseus; Earthshaker • W. Polyphemos – most powerful of all Cyclops; Poseidon’s son • X. Telemachos – Odysseus’s son • Y. Theoclymenos – prophet who returns to Ithaca with Telemachos • Z. Teiresias – blind Theban prohet

8. VI. Vocabulary • A. Mentor – special teacher or leader • B. Nectar and ambrosia – food and drink of the gods (wine and fruit) • C. Nymph – beautiful immortal maidens that lived in mountains, forests, and water • D. Cuckold – a man whose wife is unfaithful

9. E. Cudgel – a short, heavy club • F. Hind – a farm assistant; female red deer • G. Lacrimation – excessive crying

10. H. Minx – an ill-behaved, provocative woman • I. Cajole – to persuade with flattery • J. Gaffer – old man; employer or overseer