In Book 11, Odysseus meets Achilles in the underworld and hears about Peleus, Achilles's father. Odysseus learns that "old age has lamed his [Peleus's] arms and legs," and that rivals are threatening Peleus. Achilles wishes that he could be on earth among the living to help his father.
Full Answer
What does Achilles learn from his interaction with Odysseus?
After Achilles listens to Odysseus elaborate on his son's exploits, his shade swiftly moves away, rejoicing and celebrating his son. Through Odysseus's interaction with Achilles, he discovers that the underworld is an awful place where comfort and pleasure do not exist.
What does Odysseus learn about his destiny in Book 11?
Odysseus learns that Poseidon will make it very difficult for him to get home; he will never escape Poseidon. Tiresias tells Odysseus that he will kill the suitors when he gets home and that he will arrive home a lot later than expected. Considering this, what does the prophecy at the end of Book 11 reveal about Odysseus's destiny?
What happened in Book 11 of the Odyssey?
After Achilles listens to Odysseus elaborate on his son's exploits, his shade swiftly moves away, rejoicing and celebrating his son. Through Odysseus's interaction with Achilles, he discovers that the underworld is an awful place where comfort and pleasure do not exist. Click to see full answer. Furthermore, what happened in Book 11 of the Odyssey?
How does Odysseus conclude his tale?
She herself died of grief and longing for Odysseus. He tried to put his arms around her, but each time she dissolved at his touch. At this point Odysseus concludes his tale. It is late, and he asks the court again for passage home.
What does Odysseus learn from Achilles?
Odysseus envies Achilles' strength and the glory that it won him; Achilles envies Odysseus for being alive. The differences reflect the change in outlook between The Iliad and The Odyssey. The first epic celebrates the glory ( kleos ) that comes from winning battles, and the mighty Achilles is naturally the focus.
What lessons does Odysseus learn in Book 11?
From his mother, Odysseus learns of Penelope's faithfulness, Telemachus' duties as a magistrate (she died before Telemachus own coming of age), and Laertes', Odysseus' father, retirement to the country, unable to face the seeming fall of the house of Odysseus.
What advice does Achilles give Odysseus in Book 11?
Achilles tells Odysseus that his experience in Hades is miserable; would rather be a servant on earth than the ruler of the Underworld. Achilles asks Odysseus about his son and father: Achilles' son (Neoptolemus) is brave, runs into battle first; similar to his father.
How does Odysseus change in Book 11?
Through the story he does evolve and develop as a character; by the end of the story, he is more patient and is able to put his pride to the side, and becomes more cunning and even reduces his stature of King of Ithaca, and disguises himself as a beggar, and allowing abuse from the suitors.
What happens in Book 11 of the Odyssey?
Summary: Book 11 Odysseus travels to the River of Ocean in the land of the Cimmerians. There he pours libations and performs sacrifices as Circe earlier instructs him to do to attract the souls of the dead. The first to appear is that of Elpenor, the crewman who broke his neck falling from Circe's roof.
What is the theme of Book 11 in the Odyssey?
Everyone must drink the blood before they can speak to him. Blood serves as a connection from the living to the dead. This relates to the theme of suffering and sacrifice ñ blood must be spilled for the gods so that the laws of nature are broken, the living can speak to the dead.
What is Book 11 of The Odyssey called?
Summary. The Land of the Dead is near the homes of the Cimmerians, who live "shrouded in mist and cloud" (11.17), never seeing the sun. Odysseus follows Circe's instructions, digging a trench at the site prescribed and pouring libations of milk, honey, mellow wine, and pure water.
Is Odysseus a hero in Book 11?
0:442:03The Odyssey by Homer | Book 11 Summary and Analysis - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe land of the dead is representative of a very important symbolic motion that Odysseus has to goMoreThe land of the dead is representative of a very important symbolic motion that Odysseus has to go through living up to his responsibilities. Challenging his ability to own.
What is the conflict in Book 11 of the Odyssey?
the internal conflict in book 11, A Gathering Of Shades, is at Odysseus is missing his home. And when Tiresias tells Odysseus that there is nothing but anguish waiting ahead, he grieves upon what has been said & what is going to be said.
What does Achilles tell Odysseus in the Underworld?
Do not grieve, then, Achilles, at your death.” These words he answered, swiftly: “Glorious Odysseus: don't try to reconcile me to my dying. I'd rather serve as another man's labourer, as a poor peasant without land, and be alive on Earth, than be lord of all the lifeless dead.
Why is book 11 important?
The overall significance of Book 11 to the epic is that it shows how things change over time (Anticleia's death, the suitors at his home), which can be missed if someone is not around. It also shows us that the Ancient Greeks believe in destiny and intervention from the gods.
Is Odysseus a good leader in Book 11?
Finally, Odysseus's immense bravery proves that he is a strong leader. Despite his treacherous, long journey, Odysseus never gives up in the face of fear, which lifts the confidence of the whole crew. Additionally, because Odysseus conquers every man he encounters with ease, he protects his men.
What book is Odysseus in?
The Odyssey: Book 11. LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Odyssey, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work. Odysseus continues telling his tale to Alcinous and the Phaeacians.
What does Elpenor do when Odysseus meets his mother?
When Odysseus meets the ghost of his mother, we see the degree to which he is willing to sacrifice personal feeling to prudence and piety: he holds his own mother at bay in order to follow Circe's instructions.
What did Odysseus do when he reached the entrance to the world of the dead?
When he and his men reached the entrance to the world of the dead, they did exactly as Circe said: they dug a trench, offered libations, and sacrificed a ewe and a ram. Thousands of ghosts appeared when the blood started flowing.
What is the theme of the book The Ghost of Odysseus?
Active Themes. Odysseus describes the conversation he had with Agamemnon. The ghost discussed his wife's infidelity; he told Odysseus that her lover Aegisthus murdered him and his comrades right at the dinner table. His wife's behavior, he said, stained all women everywhere.
What happens if Odysseus kills the cattle?
The men will reach home, said Tiresias, if they leave the Cattle of the Sun unharmed. If they kill the cattle, Odysseus will come home alone. But before settling down in peace, he will have to make one more voyage to a land far away from any sea and make sacrifices to appease Poseidon.
What does talking to Odysseus' mother mean?
Talking to his mother makes Odysseus long for home and family, but talking to Agamemnon makes him wary of that home. Though Odysseus loves his family, he must treat them with suspicion: he must employ cunning in dealing with friends and enemies both. One must always keep oneself partially hidden. Active Themes.
What does Odysseus ask the court for?
At this point Odysseus concludes his tale. It is late, and he asks the court again for passage home. The king and queen promise him many fine gifts if he stays on a little longer and ask him to describe the soldiers and heroes he met in the land of the dead.
What does the prophet tell Odysseus to do?
Furthermore, the prophet instructs Odysseus that he must eventually pursue yet another quest, carrying his oar inland until he meets a race of men who know so little about the sea that they think the oar is "a fan to winnow grain" (11.146). At that place, Odysseus is to make certain sacrifices to Poseidon.
What does Tiresias say about Odysseus?
Echoing the curse of the Cyclops (9.590-95), Tiresias warns that Odysseus himself might eventually arrive home, but he will be "a broken man — all shipmates lost" (11.130) and find his household in disarray.
Why was Elpenor left unburied?
Because of the urgency of Odysseus' journey to the Land of the Dead, Elpenor was left unburied, and his spirit requests proper rites when the Greeks return to Aeaea. Others are drawn to the blood: Odysseus' mother, Anticleia; Tiresias the prophet; and old comrades Agamemnon and Achilles, among others. Analysis.
Why can't Odysseus hold his mother?
In one of the most moving scenes in the epic, Odysseus tries three times to hold his mother but cannot because she is no longer flesh and blood.
What did Odysseus do to attract the dead?
He ceremoniously sprinkles barley and then sacrifices a ram and a ewe, the dark blood flowing into the trench to attract the dead . First to approach is Elpenor, one of Odysseus' men who died just ...
What is the journey to the Land of the Dead?
The journey to the Land of the Dead — where the dead ("souls") receive reciprocity ("Justice") — is not so much a test for Odysseus as it is an epiphany. His mortality is put in context as he watches the shades of warrior comrades, legendary figures, and even his own mother. Following instructions, he must speak with Tiresias, the blind seer from Thebes, before he can allow his mother or any others to approach. Drinking the blood temporarily revitalizes the dead; briefly they can communicate with Odysseus and speak only truth.
What is Odysseus' only solace?
His only solace is to hear that his son fares well in life. The dead flock toward Odysseus. He is overwhelmed and welcomes his departure, feeling that, whatever his struggles in life might be, he prefers them to residence in the Land of the Dead. Glossary. Creon king of Thebes, successor to Oedipus.
What is the book 11 of The Odyssey about?
The Book 11 of The Odyssey serves as representing a foil to Achilles through Agamemnon and Achilles’ stories and showing us a different perspective about heroic death with fame and glory (kleos). Homer uses Agamemnon, Achilles, and Heracles as characters for a comparison between their ended lives in Hades and Odysseus ’ undead life. The story of Achilles ’ failure to return to home and Agamemnon’s tragic death from her faithless wife acts as a foil to Odysseus and her faithful wife in the Book 11. Also, the comparison between Heracles and Achilles in terms of their similar but different reasons of suffering gives another foil to Odysseus. Conversation with Achilles and Elpenor serves as a foil to Odysseus in the aspect of nostos. Elpenor…show more content…
How important is Book 11 to the overall meaning of The Odyssey?
How important is Book 11 to the overall meaning of The Odyssey? The overall significance of Book 11 to the epic is that it shows how things change over time (Anticleia's death, the suitors at his home), which can be missed if someone is not around. It also shows us that the Ancient Greeks believe in destiny and intervention from the gods. The sacrifices and prayers from Odysseus and the attention he pays to Teiresias about returning to Ithaca show this. If he did not pay attention to Teiresias
What is the Odyssey about?
The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic by Homer. It recounts the journey of Odysseus, set after the events of The Iliad and thus, the Trojan war. Odysseus’ name is quite obviously derived from the word Odyssey which means “a series of adventurous journeys usually marked by many changes of fortune” [3]. Being the protagonist and, as such, the one enduring said journeys, the name is quite telling of him and his experiences. Odysseus is not humble in his speech. In Book 9, as he tells his tale to the
How to write an essay on the Iliad?
The Iliad Essay Prompt 1. Complete one take home essay. Provide textual evidence, specific lines and incidents from The Iliad that proves your thesis. You may also draw from The Odyssey. Use in text parenthetical documentation according to MLA standards. The style guide that many colleges use is DianaHacker.com. We will use this style guide for both MLA format and grammar and mechanics. If you have any questions about MLA format, refer to DianaHacker.com. This paper needs to read as
How do the Greek gods differ from the Iliad?
While in the Odyssey, the Gods do not play a major role and serve more as a spiritual guide on a long journey. In the Iliad, the humans are at the mercy of the Gods, meaning that whatever the Gods want to happen will happen regardless of the humans. The Greek Gods in The Iliad are split amongst themselves, with Zeus being the only God
What is the funeral game in Homer's Iliad?
The Funeral Games of Patroklos in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey Coming towards the end of a war which has consumed an entire decade and laid waste the lives of many, the Greek warriors in Troy choose to take the time and energy to hold funeral games. This sequence of events leaves the reader feeling confused because it's not something one would expect and seems highly out of place. Throughout the epic Homer tries to describe what it is to be mortal and often contrasts it with what
What does Achilles say to Ajax?
Achilles’ attitude continues on for so long, and they are so desperate, that that Ajax feels the need to call him out for it: “Achilles - / he’s made his own proud spirit so wild in his chest, / so savage, not a thought for his comrades’ love - / we honored him past all other by the ships. / Hard, ruthless man…” (The
Why does Elpenor ask Odysseus to bury his body?
Elpenor because Odysseus didn't know he was dead. Elpenor asks Odysseus to bury his body.
What does Tiresias warn Odysseus about?
Tiresias warns Odysseus to not harm the cattle on the island of Thrinacie. (O. and his crew have not been there yet! We can assume they will go there in the near future.)
Why is Odysseus shocked when he sees his mom?
Odysseus sees his mom in Hades; he is shocked because he didn't know she died! He asks Tiresias how he can communicate with her.
Who warns Odysseus to keep his arrival in Ithaca a secret?
Agamemnon warns Odysseus to keep his arrival in Ithaca a secret.
Where is Laertes in Odysseus's life?
Laertes (Odysseus's father) is living in isolation on a farm instead of in the palace. He is also grieving for his son and wants to be alon
Who is Achilles' son?
Achilles' son (Neoptolemus) is brave, runs into battle first; similar to his father. Achilles is proud to hear this. He feels honored that his son followed in his footsteps as a great warrior.
Why does Odysseus tell Odysseus to drink blood?
he must drink the blood in order to speak to a living person. he tells Odysseus that if he and his men do not eat Helious' cattle then they will make it home safely. if they do eat the cattle all his men will die.
Why does Persephone have to stay with him?
Persephone is hades wife. she must stay with him because she ate 6 forbidden fruit seeds. the earth becomes cold when she is in hades?
Who is Oedipus' mother?
Jocasta is Oedipus' mom. Oedipus killed his father, married his mother, and cut out his eyes when he realized what he had done
Why does he fall through her?
he falls through her because there is no physical aspect left of her
Who wants Odysseus to bury him?
Elpenor wants Odysseus to properly bury him. and remember him (he died when he fell off the roof)
Where does Odysseus go to get his libations?
Odysseus travels to the River of Ocean in the land of the Cimmerians. There he pours libations and performs sacrifices as Circe earlier instructs him to do to attract the souls of the dead.
Why does Ajax refuse to speak to Odysseus?
Ajax refuses to speak with Odysseus because Odysseus won the contest between the two for Achilles' godlike armor. Ajax thinks he died because Odysseus got the armor
How many times does Odysseus hug his mom?
Odysseus tries to hug his mom 3 times, but she's dead and slips through his grasp