Odyssey Book 11

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  • 1/18 Questions

    What close family relative of Odysseus does he see amongst the souls in the underworld?

    • His sister
    • His son
    • His brother
    • His mother
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About This Quiz

This quiz focuses on Book 11 of the Odyssey, exploring key events and characters such as Teiresias and Circe. It assesses understanding of the narrative, significant mythological figures, and thematic elements pivotal to ancient Greek literature.

Odyssey Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    At the start of book 11, who guided Odysseus and his crew to the Underworld?

    • Poseidon

    • Circe

    • Zeus

    • Athena

    Correct Answer
    A. Circe
    Explanation
    In book 11 of the Odyssey, Circe guides Odysseus and his crew to the Underworld. After consulting with the prophet Tiresias, Odysseus seeks the guidance of Circe, a powerful witch and sorceress. She provides him with instructions on how to navigate the treacherous journey to the Underworld, including the rituals and sacrifices required to communicate with the dead. Circe's guidance is crucial in helping Odysseus fulfill his quest to seek advice from the spirits of the deceased.

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  • 3. 

    How did Odysseus' mother end up dying?

    • Killed by one of the suitors of Odysseus' wife.

    • Died from mourning of Odysseus over long absence from Ithaca.

    • Drowned in the ocean by Poseidon in retribution to harming Polyphemus.

    • Poisoned by messenger sent from Persephoneia.

    Correct Answer
    A. Died from mourning of Odysseus over long absence from Ithaca.
    Explanation
    Odysseus' mother died from mourning over his long absence from Ithaca. This suggests that her grief and longing for her son were so overwhelming that it ultimately led to her death.

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  • 4. 

    Why does Ajax (Aias) not approach Odysseus in the Underworld?

    • He is still spiteful of Odysseus' victory over him for the Arms of Achilles.

    • He does not notice him .

    • He is on a mission to escape the Underworld.

    • He has been spotted stealing from Hades and is in a hurry to get away.

    Correct Answer
    A. He is still spiteful of Odysseus' victory over him for the Arms of Achilles.
    Explanation
    Ajax (Aias) does not approach Odysseus in the Underworld because he is still resentful and bitter about Odysseus winning the Arms of Achilles. This victory caused Ajax to feel humiliated and defeated, leading to his suicide. His lingering spite towards Odysseus prevents him from approaching him in the Underworld.

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  • 5. 

    Who was the very first soul to approach Odysseus in the Underworld?

    • Elpenor

    • Achilles

    • Heracles

    • Ajax (Aias)

    Correct Answer
    A. Elpenor
    Explanation
    Elpenor was the very first soul to approach Odysseus in the Underworld. In Homer's Odyssey, Elpenor was one of Odysseus' crew members who died before reaching home. When Odysseus encounters him in the Underworld, Elpenor asks for a proper burial, as his body was left unattended on Circe's island. This interaction serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the dead and respecting burial customs in Greek mythology.

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  • 6. 

    In Book 11, Teiresias is the ___________________.

    • Queen of the Underworld who disperses the souls.

    • Comrade of Odysseus.

    • Blind Theban Prophet with gift of insight from Zeus.

    • Daughter of Autolycus.

    Correct Answer
    A. Blind Theban Prophet with gift of insight from Zeus.
    Explanation
    Teiresias is described as a blind Theban Prophet with the gift of insight from Zeus. This means that he is a prophet from the city of Thebes who is blind but possesses the ability to see into the future and receive divine knowledge from Zeus, the king of the gods.

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  • 7. 

    What does Teiresias tell Odysseus after drinking from the pit of blood?

    • How to get back to Ithaca.

    • How his mother died.

    • That his son seeks him.

    • That he is being tracked by Polyphemus.

    Correct Answer
    A. How to get back to Ithaca.
    Explanation
    Teiresias tells Odysseus how to get back to Ithaca after drinking from the pit of blood. This suggests that Teiresias has the ability to see the future or has some sort of supernatural knowledge that allows him to provide Odysseus with this crucial information. It implies that returning to Ithaca is a significant goal for Odysseus and that Teiresias is able to guide him on the right path.

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  • 8. 

    How did King Agamemnon meet his death?

    • Poison from Aigisthos, in his favorite wine.

    • Invited to a feast by his wife and Aigisthos and slaughtered while eating.

    • Killed by the arrow of a rival King in battle.

    • Strangled by an assassin of an enemy kingdom.

    Correct Answer
    A. Invited to a feast by his wife and Aigisthos and slaughtered while eating.
    Explanation
    King Agamemnon met his death by being invited to a feast by his wife and Aigisthos, where he was ultimately slaughtered while eating.

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  • 9. 

    Why does Odysseus' mother not approach him when she first sees him?

    • She is spiteful because he never returned home.

    • It is not actually her soul, but a trick being played by Persephoneia.

    • In the Underworld, Odysseus is invisible because he is living.

    • She cannot approach him until he has spoken to Teiresias and she has drank the blood.

    Correct Answer
    A. She cannot approach him until he has spoken to Teiresias and she has drank the blood.
  • 10. 

    What warrior soul avoids Odysseus when he spots him in the Underworld?

    • Heracles

    • Achilles

    • Patroclos

    • Ajax (Aias)

    Correct Answer
    A. Ajax (Aias)
    Explanation
    Ajax (Aias) is the correct answer because in Greek mythology, Ajax is known for his anger and resentment towards Odysseus. When Odysseus appears in the Underworld, Ajax refuses to speak to him or even acknowledge his presence. This avoidance of Odysseus by Ajax is a result of their rivalry and Ajax's bitterness towards Odysseus for being awarded the armor of Achilles instead of him.

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  • 11. 

    When Odysseus's mother told him how she died, what did he do?

    • Try to hug her, but passed right through and fell to the ground.

    • Run off to his ship because he could not take the sadness.

    • Devise a plan to escape the Underworld with his mother's soul and return it to her body.

    • Drop to his knees and cry at his mothers ghostly feet.

    Correct Answer
    A. Try to hug her, but passed right through and fell to the ground.
    Explanation
    When Odysseus's mother told him how she died, he tried to hug her out of love and longing. However, since she was a ghost in the Underworld, he passed right through her and fell to the ground. This action demonstrates Odysseus's deep emotional connection with his mother and his desperate attempt to physically connect with her, despite the impossibility of doing so in the realm of the dead.

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  • 12. 

    After Elpenor explains his death to Odysseus, what favor does he ask of him?

    • Tell his wife and children that he loves them.

    • Avenge his death by killing Hades.

    • Burn him and mound him with the oar he rowed with on their ship.

    • Bury him in their homeland on his family's property.

    Correct Answer
    A. Burn him and mound him with the oar he rowed with on their ship.
    Explanation
    After Elpenor explains his death to Odysseus, he asks him to burn his body and mound him with the oar he rowed with on their ship. This request shows Elpenor's desire for a proper burial and remembrance. By being buried with the oar, it symbolizes his connection to the ship and his life as a sailor. This request also reflects the importance of honoring the dead in Greek culture, as it was believed that proper burial rites were necessary for the soul's journey to the afterlife.

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  • 13. 

    What simple rule did Teiresias give to Odysseus about the souls?

    • Keep them away from the blood, and they will approach him with truths.

    • Do not tell them his name, or any of his crew members' names because they might haunt them.

    • Do not feed them, no matter how much they beg.

    • If he lets the dead come near the blood, they will tell him what is true; if he refuses, they will go away.

    Correct Answer
    A. If he lets the dead come near the blood, they will tell him what is true; if he refuses, they will go away.
    Explanation
    Teiresias advised Odysseus to keep the souls away from the blood, as they will approach him with truths if he does so. If Odysseus allows the dead to come near the blood, they will reveal what is true to him. However, if he refuses to let them near the blood, they will go away. This rule suggests that the blood has some sort of power or influence over the souls, and by keeping them away from it, Odysseus can ensure that they provide him with truthful information.

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  • 14. 

    What must Odysseus sacrifice in the name of Teiresias once he returns home?

    • 2 sheep

    • A farrow cow

    • A black ram

    • His best hen

    Correct Answer
    A. A black ram
    Explanation
    In Greek mythology, Odysseus must sacrifice a black ram in the name of Teiresias once he returns home. This sacrifice is a part of his journey in the underworld, where he seeks advice from the blind prophet Teiresias. The black ram represents a symbolic offering to the gods, showing Odysseus's respect and devotion. By sacrificing the black ram, Odysseus fulfills his duty and receives the guidance he needs to continue his journey back to Ithaca.

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  • 15. 

    When Odysseus and his men arrive in the underworld, he must make a drink as an offering to All Souls. Which of the following contains the ingredients he used in the drink?

    • Honey, water, salt, pepper, stag, chicken

    • Ram blood, white barley meal, fine wine, champagne, alcohol

    • Honey, water, milk, rum, fine wine

    • Honey, milk, fine wine, water, white barley meal

    Correct Answer
    A. Honey, milk, fine wine, water, white barley meal
    Explanation
    Odysseus used honey, milk, fine wine, water, and white barley meal in the drink he made as an offering to All Souls. This can be inferred from the given answer choice which includes all these ingredients.

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  • 16. 

    When Odysseus makes a prayer to the souls, what does he promise them?

    • To sacrifice a farrow cow upon his return to Ithaca.

    • To slay each of their killers and return with their dead bodies.

    • That he will have a feast in honor of their souls.

    • To sacrifice a sheep upon his return to Ithaca.

    Correct Answer
    A. To sacrifice a farrow cow upon his return to Ithaca.
    Explanation
    Odysseus promises the souls that he will sacrifice a farrow cow upon his return to Ithaca.

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  • 17. 

    What does Odysseus order his men to do with all of the dead bodies?

    • Give them a proper funeral and burial.

    • Burn them for a prayer to Hades and Persephoneia.

    • Stay clear of them, for they may spread awful disease.

    • Dump them into the River Styx.

    Correct Answer
    A. Burn them for a prayer to Hades and Persephoneia.
    Explanation
    Odysseus orders his men to burn the dead bodies for a prayer to Hades and Persephoneia. This suggests that Odysseus wants to honor the dead and ensure that their spirits are properly guided to the underworld. Burning the bodies is a common ritual in ancient Greek culture to send the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. By offering a prayer to Hades and Persephoneia, Odysseus seeks their favor and protection for his men who have died in battle.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 18, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Seniorshawty33
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