Trivia Quiz On The Odyssey
Welcome to the trivia quiz on the odyssey. This book tells us of a brave warrior who after the Trojan War, fights hard to get to his family, and in his journey, he has to fight off creatures that are beyond the mortal world. Have you already read the book? Take this quiz and get to refresh your memory!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following, before they arrive to the palace, knows for certain that Odysseus has returned to Ithaca?
- A.
Laertes
- B.
Telemachus
- C.
Penelope
- D.
Eumaeus
Correct Answer
B. TelemachusExplanation
Telemachus knows for certain that Odysseus has returned to Ithaca before they arrive at the palace. This is because Telemachus has met Odysseus in disguise when he returns to Ithaca, and they have made a plan together to overthrow the suitors and reclaim the palace. Telemachus is the only one among the options given who has this knowledge.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the suitors says publicly that he is in favor of killing Telemachus upon his return?
- A.
Antinous
- B.
Amphinoimus
- C.
Eurymachus
- D.
Cleonthis
Correct Answer
A. AntinousExplanation
Antinous is the correct answer because in Homer's Odyssey, he is depicted as the most arrogant and cruel suitor. He openly expresses his desire to kill Telemachus, showing his disregard for the laws of hospitality and his ruthless nature. Antinous represents the worst qualities of the suitors, making him the most likely candidate to publicly advocate for Telemachus' death.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What does Antinuous throw at the old beggar during dinner?
- A.
A plate of food
- B.
A stool
- C.
A goblet
- D.
A spear
Correct Answer
B. A stoolExplanation
During dinner, Antinuous throws a stool at the old beggar. This action suggests that Antinuous is disrespectful and cruel towards the beggar. Throwing a stool is an aggressive and violent act, indicating a lack of empathy and compassion. This behavior highlights Antinuous' disregard for the old beggar's well-being and further emphasizes his negative character traits.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The name of Odysseus' dog who dies once he has seen his master after 20 years:
- A.
Chiron
- B.
Cerebrus
- C.
Anticlea
- D.
Argos
Correct Answer
D. ArgosExplanation
Argos is the correct answer because in Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, Argos is Odysseus' loyal dog. Argos recognizes Odysseus when he returns home after 20 years of absence. Despite being neglected and mistreated by others, Argos still remembers his master and dies shortly after seeing him. This moment symbolizes the theme of loyalty and the bond between humans and animals in the story.Rate this question:
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- 5.
This bullying and large beggar picks a fight with Odysseus because he thinks this new and aged beggar is competing with him for food and the suitors' favor - and has his jaw broken:
- A.
Mentor
- B.
Melanthius
- C.
Irus (Arnaios)
- D.
Hermes (Hermao)
Correct Answer
C. Irus (Arnaios)Explanation
Irus (Arnaios) picks a fight with Odysseus because he perceives him as competition for food and the suitors' favor. He is a bullying and large beggar who feels threatened by the presence of Odysseus, who is disguised as a new and aged beggar. As a result of their confrontation, Irus ends up with a broken jaw.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Disloyal female servant for Penelope, she bedded with suitors and is rebuked by the beggar:
- A.
Circe
- B.
Cassandra
- C.
Iphigenia
- D.
Melantho
Correct Answer
D. MelanthoExplanation
Melantho is the correct answer because she is described as a disloyal female servant who slept with the suitors. In Homer's Odyssey, Melantho is a maid in Odysseus' palace who is disrespectful and disloyal to Penelope. She is involved in an affair with one of the suitors, Eurymachus, and is rebuked by Odysseus disguised as a beggar when he returns home.Rate this question:
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- 7.
This "hitchhiking" seer tells Penelope that Odysseus is actually on Ithaca and is about to reappear:
- A.
Melantho
- B.
Mentor
- C.
Theoclymenus
- D.
Eurymachus
Correct Answer
C. TheoclymenusExplanation
Theoclymenus is the correct answer because he is the seer who tells Penelope that Odysseus is on Ithaca and is about to reappear. This information suggests that Theoclymenus has some sort of supernatural ability to see the future or have knowledge of events that others are unaware of.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Omen interpreted by Theoclymenus that portends suitors' destruction:
- A.
Two serpents arising from the sea and taking two young boys
- B.
Blood red walls
- C.
Solar eclipse
- D.
Thunder
Correct Answer
B. Blood red wallsExplanation
The correct answer is blood red walls. Blood red walls symbolize violence and death, suggesting that the suitors will meet a destructive end. This interpretation aligns with the ominous nature of the omen and the potential consequences for the suitors.Rate this question:
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- 9.
This swineherd who has an equally odius sister is the opposite of Eumaeus and insults his beggar companion as he enters the city:
- A.
Amphinomus
- B.
Melanthius
- C.
Eurymachus
- D.
Philoetius
Correct Answer
B. MelanthiusExplanation
Melanthius is the correct answer because he is the swineherd who has an equally odious sister and insults his beggar companion as he enters the city. Eumaeus, on the other hand, is a loyal and kind swineherd who helps Odysseus. Amphinomus, Eurymachus, and Philoetius are not described as having an odious sister or insulting the beggar companion, so they are not the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 10.
While disguised as a beggar, Odysseus hopes this ill-mannered suitor will "meet his death before he meets his bride."
- A.
Antinous
- B.
Eurymachus
- C.
Irus
- D.
Pisander
Correct Answer
A. AntinousExplanation
In Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, Odysseus disguises himself as a beggar upon returning to his homeland of Ithaca. Antinous is one of the suitors who has been vying for Penelope's hand in marriage in Odysseus' absence. Odysseus hopes that Antinous will meet his death before he can marry Penelope, as he sees him as one of the most arrogant and disrespectful suitors. This suggests that Odysseus is seeking revenge against those who have taken advantage of his absence and disrespected his wife.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Telemachus leaves Meneleaus' gifts behind when he returns because:
- A.
He wants to build a new palace on this landing site
- B.
He plans to leave Ithaca permanently after his return and settle in Pylos
- C.
He believes the suitors will try to kill him and take the gifts
- D.
He wants to save them for Circe's bride-price
Correct Answer
C. He believes the suitors will try to kill him and take the giftsExplanation
Telemachus leaves Meneleaus' gifts behind when he returns because he believes the suitors will try to kill him and take the gifts. This suggests that Telemachus is aware of the suitors' malicious intentions and understands that they would go to any lengths to seize his possessions. By leaving the gifts behind, Telemachus ensures their safety and prevents the suitors from obtaining them. This decision showcases Telemachus' cautious and strategic thinking in protecting himself and his belongings.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Penelope decides to conduct a contest to select a husband that will involve:
- A.
Stringing Odysseus's bow and shooting throrugh 12 ax helves
- B.
Killing the Numean lion and bringing his skin home intact
- C.
Cleaning the impossibly large Augean stables
- D.
Besting Eurymachus in gladiator combat with only his hands
Correct Answer
A. Stringing Odysseus's bow and shooting throrugh 12 ax helvesExplanation
Penelope decides to conduct a contest to select a husband that involves various difficult tasks. Among these tasks, the one that is mentioned as the correct answer is stringing Odysseus's bow and shooting through 12 ax helves. This task requires great strength and skill, as Odysseus's bow is known to be extremely difficult to string. Additionally, shooting through 12 ax helves demonstrates precision and accuracy. Therefore, this task would be a true test of a suitor's physical abilities and marksmanship, making it a suitable challenge for Penelope's contest.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following was an offspring of Hera?
- A.
Artemis
- B.
Heracles
- C.
Hephaestus
- D.
Aphrodite
Correct Answer
C. HephaestusExplanation
Hephaestus was an offspring of Hera according to Greek mythology. He was the god of fire, blacksmiths, and craftsmen. Hera gave birth to him without the involvement of Zeus, her husband, which caused her great embarrassment. Hephaestus was known for his exceptional skills as a blacksmith and for creating magnificent weapons and armor for the gods. Despite being disfigured and lame, he was highly respected by the other gods for his craftsmanship and intelligence.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Artemis saved this person?
- A.
Iphigenia
- B.
Acteon
- C.
Adonis
- D.
Achilles
Correct Answer
A. IphigeniaExplanation
Artemis saved Iphigenia. In Greek mythology, Iphigenia was the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Agamemnon angered Artemis, and as a result, she demanded the sacrifice of Iphigenia. However, at the last moment, Artemis intervened and replaced Iphigenia with a deer, saving her life. This act of Artemis saving Iphigenia is a significant event in the mythological story.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Aphrodite was born from a part of this god that dropped into the sea:
- A.
Zeus
- B.
Uranus
- C.
Hera
- D.
Apollo
Correct Answer
B. UranusExplanation
Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire, was believed to have been born from the sea foam that formed when Uranus, the primordial god of the sky, was castrated and his genitals fell into the sea. This mythological story explains Aphrodite's connection to the sea and her birth from the sea foam.Rate this question:
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- 16.
When Telemachus and Odysseus in disguise go to lock up the weapons from the long hall, who lights the path?
- A.
Penelope
- B.
Eumaeus
- C.
Athena
- D.
Eurcyleia
Correct Answer
C. AthenaExplanation
When Telemachus and Odysseus go to lock up the weapons from the long hall, Athena lights the path. This suggests that Athena is watching over and protecting Odysseus and his son during their journey. It also highlights her role as a divine helper and supporter of Odysseus throughout his adventures.Rate this question:
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- 17.
For how many years did Penelope sustain her ruse of unravelling Laertes' shroud?
- A.
One
- B.
Three
- C.
Seven
- D.
Nine
Correct Answer
B. ThreeExplanation
Penelope sustained her ruse of unravelling Laertes' shroud for three years. This means that for three years, she would weave the shroud during the day and then secretly unravel it at night to delay her suitors' advances. This clever tactic allowed her to buy time and postpone choosing a new husband while Odysseus was away.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Odysseus in disguise gives Penelope this pseudonym and cites his grandfather to be this famous king:
- A.
Prince Idomeneus/Deadalus
- B.
Aeneas/Anchises
- C.
Mentes/Priam
- D.
Aethon/ Minos
Correct Answer
D. Aethon/ MinosExplanation
In the epic poem "The Odyssey," Odysseus disguises himself as a man named Mentes and presents himself as the grandson of King Minos. He does this to gain the trust of Penelope, his wife, and to test her loyalty. By claiming to be related to the famous King Minos, Odysseus hopes to convince Penelope that he is someone she can confide in and trust. This pseudonym and reference to King Minos helps Odysseus in his plan to eventually reveal his true identity to Penelope.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The following is an example of ________ and refers to___________. "...her tears flowed and soaked her cheeks/ as the heavy snow melts down the high mountain ridges/snow the West wind piles there and the warm East wind thaws/...
- A.
Dramatic irony/Athena
- B.
Epic Simile/Penelope
- C.
Foreshadowing/Anticlea
- D.
Deus ex machina/ Nausicca
Correct Answer
B. Epic Simile/PenelopeExplanation
This answer is correct because the given passage is an example of an epic simile. An epic simile is a long and elaborate comparison that often involves nature or everyday objects and is used to create vivid imagery and enhance the meaning of the text. In this passage, the comparison between the tears flowing down the woman's cheeks and the melting snow on the high mountain ridges is a clear example of an epic simile. The mention of Penelope in the answer is likely a distraction and not directly related to the passage.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The old nurse, Eurycleia, recognizes Odysseus by:
- A.
Wild boar scar above his knee
- B.
Antelope scar in his side
- C.
A tatoo on his ankle
- D.
A memory he shares with her
Correct Answer
A. Wild boar scar above his kneeExplanation
Eurycleia recognizes Odysseus by the wild boar scar above his knee. This scar is significant because it was inflicted on Odysseus during a hunting accident when he was a young boy. Eurycleia, being his nurse, would have been present during this incident and would have seen the scar being formed. Therefore, she is able to identify Odysseus by this distinctive mark on his body.Rate this question:
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- 21.
A literal translation of the name Odysseus is:
- A.
"plaything of the gods"
- B.
"little big man"
- C.
"the wise one"
- D.
"son of pain"
Correct Answer
D. "son of pain"Explanation
The correct answer is "son of pain" because the name Odysseus is derived from the Greek word "odussomai," which means "to be angry" or "to be in pain." This suggests that Odysseus is associated with pain or suffering, possibly referring to the challenges and hardships he faced during his epic journey in Homer's Odyssey.Rate this question:
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- 22.
A dream that portends to be true:
- A.
Passes through the ivory gate
- B.
Passes through the golden gate
- C.
Passes through the gate of horn
- D.
Passes through a gate of fire
Correct Answer
C. Passes through the gate of hornExplanation
The correct answer is "passes through the gate of horn." In Greek mythology, there were two gates through which dreams could pass: the gate of horn and the gate of ivory. Dreams that passed through the gate of horn were said to be true and prophetic, while dreams that passed through the gate of ivory were considered false and deceptive. Therefore, the dream in question, which portends to be true, would pass through the gate of horn.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Not a possible child in myth of either Odysseus or Penelope:
- A.
Nausithous
- B.
Telegonus
- C.
Acteon
- D.
Pan
Correct Answer
C. ActeonExplanation
Acteon is not a possible child in the myth of either Odysseus or Penelope because Acteon is a character from Greek mythology who is known for being a hunter and for being turned into a stag and torn apart by his own hunting dogs. He is not connected to the myths of Odysseus or Penelope in any way.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Hera is connected to Zeus as:
- A.
Wife
- B.
Wife and mother
- C.
Wife and sister
- D.
Brother turned into sister
Correct Answer
C. Wife and sisterExplanation
Hera is connected to Zeus as his wife and sister. In Greek mythology, Hera is both the sister and wife of Zeus. She is one of the twelve Olympian gods and goddesses, and she is known as the queen of the gods. This relationship between Hera and Zeus is a significant aspect of their mythology and plays a crucial role in various stories and legends involving the Greek gods.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Arrange in order of the oldest to youngest:
- A.
Athena, Zeus, Uranus, Cronus
- B.
Cronus, Uranus, Zeus, Athena
- C.
Uranus, Cronus, Zeus, Athena
- D.
Zeus, Cronus, Uranus, Athena
Correct Answer
C. Uranus, Cronus, Zeus, AthenaExplanation
The correct order of the given names from oldest to youngest is Uranus, Cronus, Zeus, Athena. Uranus is the oldest as he is the primal god of the sky in Greek mythology. Cronus is the next in line as he is the son of Uranus and the father of Zeus. Zeus is the third in line as he is the son of Cronus and the youngest of the three main gods in Greek mythology. Athena is the youngest among the given names as she is the daughter of Zeus.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Penelope's dream from Book XIX:
- A.
Telemachus slaying Odysseus by mistake
- B.
Penelope being brought to Olympus by Athena
- C.
20 geese slaughtered by an eagle representing Odysseus
- D.
Penelope marrying Antinous after he defeats Eurymachus in combat
Correct Answer
C. 20 geese slaughtered by an eagle representing OdysseusExplanation
In Book XIX of The Odyssey, Penelope has a dream where she sees an eagle slaughtering 20 geese. This dream is significant because it symbolizes the impending return of Odysseus, who is represented by the eagle. The geese represent the suitors who have been courting Penelope in Odysseus' absence. The dream foreshadows the violent end that awaits the suitors at the hands of Odysseus, as he will return and take revenge on them for invading his home and trying to marry his wife. Therefore, the correct answer is that the 20 geese slaughtered by an eagle represent Odysseus.Rate this question:
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- 27.
This suitor, rather than flinging a stool, flings an ox hoof at the disguised king:
- A.
Ctesippus
- B.
Agelaus
- C.
Icarius
- D.
Eurymachus
Correct Answer
A. CtesippusExplanation
Ctesippus is the correct answer because he is the suitor who throws an ox hoof at the disguised king. This action shows his disrespect and aggression towards the king, further highlighting his unsuitability as a potential husband for Penelope.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 06, 2012Quiz Created by
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