The Odyssey - Introduction And Books 1 & 2

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  • 1/21 Questions

    The bard (author) of this collection of oral stories was:

    • Dante
    • Shakespeare
    • Homer
    • Hecuba
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About This Quiz

Explore key elements of epic poetry through 'The Odyssey - Introduction and Books 1 & 2'. This quiz assesses understanding of epic characteristics, key characters, and divine interventions, enhancing comprehension of classical literature.

Odyssey Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    Odysseus was king of this island country:

    • Ithaca

    • Athens

    • Turkey

    • Sparta

    • Crete

    Correct Answer
    A. Ithaca
    Explanation
    Odysseus being the king of Ithaca is a well-known fact from Greek mythology. In Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey," Odysseus is depicted as the ruler of Ithaca, a small island country in the Ionian Sea. Throughout the poem, the story revolves around Odysseus's long journey back to his homeland, Ithaca, after the Trojan War. His role as the king of Ithaca is central to the plot, as he faces numerous challenges and obstacles on his way home. Therefore, it is evident that Ithaca is the correct answer for the given question.

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  • 3. 

    Odysseus thought of this idea to defeat the Trojans:

    • Underground tunnel

    • Trojan horse

    • Naptha (greek fire)

    • Disguised self as woman to bribe guards

    Correct Answer
    A. Trojan horse
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Trojan horse. Odysseus came up with the idea of building a giant wooden horse as a gift for the Trojans. However, the horse was hollow inside, and Greek soldiers were hiding inside it. The Trojans, thinking it was a peace offering, brought the horse into their city. At night, the Greek soldiers emerged from the horse and opened the city gates, allowing the Greek army to enter Troy and ultimately defeat the Trojans.

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  • 4. 

    Which divinity appears to Odysseus'  son in the first book?

    • Aphrodite

    • Athena

    • Poseidon

    • Zeus

    Correct Answer
    A. Athena
    Explanation
    In the first book of the Odyssey, Athena appears to Odysseus' son, Telemachus. She disguises herself as Mentes, a family friend, and advises Telemachus to seek information about his father's whereabouts and take action against the suitors who have taken over his home. Athena's appearance and guidance to Telemachus play a crucial role in setting the events of the epic in motion.

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  • 5. 

    King of all the Greeks, killed by Aegisthus and the adulterous wife, Clytemnestra:

    • Menelaus

    • Dolon

    • Priam

    • Agamemnon

    Correct Answer
    A. Agamemnon
    Explanation
    Agamemnon is the correct answer because he was the king of all the Greeks and was killed by Aegisthus and his adulterous wife, Clytemnestra. Agamemnon's story is famously depicted in Greek mythology and the play "Agamemnon" by Aeschylus. He was the leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War and upon his return home, he was betrayed and murdered by Aegisthus and Clytemnestra as revenge for sacrificing their daughter Iphigenia. This event led to a series of tragic events known as the House of Atreus curse.

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  • 6. 

    To start the war, Paris abducted this wife of Menelaus

    • Penelope

    • Calypso

    • Circe

    • Helen

    • Clytemnestra

    Correct Answer
    A. Helen
    Explanation
    Paris abducted Helen, the wife of Menelaus, which ultimately led to the Trojan War. This event is a well-known mythological story from Greek mythology. Paris, a Trojan prince, took Helen from Sparta, causing Menelaus to seek revenge and gather a coalition of Greek forces to attack Troy. This abduction is considered the catalyst for the war between the Greeks and Trojans, making Helen the correct answer.

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  • 7. 

    Not a resident of Ithaca:

    • Telemachus

    • Penelope

    • Laertes

    • Mentes

    Correct Answer
    A. Mentes
    Explanation
    Mentes is the correct answer because he is not a resident of Ithaca. Telemachus, Penelope, and Laertes are all residents of Ithaca as they are mentioned in the question along with Mentes. However, Mentes is not a resident of Ithaca, making him the correct answer.

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  • 8. 

    Was not in the contest of the "golden apple" judged by Paris:

    • Aphrodite

    • Leda

    • Athena

    • Hera

    Correct Answer
    A. Leda
    Explanation
    Leda was not in the contest of the "golden apple" judged by Paris because the contest involved Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera. Leda was not one of the goddesses who participated in the competition.

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  • 9. 

    There are approximately this many lines of dactyllic hexameter per book in the first two books of The Odyssey:

    • 200

    • 500

    • 1000

    • 1500

    Correct Answer
    A. 500
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 500. This means that there are approximately 500 lines of dactyllic hexameter per book in the first two books of The Odyssey. Dactyllic hexameter is a specific poetic meter used in ancient Greek and Latin literature, characterized by six feet per line and a specific pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. This answer suggests that the first two books of The Odyssey contain a significant amount of this type of poetic verse.

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  • 10. 

    Approximate age of Telemachus:

    • 15

    • 19

    • 21

    • 27

    Correct Answer
    A. 21
    Explanation
    Telemachus is approximately 21 years old because it is the only option that falls within the given range. The other options, 15, 19, and 27, are outside of the range and therefore not possible.

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  • 11. 

    Not a theme in The Odyssey

    • Homecoming

    • Forgiveness

    • Revenge

    • Hospitality

    Correct Answer
    A. Forgiveness
    Explanation
    The Odyssey is an epic poem by Homer that tells the story of Odysseus' journey home after the Trojan War. Throughout the poem, various themes are explored, including homecoming, revenge, and hospitality. However, forgiveness is not a prominent theme in The Odyssey. While there are instances of forgiveness in the story, it is not a central focus or driving force behind the plot. Instead, the poem primarily focuses on Odysseus' struggles, adventures, and his ultimate return home.

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  • 12. 

    Aegisthus slew this king (and father) before Agamemnon.

    • Menelaus

    • Hector

    • Atreus

    • Peleus

    Correct Answer
    A. Menelaus
    Explanation
    Aegisthus killed Menelaus' father before Agamemnon.

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  • 13. 

    Not a character in The Iliad which precedes The Odyssey:

    • Hector

    • Achilles

    • Telemachus

    • Agamemnon

    • Priam

    Correct Answer
    A. Telemachus
    Explanation
    Telemachus is not a character in The Iliad, which is an epic poem written by Homer. The Iliad primarily focuses on the Trojan War and the events surrounding it, while The Odyssey is a sequel to The Iliad and follows the protagonist Odysseus on his journey back home after the war. Telemachus, on the other hand, is the son of Odysseus and plays a significant role in The Odyssey, but he does not appear in The Iliad.

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  • 14. 

    Character not referenced by name in the first four books:

    • Laertes

    • Polyphemus

    • Nestor

    • Eurymachus

    Correct Answer
    A. Polyphemus
    Explanation
    Polyphemus is the correct answer because he is the only character in the given list who is not referenced by name in the first four books. In the first four books of Homer's Odyssey, Laertes, Nestor, and Eurymachus are all mentioned by name. However, Polyphemus, the Cyclops, is only introduced in Book 9. This is significant because it highlights the chronological order of the events in the story and the gradual introduction of important characters.

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  • 15. 

    This is not characteristic of an Epic poem:

    • In medias res

    • Death of the hero

    • Invocation to the muse

    • Divine intervention

    • Listing of arms and lineage

    • Formal speeches

    Correct Answer
    A. Death of the hero
    Explanation
    The death of the hero is not characteristic of an Epic poem because in most Epic poems, the hero's journey and accomplishments are the central focus of the narrative. The hero is usually portrayed as a larger-than-life figure who overcomes challenges and obstacles to achieve greatness. Their death would mark the end of their story and would not align with the typical structure and themes of an Epic poem.

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  • 16. 

    Not killed in The Iliad:

    • Hector

    • Ajax

    • Aeneas

    • Patroclus

    Correct Answer
    A. Aeneas
    Explanation
    Aeneas is the correct answer because he is the only character listed who does not die in The Iliad. Hector, Ajax, and Patroclus all meet their deaths during the events of the epic poem. Aeneas, on the other hand, survives the war and goes on to become a prominent figure in Roman mythology, eventually founding the city of Rome.

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  • 17. 

    Troy is part of what present day country:

    • Africa

    • Greece

    • Albania

    • Turkey

    Correct Answer
    A. Turkey
    Explanation
    Troy, the ancient city, is located in present-day Turkey. It is known for its historical significance and its mention in Greek mythology, particularly in the epic poem "The Iliad" by Homer. The city of Troy was situated in the northwest region of Anatolia, which is modern-day Turkey. It was a crucial center of trade and culture during ancient times. Hence, Turkey is the correct answer for the given question.

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  • 18. 

    'Rosy fingered dawn" is an example of: 

    • In medias res

    • Epic Simile

    • Epithet

    • Invocation

    Correct Answer
    A. In medias res
    Explanation
    "Rosy fingered dawn" is an example of an epithet. An epithet is a descriptive term or phrase used to characterize a person, thing, or place. In this case, "rosy fingered" is used to describe the dawn, emphasizing its beauty and delicate nature. The phrase is often used in literature, particularly in epic poems like Homer's Odyssey, to create vivid imagery and enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of the scene.

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  • 19. 

    Describe this picture from The Odyssey that depicts a woman with a spool.

  • 20. 

    Describe this image from The Iliad that involves an arrow.

  • 21. 

    Explain this picture.

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 19, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 19, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 06, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Ncarter007
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