08

Summary:  (Donna)
In this chapter Alcinous is holding a counsel for Odysseus and there are games and festivities going on. While the festivities were going on an old man Demodocus was telling people about Odyssseus's fights. Odysseus was continuously breaking down all through out the events and Alcinous begins to get suspicious of who Odysseus really is.

Major Themes: (Juliette)
A main theme in this chapter was disguise. The first example of disguise is Athena had diguised herself as a herald of King Alcinous, among the Phaecians. -Again Athena was shown using a slight Homeric simile to help Odysseus appear //like// and immortal god to impress the Phaecians. -The Phaecians provided much hospitality to Odysseus during his stay. -In general, both Odysseus and King Alcinous are Homeric Heroes because they are strong in word and deed. -There is some loyalty in this chapter as well.

Locations Traveled: (EB)
For the most part the chapter takes place on the island of Scheri.

Study Guide Questions:
What is Athene doing at the beginning of the chapter? (Melissa)

Athene is pursuing her plans for Odysseus's return home. She is disguised as a herald from Alcinous, walking through the streets and telling the citizens this message "Captains and Counsellors of the Pheacians, follow me to the assembly, where you will hear about the stranger who has just arrived at our wise King's palace after being driven to wander over the seas; he looks like an immortal god."

What story does the bard sing about? (Melissa) The quarrel between Odysseus and Achilles

How does Odysseus react to this song? (Ari) He cries.

Why do they gather outside? (Ari) They want to show Odysseus how good they are at boxing, wrestling, jumping, and running so that when he reached home he could tell everyone how good they were

How does Euryalus insult Odysseus? (Ari) Euryalus challenges him but Odysseus refuses and then Euryalus says Odysseus is not a good athlete.

What is Odysseus’s retort? (Ari) He says that is a presumptuous fool and then he is distinguished in appearance but lacks in brains.

What game does Odysseus say he is the best at? (Mingus)

He says he is good at Archery(Bow and Arrow) and The Javelin. What story does the bard tell next? (Mingus)  The Bard tells the story of Ares and Aphrodite, and how Aphrodite cheated on her husband Hephaestus. How does Hephaestus trap Ares and Aphrodite? (Mingus)

He creates "magical" chains that cannot be broken or undone and puts the chains on his bed. so when they lay on it they become trapped.

What does Alcinous offer Odysseus as a gift? <span style="color: rgb(29,24,247);">(Mingus) <span style="color: rgb(212,17,17);">A sterling gold tunic, cloak and talent.

What does Euryalus give him? <span style="color: rgb(29,24,247);">(Tori) <span style="color: rgb(0,34,255);">A sword

What song does Odysseus ask Demodocus to sing? <span style="color: rgb(29,24,247);">(Tori) The story of the Trojan Horse

Why does Alcinous stop the song? <span style="color: rgb(29,24,247);">(Tori) Because Odysseus is real upset, starts crying

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