Book 8 - The Phaeacian Games Flashcards
1
Q
Book 8
What happens to ensure attendance at Alcinuous’ assembly
A
- Athena, back from Athens, ensures attendance by spreading word
- that the topic of discussion will be the godlike visitor who recently appeared on the island.
2
Q
Book 8
What happens at the assembly
A
- Alcinous proposes providing a ship for his visitor so that the man can return to his homeland
- The measure is approved
3
Q
Book 8
What happens at the palace when Alcinuous holds a feast and celebration of the games in honor of Odysseus (they don’t know its him)
A
- A blind bard named Demodocus sings of the quarrel between Odysseus and Achilles at Troy
- Everyone listens with pleasure
- except Odysseus, who weeps at the painful memories that the story recall
- The king notices Odysseus’s grief and ends the feast so that the games can begin
4
Q
Book 8
What drives Odysseus to particpate in the games
A
- At one point, Odysseus is asked to participate.
- Still overcome by his many hardships, he declines.
- One of the young athletes, Broadsea, then insults him, which ignites his pride
5
Q
Book 8
What happens when Odysseus particpates in the Phaecian Games
A
- Odysseus easily wins the discus toss and then challenges the Phaeacian athletes to any other form of competition they choose
- The discussion becomes heated, but Alcinous diffuses the situation by hosting another feast,
- at which the Phaeacian youth prove their preeminence in song and dance
6
Q
Book 8
What happens at the second feast
A
- Demodocus performs again, this time a light love song about Ares and Aphrodite.
- Afterward, Alcinous and each of the young Phaeacian men, give Odysseus gifts to take with him on his journey home
7
Q
Book 8
What happens when Demodcocus gives a third story at dinner
A
- Odysseus asks Demodocus to sing of the Trojan horse and the sack of Troy,
- but as he listens he again breaks down
- King Alcinous again notices
- & asks Odysseus at last to tell him who he is, where he is from, and where he is going
