Novels Exam > Novels Notes > The Odyssey by Homer- Summary, Themes & Characters > Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey
Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey | The Odyssey by Homer- Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download
- Odysseus travels to the Underworld and makes the offerings according to Circe's instructions. The shades of the dead (shades = ghosts) gather to drink the blood (gross) and then talk to Odysseus.
- The first shade is Elpenor, freshly fallen from Circe's roof. Odysseus' eyes bug out when he sees one of his crew members—he weeps and listens to the man's story.
- Elpenor begs for Odysseus to honor his death by building a burial mound (essentially a pile of rocks) for his dead body. Odysseus agrees, since it's the least he can do after totally having failed to notice that one of his crew members was missing.
- Odysseus then glimpses his mother's shade among the rest of the dead. This is news to him, since last he heard she was still alive. Not a good way to find out.
- Fortunately, he is soon distracted from his weeping by the arrival of Teiresias (the dead blind prophet).
- Teiresias drinks the blood of Odysseus' sacrifice and then speaks.
- His first words are a warning: don't eat Helios' cattle at Thrinakia. His next are to casually announce that Odysseus will survive alone.
- In other words, all of his companions will die. Great, that's probably something they're glad to hear..
- The good news is, Odysseus will make it home after all, but he'll find trouble there. He'll have to make the suitors pay for their insolence with … wait for it … blood.
- After defeating the suitors, Teiresias continues, Odysseus had better go inland until he reaches an area of earth which has never known the sea. There, he has to pray to Poseidon in order to ensure himself a peaceful seaborne death in his old age, surrounded by all his folk.
- Okay, that's great, says Odysseus; but why is his mother here, and can he talk to her?
- Sure, says Teiresias, as long as she drinks the blood of the sacrifice, too.
- One gory mess later, Odysseus' mother Antikleia tells him of the situation back home in Ithaka: Telemachos is growing up but helpless against the suitors; Penelope is still loyal; and, oh yeah, she herself has died from loneliness.
- Her son tries three times to embrace her, but this doesn't work out too well, since Antikleia is dead.
- When she leaves, there's a long line of other dead people waiting to talk to him. The shades don't get too many visitors around these parts.
- Odysseus draws his sword to hold them back. (Except they're already dead, so we're not sure how effective that would be.) He lets them come and drink one at a time.
- Odysseus speaks first to a long line of princesses: Tyro, Antiope, Alkmene, Megara, Epikaste, Chloris, Leda, Iphimedeia, Phaidra, Prokris, Ariadne, Maira, Klymene, and Eriphyle.
- At this point, Odysseus pauses in his narrative. The Phaiakians are all "No way!"
- Queen Arete, clearly impressed by all these stories, decides that when they do finally send Odysseus on his way, it should be with lots of sparkly things (i.e., treasure).
- King Alkinoös then asks Odysseus if, while he was down in the underworld, he met any of his friends who died at Troy.
- He sure did!
- Back in the Underworld, Odysseus sees Agamemnon and hears the tragic story of his murder and his son Orestes' revenge against Aigisthos and Klytaimestra.
- Agamemnon is understandably bitter against women and considers all of them treacherous. Oh, except for Penelope, whom he praises for her loyalty. (Nice save.)
- Then appear the spirits of Achilleus, Patroklos, Antilochos, and Telamonian Aias, some of Odysseus' buddies from the Trojan war.
- Odysseus praises Achilleus for having earned so much honor and glory in his life; surely his death is like, the greatest death ever.
- Nope. Actually, Achilleus says, being dead sucks. He'd rather be a poor country farmer who is alive than a glorious lord in the Underworld. Wise words.
- He then asks Odysseus about his son, Neoptolemos; Odysseus responds with what he knows of the lad's brilliance and luck in battle.
- Then Odysseus pleads with Telamonian Aias to forget their earlier quarrel in Troy over Achilleus' arms.
- [Mythological Context Lesson: You've already heard about little Aias in Chapter 4, so here's the deal with big or "Telamonian" Aias: back at Troy, Odysseus and big Aias competed for the arms of Achilleus, who had been killed and therefore didn't need his weapons anymore. The arms were supposed to go to the bravest man, but the Greeks couldn't bring themselves to make a decision since they figured whoever lost would leave the war in a huff. Since they couldn't afford to lose either of these great heroes, so they let the Trojan captives decide. The Trojans picked Odysseus, and the enraged Aias killed himself. Sore loser.]
- Clearly still peeved, the ghostly Aias turns away from Odysseus. Ouch. Rejected.
- Before he goes, Odysseus also sees Minos, Orion, Tityos, Tantalos, Sisyphos, and Herakles. These are all figures of Greek myth and, if you're interested in the specifics (obviously you are), check out your text. (And then check out Shmoop's handy-dandy mythology guides!)
- When all the shades come crowding in to drink the blood, Odysseus freaks out and runs back to his ship.
- Everyone leaves the Underworld a little bit wiser and less a few sacrificial animals.
The document Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey | The Odyssey by Homer- Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels is a part of the Novels Course The Odyssey by Homer- Summary, Themes & Characters.
All you need of Novels at this link: Novels
Related Exams
About this Document
|
Dec 23, 2024 Last updated |
Document Description: Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey for Novels 2024 is part of The Odyssey by Homer- Summary, Themes & Characters preparation.
The notes and questions for Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey have been prepared according to the Novels exam syllabus. Information about Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey covers topics
like and Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey Example, for Novels 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey.
Introduction of Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey in English is available as part of our The Odyssey by Homer- Summary, Themes & Characters
for Novels & Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey in Hindi for The Odyssey by Homer- Summary, Themes & Characters course.
Download more important topics related with notes, lectures and mock test series for Novels
Exam by signing up for free. Novels: Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey | The Odyssey by Homer- Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels
Description
Full syllabus notes, lecture & questions for Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey | The Odyssey by Homer- Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels - Novels | Plus excerises question with solution to help you revise complete syllabus for The Odyssey by Homer- Summary, Themes & Characters | Best notes, free PDF download
Information about Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey
In this doc you can find the meaning of Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides explaining types of
Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey tests, examples and also practice Novels
tests
|
Explore Courses for Novels exam
|
|
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
Related Searches
mock tests for examination
,practice quizzes
,Extra Questions
,Themes & Characters - Novels
,Viva Questions
,shortcuts and tricks
,Objective type Questions
,Important questions
,Themes & Characters - Novels
,Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey | The Odyssey by Homer- Summary
,Free
,MCQs
,Summary
,study material
,past year papers
,Semester Notes
,video lectures
,Previous Year Questions with Solutions
,ppt
,Sample Paper
,Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey | The Odyssey by Homer- Summary
,Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey | The Odyssey by Homer- Summary
,Exam
,Themes & Characters - Novels
;
Additional Information about Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey for Novels Preparation
Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey Free PDF Download
The Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey is an invaluable resource that delves deep into the core of the Novels exam.
These study notes are curated by experts and cover all the essential topics and concepts, making your preparation more efficient and effective.
With the help of these notes, you can grasp complex subjects quickly, revise important points easily,
and reinforce your understanding of key concepts. The study notes are presented in a concise and easy-to-understand manner,
allowing you to optimize your learning process. Whether you're looking for best-recommended books, sample papers, study material,
or toppers' notes, this PDF has got you covered. Download the Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey now and kickstart your journey towards success in the Novels exam.
Importance of Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey
The importance of Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey cannot be overstated, especially for Novels aspirants.
This document holds the key to success in the Novels exam.
It offers a detailed understanding of the concept, providing invaluable insights into the topic.
By knowing the concepts well in advance, students can plan their preparation effectively.
Utilize this indispensable guide for a well-rounded preparation and achieve your desired results.
Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey Notes
Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey Notes offer in-depth insights into the specific topic to help you master it with ease.
This comprehensive document covers all aspects related to Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey.
It includes detailed information about the exam syllabus, recommended books, and study materials for a well-rounded preparation.
Practice papers and question papers enable you to assess your progress effectively.
Additionally, the paper analysis provides valuable tips for tackling the exam strategically.
Access to Toppers' notes gives you an edge in understanding complex concepts.
Whether you're a beginner or aiming for advanced proficiency, Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey Notes on EduRev are your ultimate resource for success.
Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey Novels Questions
The "Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey Novels Questions" guide is a valuable resource for all aspiring students preparing for the
Novels exam. It focuses on providing a wide range of practice questions to help students gauge
their understanding of the exam topics. These questions cover the entire syllabus, ensuring comprehensive preparation.
The guide includes previous years' question papers for students to familiarize themselves with the exam's format and difficulty level.
Additionally, it offers subject-specific question banks, allowing students to focus on weak areas and improve their performance.
Study Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey on the App
Students of Novels can study Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey alongwith tests & analysis from the EduRev app,
which will help them while preparing for their exam. Apart from the Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey,
students can also utilize the EduRev App for other study materials such as previous year question papers, syllabus, important questions, etc.
The EduRev App will make your learning easier as you can access it from anywhere you want.
The content of Book 11 Summary - The Odyssey is prepared as per the latest Novels syllabus.
|
© EduRev
|
Education Revolution
|
|
Signup to see your scores
go up within 7 days!
Access 1000+ FREE Docs, Videos and Tests
Takes less than 10 seconds to signup