how does odysseus set a course in book 8

What is Course Hero Book 8 of the Odyssey?

Course Hero’s video study guide provides in-depth summary and analysis of Book 8 of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. Alcinous calls his people to the meeting grounds, unknowingly aided by Athena, who helps rouse interest.

What happens in Book 8 of the Odyssey?

An error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Please try again later. Course Hero’s video study guide provides in-depth summary and analysis of Book 8 of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. Alcinous calls his people to the meeting grounds, unknowingly aided by Athena, who helps rouse interest.

Why does Odysseus agree to compete in the games?

This angers Odysseus, and he agrees to compete in the games. Odysseus initially refuses to join the games out of prudence, since his strength and skill might give away his identity. But he can't tolerate an insult: his desire for glory, and its accompanying intolerance to shame, overtake his prudent desire to hide his identity.

Why does Odysseus say it was his idea to come alone?

To absolve the princess for not accompanying him to the palace, Odysseus claims that it was his idea to come alone. Alcinous is so impressed with his visitor that he offers Odysseus his daughter’s hand in marriage. The next day, Alcinous calls an assembly of his Phaeacian counselors.

How does Alcinous know Odysseus's identity?

Alcinous proves himself to be a keen observer, as he notices how Odysseus weeps at Demodocus's tales. Odysseus has been careful to guard his identity, but the taunting at the athletic competition stirs his need to prove his honor. It's likely that Alcinous has guessed Odysseus's identity by this point. This tension between reality and illusion is part of the deception theme that is woven through The Odyssey. The scenes with Demodocus give a glimpse into the role of the bard in ancient Greek society. These storytellers related the adventures of the gods and heroes, passing on Greek values—as well as providing considerable entertainment. Their position was considered important in a society in which many people couldn't read. The speculation that Homer was blind is based on this scene, particularly the fact that Demodocus is blind. Some scholars and historians have suggested that Homer put himself in his own tale, but this view is not widely accepted. There were many bards in Homer's time who played the role of storyteller for their audiences.

What does Alcinous say about Odysseus?

Alcinous calls his people to the meeting grounds, unknowingly aided by Athena, who helps rouse interest. He commands his citizens to find a ship and crew to help take Odysseus home to Ithaca, promising that once a crew is found they will hold a celebratory feast. During the celebration a bard named Demodocus tells the legend of a verbal battle between Agamemnon and Odysseus during the Trojan War. The memories stirred by the song cause Odysseus to weep, and, though he tries to hide it, the king notices and distracts the crowd by suggesting they begin an athletic competition. Odysseus is invited to take part in the competition, but he declines, blaming his weariness from traveling. One of the champions teases him, and Odysseus, angered, agrees to take part in the games to prove him wrong. Odysseus easily wins the competition, claiming he will defeat anyone who challenges him. After the competition and another song by Demodocus, the king calls upon his people to give Odysseus gifts for his voyage. Demodocus sings a final song about how the Achaeans and Odysseus defeated Troy due to Odysseus's courage. Odysseus weeps again at the story, which the watchful king once again notices, prompting him to ask Odysseus to reveal himself.

Morning Announcement

Alcinous, king of the Phaeacians, and his wife Arete have promised to help Odysseus in his journey home. It is morning, and at the beginning of Book 8 in Homer's The Odyssey, the two men make their way to the Phaeacian assembly ground where Alcinous will speak with his people about the plans to provide Odysseus with supplies.

Competition

The young Phaeacian athletes are busy getting ready to participate in races, wrestling matches, and other athletic competitions. After several games, prince Laodamas, Alcinous's son, points out they should invite Odysseus to join them. After all, their guest certainly seems to be healthy and fit.

What does Ulysses say about the athlete?

There does not seem to be much of the athlete about you.". "For shame, Sir," answered Ulysses, fiercely, "you are an insolent fellow—so true is it that the gods do not grace all men alike in speech, person, and understanding.

Who hung Demodocus's lyre on its peg for him?

A servant hung Demodocus's lyre on its peg for him, led him out of the cloister, and set him on the same way as that along which all the chief men of the Phaeacians were going to see the sports; a crowd of several thousands of people followed them, and there were many excellent competitors for all the prizes.

Who was the bard that seated himself beside Alcinous?

When he had said this, he seated himself beside Alcinous. Supper was then served, and the wine was mixed for drinking. A servant led in the favourite bard Demodocus, and set him in the midst of the company, near one of the bearing-posts supporting the cloister, that he might lean against it.

What evil did the will of Jove fall upon?

Here was the beginning of the evil that by the will of Jove fell both upon Danaans and Trojans. Thus sang the bard, but Ulysses drew his purple mantle over his head and covered his face, for he was ashamed to let the Phaeacians see that he was weeping.

Where does Odysseus stay?

Odysseus’s stay at Alcinous’s palace provides the reader with some relief as it bridges the narrative of Odysseus’s uncertain journey from Calypso’s island and the woeful exploits that he recounts in Books 9 through 12. Ironically, for all of his poise, Odysseus cannot remain at peace even when he finds himself outside the direct influence of the wrath of various gods. His melancholy at the Phaeacian games prompts an insult from Broadsea, which in turn provokes an intense series of challenges between Odysseus and the Phaeacian youths. His tears at Demodocus’s song attract Alcinous’s attention and ultimately force him to reveal his identity and relate the history of his anguish-filled journey. Additionally, though he makes no mention of it again after Book 8, Homer has already hinted that Odysseus has aroused the affection of Princess Nausicaa—just a short while after escaping the demanding attentions of the divine Calypso.

What does Odysseus say about the king?

At first, the king wonders if this wayward traveler might be a god, but without revealing his identity, Odysseus puts the king’s suspicions to rest by declaring that he is indeed a mortal. He then explains his predicament, and the king and queen gladly promise to see him off the next day in a Phaeacian ship.

What does Alcinous propose to the Phaeacian counselors?

At the assembly, Alcinous proposes providing a ship for his visitor so that the man can return to his homeland. The measure is approved, and Alcinous invites the counselors to his palace for a feast and celebration of games in honor of his guest. There, 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 recalls. The king notices Odysseus’s grief and ends the feast so that the games can begin.

What did Odysseus say about Nausicaa?

While still withholding his name, Odysseus responds by recounting the story of his journey from Calypso ’s island and his encounter with Nausicaa that morning, which involved her giving him a set of clothes to wear. To absolve the princess for not accompanying him to the palace, Odysseus claims that it was his idea to come alone. ...

Where does Athena take Odysseus?

Once Athena has delivered Odysseus to the palace, she departs from Scheria to her beloved city of Athens. Odysseus finds the palace residents holding a festival in honor of Poseidon. He is struck by the splendor of the palace and the king’s opulence.

Who asks Odysseus to sing the Trojan horse?

At dinner that night, Odysseus asks Demodocus to sing of the Trojan horse and the sack of Troy, but as he listens to the accomplished minstrel he again breaks down. King Alcinous again notices and stops the music. He asks Odysseus at last to tell him who he is, where he is from, and where he is going.

Who sings the quarrel between Odysseus and Achilles?

There, 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 recalls.