8th+Nymphs+Bk+8

Book VIII of The Odyssey [] __Main Characters__
 * Odysseus
 * Alcinous
 * Demodocus
 * Athena (in disguise)
 * Euryalus
 * Nausicaa
 * Ares
 * Aphrodite
 * Hephaestus

__Book VIII Vocabulary__


 * Imposing- very impressive because of great size, stately appearance
 * Affliction- a cause of mental or bodily pain, as sickness, loss, calamity
 * Resonating- amplified vocal sound by the sympathetic vibration of air
 * Impertinent- intrusive or presumptuous, insolently rude.
 * Inept- without skill or aptitude for a particular task or assignment
 * Prowess- exceptional valor, bravery, or ability
 * Captivating- to attract and hold the attention or interest of
 * Dalliance-amorous toying; flirtation
 * Cur- mongrel dog, esp. a worthless or unfriendly one
 * Reneges- to deny; disown; renounce.

__Summary__ Odysseus arrived in the land of the Phaecians without notice. Meanwhile, Athena took the disguise of King Alcinous' herald and told all of the people that the great Odysseus had arrived. All of the people began to gather in the house of the King and wait for him to arrive. [|Alcinous] called for a gathering of the Phaecian counselors so that they could make a decision on whether or not they should help Odysseus. Alcinous told them of Odysseus' request, which was that he get a ship so he could return home as quickly as possible. Not only did the counselors agree, but they also allowed Odysseus to take 52 of their best crew members. This showed a great deal of hospitality because he was a stranger to them, but they were willing to help him. In order to honor the great Odysseus, Alcinous decided to put together a great feast and games to make Odysseus feel welcome. He called for his best singer, [|Demodocus], and also killed 12 sheep, two oxen, and eight boars. The feast was ready and Demodocus began to perform, but sang about the fight that occurred between Odysseus and [|Achilles]. Odysseus recalled this moment and Agamemnon had been glad because he knew that soon he would surpass the two for power. Odysseus began to cry upon hearing the tune of the singer. When Demodocus stopped, Odysseus stopped crying. The only one that noticed his great sorrow and tears was Alcinous. Alcinous leaned over to his counselors and chiefs and told them to stop the feast and to start the games. They did as they were told, and led Demodocus to begin the tournament.

All of the people followed with great intent of watching the great tournament. Three sons of Alcinous were in the games along with many other young men. The games began with a footrace that Clytoneus, Alcinous' son, would win. After this would be wrestling, won by [|Euryalus]. The next competition would be jumping, won by [|Amphialus]. After this would be discus, won by Elatreus. The final competition would be boxing, won by Alcinous' son [|Laodamas]. Euryalus decided that he wanted to challenge the great Odysseus, and Alcinous overheard. He decided to ask Odysseus to perform in some of the games, but Odysseus quickly declined. Odysseus did not want to participate in the games because he just wanted to return home as quickly as possible. As soon as he gave this reply, Euryalus challenged him saying that he did not really look like a man of sport. This angered Odysseus and he immediately took action by picking up a large stone, heavier than any discus thrown before, and threw it further than any other man had. He continued to go on saying that now Euryalus had angered him and he would perform in any competition. In order to stop Odysseus, Alcinous threw another feast and Demodocus was the singer again. This time he only sang of [|Ares] and [|Aphrodite], and the young men also helped entertain him. After the feast Alcinous and the Phaecian men gave Odysseus gifts for his journey home. Alcinous wished him a very quick trip home and Odysseus thanked him very meaningfully. The main gift they gave Odysseus was a bronze sword with a hilt of silver and a scabbard newly carved of ivory. After this many other gifts were brought in for Odysseus. During the dinner that night, Odysseus asked Demodocus to sing of the story of Troy, and if he did so accordingly he would tell people that Demodocus received his song from a gracious god. Demodocus did as told and was inspired to sing the story. Again, Odysseus became teary and emotional, and again Alcinous was the only one who noticed. He told the counselors that Demodocus had to stop because not everyone enjoyed what he was singing about. Alcinous then has a conversation with Odysseus and starts to ask who he really is and how he really got here. He asks that Odysseus gives him the full truth of what happened.

__Themes__ __Hospitality__ In book 8, Homer further develops the theme of hospitality. Odysseus arrives at the palace of Alcinous where he is welcomed with food, singing, and entertainment. Furthermore, Alcinous provides Odysseus with a ship and crew for his journey from the palace to his home in Ithaca. Alcinous also helps Odysseus escape embarrassment in front of the crowd as he was crying. Another example of the hospitality shown in this book was when [|Nausicaa] helped Odysseus as he landed on shore. She gave him clothing and took him to the city limits then told him exactly what to do when presenting himself to her mother, [|Queen Arete].

__Prophecy__ [|Agamemnon] had known that he would be able to pass Odysseus and Achilles due to a prophecy that came from the god, [|Apollo]. This is what led to the sadness of Odysseus at the feast. Due to the mistake that Odysseus made by arguing with Achilles and what allowed Agamemnon to take the lead in power.

__Sacrifice__ The theme of sacrifice is portrayed again in Book VIII when Alcinous gives Odysseus a cup to make liquid sacrifices to Zeus. This is a very generous gift to a sort of stranger to Alcinous.

__Justice of the Gods__ The justice of the Gods is portrayed in the song that Demodocus sings. He sings about the story of [|Ares and Aphrodite's affair]. Aphrodite's husband Hephaestus found out about it and set a trap for them to be caught in a net together. It worked and Poseidon had to gave mercy to Aphrodite, and told Hephaestus to make up with his wife.

__Ancient Greek Food__ The food of the ancient Greeks was quite healthy with many foods the modern Americans might find unusual. Staples of ancient Greeks food and drink include fish, wine, olives, and other vegetables. Olives were abundant, because it was considered a crime to cut down and olive tree. This was great for food, but it depleted the nutrients in the soil. Meat was scarce, but not completely out of the Greek diet. If meat was eaten it would that of a sheep, goat, or small mammals. Any crops or edible plants that were grown needed to be able to grow in the harsh mountainous terrain of Greece. Homemade bread was included in most meals. Greeks also eat three meals a day. Greeks may not have had many food resources, but they had enough food to support their diet.

http://www.newarchaeology.com/articles/ancient_greek_food.php

http://www.gyrotimeny.com/images/food_gyro_time2.jpg <span style="color: #800000; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%; text-align: left;"> __The Early Olympic Games__ <span style="color: #9c1616; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 110%;">The Olympic games originated as an event which would honor the gods through athletic competition. Even though the Olympics were to honor all the gods and goddesses, it mainly honored Zeus, king of the gods. There were many events that were used to find the most powerful and athletic warrior. The greatest event was the pentathlon which included running, jumping, discus, javelin, and wrestling. Some of the other Olympic events include boxing, [|pankration], and equestrian events. Lots of the events in the ancient Olympics get their roots from Greek gods' competition.

The Olympics took place every four years after the first one in 776 B.C.E. Only men were allowed to compete in and watch the events of the first olympics because women were not as well respected as men. Women had their own games which were held every five years. The main event was a thirty meter race for young girls. The Olympics were to be a time of peace and no violence, therefore wars stopped and no weapons were allowed into the stadium. Over the years the Olympics added many events and became more highly regarded. Today athletes from around the globe compete in this great peaceful competition. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20080813/0013729e47710a0c61f916.jpg http://library.thinkquest.org/20622/the.htm http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/consortium/ancientolympics.html =__Greek Mythology__= ====<span style="color: #9c1616; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mythology and storytelling were very important to the Greeks. These myths provided people with entertainment and others with jobs. Storytellers would go around to different cities and villages telling myths and epic poems therefore providing them with a job and others a form of entertainment. Myths and stories are used again, as a form of entertainment and a way of explaining the super natural and things beyond their control such as the origins of the gods and to tell of heroic feats of great warriors. These stories were mainly conveyed orally from generation to generation. The stories were not written down until 800 B.C. which is when Homer began writing his epic poems. Archeologists have also found these myths depicted on vases and paintings. For along time Greeks have transmitted the stories orally and because of this many minor details and sometimes major story lines have been changed or lost overtime. What has stayed constant though are the underlying or universal themes that are taught through these stories. For example the universal theme is if one sets their mind to do something that person can accomplish anything. Themes such as these have laid a bases for Western Civilization and its literature. Even today one can recognize these themes that guide daily lives of many. ==== [|Ares Myth]



[|ttp://www.greecetravel.com/greekmyths/]

__Odysseus proving himself at the games__