ODYSSEYCHARACTERS

English I

SCYLLA• Many-headed rock

monster

• Devours men

CHARYBDIS• Whirlpool

monster

• Once human

• Swallows & regurgitates large amounts of water

MUSES• 9 women who

inspire creativity

• Daughters of Zeus

• Calliope: Muse of epic poetry

POLYPHEMUS• Cyclops

• Son of Poseidon

• Mistreats his guests (big no-no)

• Cannibal

HELIOS• Young sun

god

• Sees & hears everything

• Odysseus’ men eat his sheep

APOLLO• Greek god of the

sun, music, medicine

TIRESIAS• Blind prophet

• Odysseus travels to the Underworld to seek his help

LAERTES• Father of Odysseus

• Husband of Anticlea, who dies of grief while Odysseus is gone

PENELOPE• Wife of Odysseus

• Remains loyal after many years

• Does not want to marry any of the suitors

ARGOS• Odysseus’ dog

• Neglected after Odysseus leaves for war

ANTINOUS• Most arrogant of

the suitors wanting to marry Penelope

• Disrespectful to Odysseus when he is disguised as a poor beggar

TELEMACHUS• Son of Odysseus

• Helps Odysseus kill the suitors