Paraphrasing Book 1-24
While reading the Odyssey we were assigned to paraphrase each book.
The odyssey
Book 1 “Summary”
First the story started with introducing the main gods.
After the war all Greek heroes except Odysseus have returned home
Odysseus was stuck on an island due to what he did with the giant with one eye (Cyclops). Poseidon was the one that made Odysseus trapped in the island.
Many suitors wanted to marry Odysseus wife (Penelope) since they thought that Odysseus is dead.
A mortal guise told the son of Odysseus ( Telemachus) to go search for his father.
Book 2 “Paraphrasing”
Stanza 1:The suitors were abusing Penelope. One of the suitors blamed Penelope for not choosing one of them as a husband.
Stanza 2:Antonius one of the suitors claimed that Penelope said she would choose one of them yet she didn’t want to.
Stanza 3:A man sends an omen. A wise man interprets an awaiting fate for the suitors.
Stanza 4:To seek news about Odysseus Telemachus asked the countrymen to fit him in a ship.
Stanza 5:Antonius asked Telemachus to share a feast; Telemachus refused his suggestion and said he will see him dead.
Stanza 6:Telemachus makes Eurycleia swear that she will not say to his mother of his leaving until ten day gone.
Stanza 7:The ship puts out to sea with Telemachus and his supporter Athena.
Book 3 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: Telemachus asks the king about his father and how he died but the king refused to tell him and didn’t help. Nestor tells Telemachus about what he knows about the Greeks return from troy.
Stanza 2:It was Athena’s fault she caused dissension between the leader Agamemnon and his brother Menelaus. And because of that in the end, half the army left while the others remained with Agamemnon.
Stanza 3: He said that those of us who sailed with Menelaus made decent speed at first, but then we were at each other's throats again. One group, under Odysseus, broke off and rejoined Agamemnon.
Stanza 4: He said that the king’s wife fell in love. Together with her lover, they murdered Agamemnon. His son avenged Agamemnon.
Stanza 5:Telemachus asked Nestor why didn’t Menelaus did not slay his brother’s killer.
Stanza 6:A storm blew Menelaus all the way to Egypt. There he remained, unable to return home until it was too late.
Stanza 7: Nestor suggests to Telemachus to go to Sparta and one of his sons will accompany him.
Stanza 8:Telemachus sets out for the kingdom of Menelaus.
Book 4 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1:Telemachus and the nestor’s son are welcomed and queen Helen recognizes Telemachus and said he was a copy of his father.
Stanza 2: Queen Helen said to Telemachus that you must be the boy Odysseus left behind. Then she started to talk about his father saying “What a man! I'll never forget his daring and his guile.”
Stanza 3:She said that Odysseus sneaked into troy and when he spoke she immediately recognized him. She was happy since she depressed wanting to return home.
Stanza 4:While explaining to Telemachus about his father, Menelaus asked the queen how they suspected they were hiding in the wooden horse; she said that Odysseus was in command. She also said when they were trying intimating the voice of each man’s wife and Odysseus kept them quiet.
Stanza 5:After the explaining Telemachus seeks respite in sleep. In the morning, Menelaus relates what he can of Odysseus.
Stanza 6:Menelaus started talking about what did he do when he was stuck in Egypt, before becoming becalmed he just made it as far as an island off the mouth of the Nile and then he said “A goddess took pity on me as I paced the beach in desperation.”
Stanza 7:He continued explaining, and he said that she said My father is the Old Man of the. She helped with disguises. She even rubbed ambrosia under our noses against the stench.
Stanza 8:The Ancient came , and that man had an awesome power to change his form, for example, to lion, to snake, to boar, to gushing fountain and towering tree. Then he reverted to his original shape and began to speak.
Stanza 9:He said that Zeus was furious because we had failed to sacrifice before setting sail. And he said that he asked which of our comrades had perished on the journey home from Troy.
Stanza 10: He replied that Only two high officers and one of them his boast was heard by Poseidon, and the Lord of Earthquakes swung his mighty trident and knocked the earth right out from under Ajax, who fell into the sea and perished.
Stanza 11: In stanza 11 they asked about what happened to the other one and he said "And the other?" we asked, for he had spoken of two high officers.
Stanza 12:In stanza 12 it was claimed that Odysseus was alive without someone to return him home.
Stanza 13:Telemachus has the information he wanted. The bad news he had that he heard that the suitors new about his departure and they are trying to ambush him.
Book 5 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1:Athena brings the case of Odysseus once more before the gods. Then Zeus sends Hermes with a message for Calypso.
Stanza 2: Hermes goes to the island where Odysseus is. He finds the goddess at her home in the midst of a forest.
Stanza 3: She's was surprised by the visit but before asking why he’s here she welcomed him in.
Stanza 4: He said to the goddess that he has a reason for coming. He has a message from Zeus that said send Odysseus home.
Stanza 5: First calypso argues but then she replied, "Oh very well, there's no arguing with Zeus."
Stanza 6: Hermes takes his leave and said calypso you should be more polite and have a better grace.
Stanza 7: Calypso knows where is Odysseus. Every day Odysseus sat on the exact rock looking out to sea wanting to return home and weeping for Penelope.
Stanza 8:The goddess asked Odysseus would you take immortality if I told you there is a shipwreck and told you to stay.
Stanza 9: He replied, “I'd gladly endure what the sea deals out."
Stanza 10: The goddess claypso said “you may go.”
Stanza 11: Odysseus said what kind of trick is this, even though he is famous of tricks himself.
Stanza 12: Then Styx replied no trick I swear.
Stanza 13:The next day he starts to build a raft and five days later he puts out to see. He sails for seventeen days with a sight of land. Finally Poseidon notices what is a happening.
Stanza 14:Poseidon decided o give Odysseus a voyage to remember.
Stanza 15:Poseidon stirs the sea into and strokes up rain and squall. The Mast and sail of the boat Odysseus was using were torn away. Odysseus is thrown overboard, yet he somehow managed to clamber back aboard.
Stanza 16: A goddess called Leucothea, appears to him in the form of a bird. She helps him to swim for it. She told him to take his veil and when he reaches shore to throw it back into sea.
Stanza 17: Odysseus thinks it is safer to keep to the boat. But Poseidon smashed the boat to bits. Odysseus swims and drifts for two days.
Stanza 18:A strong wave bears him in. He has the presence of mind to swim back out to sea. He prays to the deity of this stream to take him in. And the god has mercy on him.
Stanza 19:He remembered to throw the veil back to Leucothea. He falls face down in the mud. Still he can't rest, and he knows that river air deathly cold at night and he will be anywhere he'll be easy prey to beasts.
Stanza 20:He uses the olive tree to make a cage. He then place leaves up over himself for a blanket, then sleeps.
Book 6 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1:Odysseus had approached in to the land of Phaeacians and at night Athena went to their king palace and appeared in the princess dream.
Stanza 2:The goddess forced Athena to think of the wedding day and what she have to do by the river regarding her bridal gown.
Stanza 3: In the morning Nausicaa awoke with this idea in mind and he asked his father if he should launder his family bed sheets.
Stanza 4:at the river they laundered the bed sheets and raised them to dry and they took a quick shower and polished themselves with some oil.
Stanza 5 :Odysseus woke to their high sound of their laughter. Then approached to the group.
Stanza 6:The maids ran away when they glanced their stranger but Nausicaa stood at her place.
Stanza 7: A conversation occurred between Odysseus and the maid and he started questioning them about what they are doing and what’s all that noise about .
Stanza 8: In her candid way, Nausicaa sized him up and saw that he meant no harm.
Stanza 9: Nausiacaa called back her maids and told them to feed and cloth Odysseus. They gave him oil to rub on after he had bathed in the river.
Stanza 10:Nausicaa said "Now here is what you must do," she told him. "On the way to my father's palace we will pass between the boatyards. The last thing I want is for some shipwright to see you following along behind my cart and think that there is something going on between us.
Stanza 11:Nauiscaa says to Athena ”But just before town is a roadside grove, sacred to Athena. Wait there until you're sure I'm gone, then enter the city gate. Ask directions to the palace, and when you've found it do not hesitate. Come straight into the hall and seek out my mother.
Stanza 12:Nausicaa adds also and says ”She'll be seated by the fire. Clasp her knees. If she accepts your supplication, you're as good as home."
Book 7 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1:Odysseus waited in the grove until he entered phaecians. when he asked for instructions to the way of the palace it was Athena in a form of a little girl who helped him.
Stanza 2: Odysseus was dazzled and surprised by the interior walls.
Stanza 3:The king and his courtiers we sitting in the splendor but Athena hid Odysseus for not being seen.
Stanza 4:He said "Blessings upon you and this company” and if you but grant my request and make safe passage to my homeland. Then he sat down again in the ashes of the fire.
Stanza 5: a wise counselor cried to the king. "My lord, this will not do."
Stanza 6: Then the King took Odysseus by the hand and guided him to the place of honor. Before Next to the king's throne sat his eldest son, who now moved aside.
Stanza 7: The king then in stanza 7 announced and said that "Tomorrow shall be a holiday," And he also said he will give thought to speeding Odysseus journey home.
Stanza 8: a man said that who knows if Odysseus might even be a god. He said that they've always appeared to us in all their glory.
Stanza 9: Odysseus claimed he was no god, but a mortal man. Then the queen asked him how it came to be that he was wearing clothes that she herself had neat.
Stanza 10: Then oddysseus explained what happened in Calypso's island. He described how he had contacted the princess and her maids and how Nausicaa had given him clothing and said that it was his own idea to enter town separately.
Stanza 11: That night he slept on a deep pile of rugs beneath clean sheets and fleeces.
Book 8 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1:The next day King Alcinous had an assembly of his people: and said that he had a promise to help a man return home and told them to prepare a ship.
Stanza 2: They had abanquet and Demodocus choose the theme of that day was the Trojan War.
Stanza 3: He began singing of Achilles and Odysseus, and this brought tears to that hero's eyes. He somehow tried to hide them by covering his face in his cape and the king heard his sobs.
Stanza 4: The king said to Demodocus to stop and put that aside and said It is time for athletics.
Stanza 5: They started their activities and tried to impress their guests and they were amazed that Odysseus himself was well muscled and fit. They thought for a moment Perhaps he would care to join their contest?
Stanza 6; Odysseus replied that he had other things than sport on his mind. One of the competitors said, "No doubt he's been to sea, but only as a purser."
Stanza 7: The hero's eyes went cold. He picked up a discus and threw it and, it landed far beyond their own best shots.
Stanza 8: The king Alcinous acknowledged that for sure there is a way to impress him. He called for Demodocus to play a tune, and various dances were performed.
Stanza 9: Odysseus was indeed impressed with the dance.
Stanza 10: the king told the lords to bring back a bar of gold for Odysseus. The sailor who had teased Odysseus earlier gave him his own sword in apology. The queen herself gave the gold for Odysseus.
Stanza 12: Nausicaa met Odysseus and told him. "When you are safely home" "you might remember me".
Stanza 13: he said ill remember you as Princess, he said, "I will give thanks to you each day until I die."
Stanza 14: Demodocus began to sing of the Trojan Horse and Odysseus suggested the theme. They started singing and continued having fun.
Stanza 15: Once more Odysseus cried and once more the king ordered to stop.
Stanza 16: lastly he said now it is his turn. Tell us your name, stranger, and tell us your home. After all, our ship will need to set a course.
Book 9 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: Odysseus introduced himself and said "I am Odysseus of Ithaca. And here is my tale since setting out from Troy.
Stanza 2: He started talking about his journey so he first explained that the first landfall was Ismarus, in the land of the Cicones. He said we killed the men and took the women captive.
Stanza 3: He said while they were drinking on the beach, they feasted while survivors of our plundering raised the surroundings. The main force of the Cicones brushed down on us in a black tide. He said it was all we could do to hold the ships until we cut our losses and put back out to sea.
Stanza 4:And he said while we still suffered for our fallen comrades; Zeus sent a storm that bumped and knocked us to our knees. We rode it.
Stanza 5: Then he said “suddenly we found ourselves in the land of the Lotus-eaters. They had plants and three of my men tasted it wanted more. They lost desire for home. I forced them back to the ship and tied them up”.
Stanza 6: Next we reached the land of the Cyclopes. It was uninhabited and it looked wildlife.
Stanza 7: Then next day Odysseus left everyone and took his own crew over to the mainland. They first saw a cave that had milking pens for goats and big cheeses aging on racks.
Stanza 8: Odysseus men took cheeses and the lambs that was found in the cave, however Odysseus wanted to see more about the way of that home.
Stanza 9: The Cyclops Polyphemus came home; he stained out the light in the doorway. He was as tall, rough and had one huge eye on hisforehead.
Stanza 10: He didn't see them at first. What he did first is that he dragged a huge rock into the mouth of the cave. It was hard to move. Then he milked his lambs; he then stoked his fire for the meal that he saw us.
Stanza 11: he asked, who are you?'
Stanza 12: They replied, “We are Greeks “ and explained. He then said you’d extend welcome or suffer the anger of Zeus.
Stanza 13: The Cyclops said “Zeus? We Cyclopes are stronger than Zeus. I'll show you a welcome”
Stanza 14: With that he took two of Odysseus men and attacked their brains. Then he ate them raw.
Stanza 15: They cried aloud to Zeus. The Cyclops drank some of milk and went to sleep. His hand was on eager to stab him. But he realized that he was the only one can unstop the mouth of the cave.
Stanza 16: Then the Cyclops again made breakfast of two more of their companions.
Stanza 17: They then decided on a plan and we’ve found a tree trunk that the Cyclops intended for a walking stick. They skinned it, put a sharp point on one end and hardened it in the fire. Then they hid it under a pile of manure.
Stanza 18: Then the Cyclops came home and made his usual meal, Odysseus spoke to him. 'Cyclops, you might as well take some of our liquor.'
Stanza 19: He brought along a skin of wine and the Cyclops tossed it back and then demanded more.
Stanza 20: he said 'I like you, Greek,’ What's your name?'
Stanza 21: Odysseus told him 'My name is nobody,’
Stanza 22: Odysseus found out that the favor he intended was to eat me last. But then the wine had knocked him. He heated the end of the pole until it was glowed red, Then they ran it toward the Cyclops aiming it for his eye and driving it deep. The thing crackled like hot metal dropped in water while they twisted it like an auger.
Stanza 23: he came awake ripped the point from his eye. His screams of anger brought the neighboring Cyclopes to the mouth of the cave.
Stanza 24:' He said what is it, brother?' 'Is someone harming you?'
Stanza 25: 'It's Nobody!' Said Polyphemus.
Stanza 26: He said “Then for the love of Poseidon pipe down in there!”.
Stanza 27: Polyphemus spent the night by the open door, hoping they will be stupid enough to try to sneak past him. Getting past him was the problem all right.
Stanza 28: Odysseus hid a man under each group of three goats. Then suddenly the Cyclops ran his hands over their backs but did not notice the men underneath.
Stanza 29: The Cyclops said 'Why aren't you leading the flock as usual?' and also said 'I wish you could talk, so you could point out those Greeks.
Stanza 30: He finally let the ram go, and Odysseus ran down to the ship. At last they were out to sea. He called out Polyphemus and in his anger he tore up a huge boulder and threw it at us.
Stanza 31: It landed in front of the bow. Odysseus then waited until his panicked men had rowed a good bit further and then he did put his hands to his mouth to call out again.
Stanza 32: Odysseus said: 'If someone asks who did this, the name is Odysseus!'
Stanza 33: The Cyclops was left loud on the cliff calling out to his father Poseidon for revenge.
Book 10 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1:He said: "We then put in at the island of Aeolus, he was the keeper of the wind and after we little entertain him he will provide a steady breeze to blow us home.
Stanza 2: they were close to Ithaca after a journey of nine days and Aeolus is the one who helped them. Odysseus men noticed the bag that Aeolus had given him.
Stanza 3: The men said why do the captain take the treasure and thought for a moment if they have a thing to show their searoving
Stanza 4: They opened it and a hurricane blew them back to Aeolus's island. Odysseusi asked he if he could send them home again and he refused
Stanza 5: They went back to sea , they had six days and nights that were rested. Then they reached the land of the Laestrygonians. It was a daylight around the clock.
Stanza 6: Then we came upon a young girl who showed them the way to her mother, the queen. She was huge as a mountain, and her husband was hot for blood. Her husband took the first man, tore him in half and chomped him down.
Stanza 7:They came back to the shore screaming, and the entire clan of Laestrygonians followed them all. The Laestrygonians smashed the ships and Odysseus men.
Stanza 8: Odysseus begged his men to row for their lives. They made it and that ship was the only ship to escape. They were relieved and they felt sorry for the men they left behind.
Stanza 9: They then reached to Circe's island they didn’t to go exploring, Then they were divided to two groups one stayed behind with Odysseus and the other group went under Odysseus’s kinsman and went to explore.
Stanza 10: when they reached they came to a stone house it was enclosed by lions and wolves of extraordinary meekness.
Stanza 11: Circe came out and welcomed them inside, they all excepted the invation except one. she gave them food and then she waved her wand and turned them into swine.
Stanza 12: Eurylochus the one that didn’t except came running back to the ship and spread the alarm. Odysseus set out to investigate.
Stanza 13: Odysseus met Hermes. Zeus's warned Odysseus that I too would be transformed by Circe's witchery unless I followed his instructions. Then when she raised her wand Odysseus was about to draw his sword.
Stanza 14: Hermes gave Odysseus the moly then went. Odysseus put down the potion and then just presented her wand, he then drew his sword and held it to her throat.
Stanza 15: She was about to faint then said “You can only be Odysseus”. She then said let me be your friend and lover.
Stanza 16: First Odysseus made her swear an promise.
Stanza 17: Then later they had a feast, But Odysseus was in no mood. She then restored Odysseus shipmates to human form. And She even sent Odysseus to go see his men who he left behind.
Stanza 18: Then after a while and after many months had passed, the crew reminded Odysseus of home. The goddess was and promised willing to let me go, but it was not as simple.
Stanza 19: She then said you would never see and return back home by sailing directly. She said You must pass to the land of Death and he alone can show you the course.
Book 11 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: They then explained where the land of death is located. They said it is in the furthest edge of the Ocean's stream land. They said that these people couldn’t even talk unless they are re-animated with blood.
Stanza 2: Odysseus said he did as Circe instructed. He said Tiresias, the blind prophet who tried to escort us to Troy, was the soul I talked to.
Stanza 3: He gave Odysseus warnings about his journey home. Odysseus claimed that he met the shades of many famous women and heroes.
Book 12 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: When they went back to sea they had to pass the Sirens. The Sirens are people who have sweet singing that traps sailors to their fate. Odysseus was smart he placed wax in the ears of his men, and I only listened alone.
Stanza 2: They came next Charybdis, who can swallow the sea then spits it up again. They avoided this and bordered the cliff where Scylla sits. Each six slavering chops grabbed a sailor and ate him down.
Stanza 3: Finally we were reached the island of the Sun. My men ignored all warnings and sacrificed his cattle, so back Zeus sent a thunderbolt that smashed the ship. Odysseus was the alone who survived, and was stuck on the island of Calypso.
Book 13 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: In stanza 1 Odysseus finished his story, and then the king ordered him to Ithaca. And he sleeps the whole way.
Stanza 2: The sailors put him down on the beach with the magnificent gifts. he wake up and wonders how he is going to protect this treasure.
Stanza 3: Athena puts a mist about him that doesn’t let him recognize his homeland. Then the goddess reveals herself and dispells the mist. Odysseus of how happy he was , he kissed the ground.
Stanza 4: Athena changes him into an old man. He then goes off to find his faithful swineherd, as instructed by the goddess.
Book 14 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: Eumaeus welcomes the stranger. He throws his own bedcover and made a seat for Odysseus. He still doesn’t know the identity of Odysseus.
Stanza 2: Eumaeus slaughters a boar and serves it with bread. Odysseus makes up a story of his origins.
Stanza 3: That night Odysseus sleeps by the fire, while Eumaeus himself sleeps outside.
Book 15 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1:Athena sends Telemachus home and tells him how to duck an trap by the suitors. Odysseus listens while Eumaeus talks about the story of his life.
Stanza 2: Eumaeus was the child of a mainland king. His nursemaid was kidnapped by pirates and was into slavery. In return she kidnapped Eumaeus. Odysseus’ father bought him.
Book 16 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: Telemachus avoids the suitors and follows Athena's instructions. Then sends Eumaeus to his mother.
Stanza 2: Athena restores Odysseus’ appearance. Then Telemachus takes him for a god. The god claimed that Odysseus returned after these twenty years. Then they fall into each other's arms.
Stanza 3: Later they plot the suitors' fate and Telemachus suggests that they might need help.
Stanza 4: Then Odysseus says aren’t Athena and Zeus are enough for help.
Book 17 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1:In stanza one, Odysseus Disguised and went to a journey to town. He meets a man named Melanthius who tries to kick him.
Stanza 2: The hero is recognized by Argos, a dog. He saw his master again and dies.
Stanza 3: Odysseus begs food from the suitors. Antinous refuses so much as a crust. He hit him in the back. The gods test them as mortals for their righteousness.
Book 18 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: A beggar warns Odysseus off his turf. Irus do some favors for the suitors. Irus warns fisticuffs after Odysseus said they’re picking is enough.
Stanza 2: Odysseus challenges Irus. The suitors stare at the muscles of Odysseus are revealed. Odysseus breaks the jaw of Irus instead of killing him right away.
Stanza 3: As Antinous had done, the suitor Eurymachus tries to take revenge by hitting Odysseus with a footstool.
Book 19 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: Odysseus talk with his queen Penelope but she doesn’t know his identity. Penelope orders her maid to bathe his feet and rub them with oil.
Stanza 2: Eurycleia the maid, who was Odysseus' nurse, noticed a scar in Odysseus knees. She recounts a story when Odysseus had been stabbed by boar while hunting as a young man, and the scar on that man’s knees looked exactly like the scar on Odysseus. Then she recognized her master at once, but Odysseus silences her.
Book 20 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: The next morning Odysseus asked from a Zeus a sign. The sign was a clap of thunder. A servant recognizes it as a portent and prays that this day be the last of the suitors' abuse.
Stanza 2: Odysseus meets a herdsman. Like the swineherd Eumaeus, he tends the kingdom's cattle and swears his loyalty to the absent king.
Stanza 3: An exiled murderer that Telemachus has helped, shared a vision with the suitors. The vision claimed that the walls of the mansion would drip the blood of the suitors. They laughed.
Book 21 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: Penelope appears before the suitors’ and she was holding a stout bow left behind by Odysseus. She said who strings this bow and sends an arrow through the sockets of tewelve ax I will marry him.
Stanza 2: The suitors take turns, but all of them have no strength. Odysseus asked if he can try but the suitors refuse. Telemachus insists and his anger made him laugh.
Stanza 3: Odysseus stings the bow and sends an arrow through the ax heads. Telemachus arms himself and takes up a station by his side.
Book 22 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: Antinous drinking and Odysseus puts an arrow through his throat.
Stanza 2: Athena appears and sends the suitors' spear thrusts wide. While Odysseus and Telemachus sends the volley after volley of lances.
Stanza 3: They then finish off the work with swords. The housemaids who helped the suitors , were hung by the neck in the courtyard. While the treacherous were chopped to bits.
Book 23 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: Odysseus tells everyone to dress and dance, so no one suspect what's happened.
Stanza 2: Penelope still doesn’t believe her husband returned unless he gives her some secret sign. She tells a servant to make his bed in the hall.
Stanza 3: Odysseus said: “in the hall! “and he asked "Who had the craft to move my bed? He told them that he shaped the bedpost of an olive tree and built the bedroom around it.
Stanza 4: Penelope goes into his arms and they were filled of joy.
Book 24 “paraphrasing”
Stanza 1: Odysseus then goes where his father works like a peasant. Odysseus decided to test his father with a tall tale before their reunion.
Stanza 2: The suitors gathered at the assembly ground. Antinous decided to take revenge. Odysseus, Telemachus, the loyal herdsmen, Laertes and the fieldhands arm decided to meet the challenge.
Stanza 3: Laertes throws a spear through the helmet of Antinous' father. At the command of Zeus the fight stops. Athena changes her appearance into an old family friend, tells both people to live together in peace.
