Introduction
Knowledge of Greek mythology is important in passing AP exams. This webquest examines the villians in Homer's "Odyssey."
Task
Look up information about each of the following:
Poseidon
Polyphemus
Calypso
The Sirens
The Lotus Eaters
Scylla
Charybdis
Circe
Process
Go here for a quick overview of the monsters in the Odyssey:
http://odyssey_08540.tripod.com/monsters.html
The following lists all important characters in the Odyssey. It is important to become familiar with these.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/odyssey/characters.html
The following has information on the Sirens, who Odysseus encounters during his travels.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siren_(mythology)
Scylla and Charybdis are monsters that Odysseus encounters travelling from Circe's island.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/530331/Scylla-and-Charybdis
The following has information on Calypso.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calypso_(mythology)
The following has information on Circe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circe
The following has information on the Lotus Eaters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus-eaters
Evaluation
What event prompts Poseidon to act against Odysseus?
Describe what kind of society Polyphemus and his companions represent.
In what kind of poem would Calypso most likely be alluded to, and why?
What purpose do the Sirens serve in the Odyssey? What lesson are they meant to teach?
How do the Lotus Eaters trap people? What vice do they represent?
What natural phenomenon does Charybdis personify? Scylla? Why might they be seen in poems?
How would Circe's den be described? Why would it be alluded to in a poem?
Conclusion
In this webquest, you hopefully gained some insight on the villains in the Odyssey, and often referenced epic. As a well known epic, the Odyssey is commonly referred to in poems and AP tests, which you will know be better prepared for.