Who's who: chapter 8 of odyssey

HSAS Megi Rrugeja
9-26-11 Section 6
Book Eight - "The Phaeacian Games"
Who's Who:
Odysseus, a hero to most , has arrived to Phaeacian's announcing he's a traveler lost his
way needing guidance back. He doesn't reveal himself to be Odysseus. And cries at the
songs telling stories about his own journeys. He is asked to take part of the games to
show off his own skills and first claims his mind isn't focused on taking part of these
games but finding his way home, but after being angered by Laodamus he takes the
biggest discus and throws it. Odysseus also takes part of a feast and presented with gifts
from the Phaeacian people.
Athene, daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom, came into town disguised as a herald,
brings hype about the assembly where the king introduces the town to Odysseus
compares his appearance to an immortal god. She managed to get all the seats of the
assembly filled.
Alcinous, King of the Phaeacians, welcome Odysseus with hospitality. He agrees to help
him find his way home and give him one of his ships. He holds two dinners for
Odysseus and tells his townspeople to show off their strengths in sports and dancing to
him. When he sees Odysseus weep again at a sung by Demodocus, he asks him who he
is and what city he came from.
Demodocus, a blind bard with a beautiful voice, sings, along with his tuneful lyre, about
the Quarrel of Odysseus and Achilles son of Peleus, the love of Ares and Aphrodite, and
Archean warriors. He manages to make Odysseus cry. Demodocus is also complimented
by Odysseus at how well and accurate he sings of the Archeans' "fate and of all their
achievements."
Laodamas, handsome son of Alcinous, was best at boxing in the Phaeacian games. After the
games, he suggests to Odysseus that he take part in their games and show them some of
his skills. He claims the physical achievements of man is what he's recognized most for.
Euryalus, son of Naubolus , was an athlete that excelled in the discus throwing, and
looked like the god Ares and was most the most hand-some and strong of the athletes
next to Laodamas. Euryalus insulted Odysseus while trying to convince him to participate
in the games. He was referred to someone who was blessed by looks from the gods but
lacking of brains, to Odysseus. And also provoked him to show off his strength with the
discus. In the end, Euryalus presents the gift of a valuable bronze sword to him and
apologies for his previous insults.

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Cyltoneus, a god-like athlete, was quickest during the racing part of the games, leaving
the distance of a fallow field between him and the other racers when he reached the
finish line.
Amphialus, an athlete, won the jumping competition in the games.
Elatreus, an athlete, was the best at throwing the discus.
Halius, and god-like Clytoneus, son to Alcinous who took part in the games along with
their brother, Laodamas.
Amphialus, an athlete who was son to Polyneus and grandson to Naubolus.
Acrones, Ocyalus, Nauteus, Prymneus, Anchialus, Ponteus, Proreus, Thoon, Anabeineos,
were athletes who participated in the Phaeacian games.
Hephaestus, son of Zeus and god of fire, was in the story Demodocus sang about. He
was upset about finding out that his wife, Aphrodite, had been sleeping with Ares. He
creates these chains that lock Ares and Aphrodite in his bed until her father gives
Hephaestus back all the gifts he had to give to win Aphrodite.
Aphrodite, goddess of love, is married to Hephaestus but sleeping with Ares Demodocus`
song.
Ares, son of Zeus and terrible god of war, is sleeping with Aphrodite in Demodocus`
song.
Poseidon, god of earthquakes, tells Hephaestus to let Ares go, stating he will fix his
mistake and if he makes it again Poseidon himself, will pay the fine. Which made
Hephaestus undo the chains.
Hermes, son of Zeus and messenger of the gods, thinks Hephaestus is right in what he
did to Ares and that Ares should pay for his adultery.
Apollo, son of Zeus and Lord of the Bow, is present during this meeting and asks
Hermes if he would want to be tied down by chains next to Aphrodite.

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