Odysseus's Journey and Circe's Magic

In this excerpt from The Odyssey, Odysseus receives a favorable wind from Aeolus but his men release stormy winds, blowing them off course. They encounter cannibals and only Odysseus's ship survives. They reach Circe's island, where she turns his men into pigs. Odysseus, with Hermes's help, confronts Circe and saves his men. They stay for a year before being told to visit the Land of the Dead.

What gift does Aeolus give to Odysseus to aid his journey?

• A magical sword

• A bag of stormy winds

• A ship

• A map to Ithaca

Why do Odysseus's men open the bag given by Aeolus?

• They are curious about its contents

• They think it contains gold and silver

• They want to use the winds

• They are ordered by Odysseus

What is the consequence of opening the bag of winds?

• The ship sails faster

• The crew finds treasure

• The ships are blown back to Aeolus's island

• The crew is cursed

Who are the Laestrygonians?

• Helpful gods

• Fierce cannibals

• Friendly islanders

• Skilled sailors

What happens to Odysseus's fleet in the land of the Laestrygonians?

• They are welcomed with gifts

• They are destroyed by boulders

• They find a hidden treasure

• They are turned into animals

What is Circe known for?

• Her wisdom

• Her witchcraft

• Her ability to control the winds

• Her healing powers

What transformation does Circe perform on Odysseus's men?

• Turns them into birds

• Turns them into trees

• Turns them into stone

• Turns them into pigs

Who helps Odysseus resist Circe's magic?

• Poseidon

• Athena

• Hermes

• Zeus

What does Hermes give Odysseus to protect him from Circe's magic?

• A powerful spell

• A protective amulet

• A shield

• A magical plant called moly

How long do Odysseus and his men stay with Circe?

• Two years

• One year

• Six months

• One month