Odyssey: Book XI.

Describe in detail the ritual Odysseus must perform: why he does it, what he does, and what happens each time he performs it. (This would specifically address one of the Key Features of Myth.)In your opinion, who are the most important "shades" Odysseus meets and speaks to. Explain why you think this. What specifically does Odysseus learn about his future?

Odysseus took the ram that he had previously taken from the cyclops and poured its blood into a pit he had dug. "..around that pit, for all the dead, I poured libations: milk and honey first, then sweet wine, then pure water. Over these I scattered--properly--white barley meal" (213). This sacrifice would bring out the spirits so he could talk to them as planned. This is where he talked with his mother, Elpenor, Tiresias, and others. Odysseus told Tiresias that when he made it back to Ithaca he would then sacrifice a barren heifer "and heap her pyre high with precious gifts". Tiresias would receive the best black ram Odysseus he had. When Odysseus gets the chance to talk to the spirits he talks with the shade he came to see, which was Tiresias the Theban. He informed Odysseus that he would make it home on one condition. He was to leave the sun god's animals alone. He, however, did not listen. Hence what has happened to him from that point on. Another shade he met was Elpenor. Elpenor was a young soldier who fell off the roof and died on Circe's island. He asked Odysseus to burn his body (in his armor) so that his spirit could be lifted. He also receives the chance to speak with his mother (Antecleia) once again. She tells him of his homecoming, and she tells him that his wife is still waiting upon his return and that he still is to be king. Also, one of the most important things he learns is of Telemachus and how he has been keeping everything together while he was gone. Talking with his mother again had a big impact on Odysseus.

After reading the entire book, what have you learned about Odysseus in terms of his hero qualities (both Homeric and 21st Century)- be specific.

One thing Odysseus has would be a supreme pride issue, which is a characteristic of the tragic hero. This does set him back, but also could show heroism, too. He he is a very good leader as it is shown throughout the book and has that pride in his accomplishments. Odysseus is a very brave man, and he finds his way out of all situations (with the help of the gods). Odysseus has a great love for his men, and he yearns for returning to Ithaca, not only himself, but his men too. Even if it does not turn out that way. Another thing that Odysseus has that is heroic would be his dedication. He is completely set on getting back home. He has Homeric qualities in that he has accepted his suffering as said in the packet. For example, he had accepted that he was stuck on Calypso's island (even though he was unhappy and full of sorrow because of it). Another Homeric quality would be the way he believes in the gods. All of his actions are thought to be in the way the gods would want them. He trusts fully in them and knew that his fate was in their hands whether he wanted it that way or not. They are the reason he has made it out of all these bad situations he has been put up against.