Index BCDE
Bear
The Great Bear, The Waggon (plaustra), The Wain, The Plough, The Big Dipper.The constellation of Ursa Major. It represents Callisto turned into a bear by Zeus, or the plough or waggon or cart of Bootës. The two stars of the ‘bowl’ furthest from the ‘handle’, Merak and Dubhe, point to Polaris the pole star. The ‘handle’ points to the star Arcturus in the constellation Bootës, who is the Waggoner or Herdsman or Bear Herd (Arcturus means the Bearkeeper) or Ploughman. The Great Bear is circumpolar and never dips below the horizon.
Bk V:262-312 Odysseus steers his raft, using the constellation.
Boethus
The father of Menelaus’ squire, Eteoneus.
Bk IV:1-58 Bk XV:56-119 Mentioned.
Bootes
The constellation of the Waggoner, or Herdsman, or Bear Herd. The nearby constellation of Ursa Major is the Wain, Waggon, Plough, or Great Bear. He holds the leash of the constellation of the hunting dogs, Canes Venatici.
Bk V:262-312 Odysseus uses the constellation to steer by.
Cadmeians
The descendants of Cadmus, the founder of Thebes.
Bk XI:225-332 The Thebans.
Cadmus
The son of the Phoenician king Agenor. He searched for his sister Europa stolen by Zeus. The founder of Thebes in Boeotia.
Bk V:313-387 Ino was one of his children.
Calypso
A demi-goddess living on the island of Ogygia.
Bk I:1-21 Bk IV:548-592 Bk IX:1-62 Bk XVII:107-165 She detained Odysseus on her island for seven years.
Bk V:1-42 Zeus sends Hermes to tell her to release Odysseus from her island.
Bk V:43-91 She welcomes Hermes to her island.
Bk V:92-147 She agrees reluctantly to release Odysseus.
Bk V:148-191 She tells Odysseus to build a raft and leave.
Bk V:192-261 She helps Odysseus prepare for his voyage.
Bk V:262-312 Bk VII:240-297 She sees him off from the island.
Bk V:313-387 The clothes she gave Odysseus weigh him down as he tries to swim.
Bk VIII:416-468 Odysseus had been well cared for on her island.
Bk XII:374-453 She tells Odysseus about the Sun-god’s complaint to the gods, after he is washed up on her island.
Bk XXIII:300-372 Odysseus tells the tale.
Cassandra
The daughter of Priam and Hecuba gifted with prophecy by Apollo, but cursed to tell the truth and not be believed. Her rape by Ajax the Lesser caused Athene’s anger to fall on the returning Greeks. Taken back to Greece by Agamemnon. (See Aeschylus: The Agamemnon)
Bk XI:385-464 Murdered by Clytemnestra.
Castor (1)
The divine son of Zeus and Leda, brother of Pollux.
Bk XI:225-332 Famous for his skill with horses.
Castor (2)
A fictitious Cretan.
Bk XIV:165-234 Odysseus pretends to be his son.
Cauconians
The Cauconians were one of the peoples inhabiting the Peloponnesus in early times, perhaps in Elis, perhaps in Arcadia, or perhaps between Pylus and Lacedaemon, in Triphylia, near Messenia. On the other hand the race of the Cauconians was also found in the northern coast of Asia Minor in the area close to that of the Mariandynians.
Bk III:356-403 Athene is to visit them.
Centaur
Creatures, half-man and half-horse living in the mountains of Thessaly, hence called biformes, duplex natura, semihomines, bimembres. They were the sons of Ixion, and a cloud, in the form of Hera.
Bk XXI:245-310 Eurytion, was a Centaur.
Cephallenians
The people of the island of Cephallenia, probably identical with Same, modern Cephalonia.
Bk XX:172-239 Philoetius tended cattle among them.
Bk XXIV:302-355 Laertes anticipates an alliance between enemies on Ithaca and the men of Cephallenia.
Bk XXIV:356-411 Laertes once ruled Cephallenia.
Bk XXIV:412-462 Eupeithes claims Odysseus has killed the best of the Cephallenians.
Chalcis
A town in western Greece (Not the Chalcis in Euboea).
Bk XV:271-300 Passed by Telemachus on his way home.
Charybdis
The whirlpool between Italy and Sicily in the Messenian straits. Charybdis was the voracious daughter of Mother Earth and Poseidon, hurled into the sea, and thrice, daily, drawing in and spewing out a huge volume of water.
Bk XII:36-110 Bk XII:111-164 Circe warns Odysseus to avoid her whirlpool.
Bk XII:201-259 Bk XII:260-319 Odysseus passes the whirlpool.
Bk XII:374-453 Odysseus is driven back to the whirlpool and wrecked there.
Bk XXIII:300-372 Odysseus tells the tale.
Chios
The island (modern Khios) in the northeastern Aegean off the coast of Turkey, and separated from it by a narrow strait.
Bk III:148-200 Nestor’s fleet decided to sail westwards from the northern cape of Chios straight across the Aegean to Euboea, rather than sail down the southern strait between Chios and the mainland, before turning west.
Chloris
The daughter of Orchemenian Amphion, and wife of Neleus.
Bk XI:225-332 The mother of Nestor. Her ghost appears to Odysseus.
Chromius
Bk XI:225-332 The son of Neleus and Chloris.
Cicones
A Thracian tribe living in Ismarus.
Bk IX:1-62 Bk IX:63-104 Raided by Odysseus.
Bk IX:152-192 Their wine taken by Odysseus and his men.
Bk XXIII:300-372 Odysseus tells the tale.
Cimmerians
People living near the entrance to Hades, beyond the river of Ocean.
Bk XI:1-50 Mentioned. Herodotus places them in Scythia, and the modern name Crimea is perhaps derived from these sources. But Homer may have used the name to encompass all the peoples of Northern Europe.
Circe
The sea-nymph, daughter of Helios and Perse, and the granddaughter of Ocean. (Kirke or Circe means a small falcon) She was famed for her beauty and magic arts and lived on the ‘island’ of Aeaea, which is the promontory of Circeii. (Cape Circeo between Anzio and Gaeta, on the west coast of Italy, now part of the magnificent Parco Nazionale del Circeo extending to Capo Portiere in the north, and providing a reminder of the ancient Pontine Marshes before they were drained, rich in wildfowl and varied tree species.) Cicero mentions that Circe was worshipped religiously by the colonists at Circeii. (‘On the Nature of the Gods’, Bk III 47)
(See John Melhuish Strudwick’s painting – Circe and Scylla – Walker Art Gallery, Sudley, Merseyside, England: See Dosso Dossi’s painting - Circe and her Lovers in a Landscape- National gallery of Art, Washington)
Bk VIII:416-468 She had taught Odysseus a subtle knot.
Bk IX:1-62 She detained Odysseus on her island.
Bk X:133-197 Odysseus reaches her island.
Bk X:198-250 She changes Odysseus’ men into swine.
Bk X:251-301 Odysseus approaches her house.
Bk X:302-347 Odysseus uses the magic plant moly, and escapes her spell. She invites him to sleep with her.
Bk X:348-399 Bk X:400-448 Circe frees Odysseus’ crew.
Bk X:449-502 Bk X:503-574 She advises Odysseus that he must visit the House of Hades and what to do there.
Bk XI:1-50 She sends a favourable breeze to help Odysseus on his way.
Bk XI:51-89 Elpenor fell from the roof of her house.
Bk XII:36-110 Bk XII:111-164 She advises Odysseus concerning his onward voyage.
Bk XII:260-319 Her warning concerning the sun-god’s cattle and flocks.
Bk XXIII:300-372 Odysseus tells the tale.
Cleitus
A son of Mantius.
Bk XV:222-270 He was carried off by Eos, the Dawn, who fell in love with his beauty.
Clymene
The mother of Iphiclus.
Bk XI:225-332 Her ghost appeared to Odysseus.
The father of Nestor’s wife Eurydice. Possibly a king of Elis.
Bk III:404-463 He is mentioned.
Clytaemnestra
The wife of Agamemnon, daughter of King Tyndareus of Sparta, and Leda. Sister or half-sister of Helen, and of the Dioscuri. Mother of Orestes, Electra (Laodice), and Iphigenia.
Bk III:253-312 Bk XI:385-464 Bk XXIV:98-204 She was the lover of Aegisthus and conspired with him to murder her husband, Agamemnon.
Clytius
An Ithacan noble, the father of Peiraeus.
Bk XV:493-557 Mentioned.
Bk XVI:321-39 Telemachus’ gifts are taken to his house.
Clytoneus
A son of Alcinous.
Bk VIII:104-151 He competes in the Games, and is the fastest runner.
Cnossus, Knossos
The principal city of Minoan Crete, near present day Heraklion. The site was mainly occupied between about 2500 and 1200BC.
Bk XIX:164-219 Minos ruled there.
Cocytus
A river of Hades (The River of Lament), a tributary of the Styx.
Bk X:503-574 Odysseus must consult the spirits there.
Cratais
The mother of Scylla. Perhaps an incarnation of Hecate.
Bk XII:111-164 Circe suggests Odysseus invoke her.
Creon
King of Thebes.
Bk XI:225-332 Megara was his eldest daughter.
Crete
The island in the eastern Mediterranean. Cradle of the ancient Minoan civilization.
Bk III:148-200 Idomeneus was its king at the time of the Trojan War.
Bk III:253-312 Part of Menelaus’ fleet driven there.
Bk XI:225-332 Theseus killed the Minotaur there, and carried off Ariadne.
Bk XIII:256-310 Bk XIV:165-234 Bk XIV:235-292 Bk XVI:60-111
Bk XVII:505-550 Described as broad, spacious. Odysseus pretends he is a Cretan. (Possibly intended ironically since ‘all Cretans are liars’ as the old proverb has it.)
Bk XIV:293-359 Odysseus sails north-west from southern Crete to reach Epirus.
Bk XIV:360-408 Eumaeus has been told of Odysseus in Crete.
Bk XIX:164-219 Odysseus pretends to Penelope that he is a Cretan. The island contains a mixture of races in ninety cities and was once ruled by Minos.
Cretheus
The founder of Iolcus, and uncle of Tyro, whom he married. She bore him Aeson, the father of Jason the Argonaut.
Bk XI:225-332 He adopted Pelias and Neleus as his sons.
Cronos
The father of Zeus, and son of Uranus, whom Zeus himself dethroned.
Bk I:44-95 Bk I:365-420 Bk III:51-101 Bk III:102-147 Bk IV:155-219
Bk VIII:256-366 Bk IX:526-566 Bk X:1-55 Bk XII:374-453
Bk XIII:1-52 Bk XIV:165-234 Bk XIV:293-359 Bk XIV:360-408
Bk XV:403-492 Bk XVI:258-320 Bk XVII:396-461 Bk XVIII:340-393
Bk XIX:1-52 Bk XIX:53-99 Bk XX:172-239 Bk XX:240-298
Bk XXII:1-67 Bk XXIV:463-501 Bk XXIV:502-54Mentioned as the father of Zeus.
Bk XXI:359-403 Described as devious (crooked in counsel).
Crouni
A location on the west coast of Greece. Modern Krouni in Olympia province.
Bk XV:271-300 Telemachus passes it on his way home from Pylos.
Ctesippus
Bk XX:240-298 He pretends to give a gift to Odysseus.
Bk XX:299-344 He hurls an ox-hoof at Odysseus.
Bk XXII:241-309 He is killed by Philoetius.
Ctesius
King of Syrie, father of Eumaeus.
Bk XV:403-492 Mentioned.
Ctimene
Youngest daughter of Laertes and Anticleia.
Bk XV:351-40 Brought up with Eumaeus, she was sent to Same to wed.
Cyclopes
One-eyed Giants living in Sicily.
Bk I:44-95 Polyphemus is the strongest of them.
Bk II:1-34 Antiphus killed by the Cyclops (Polyphemus).
Bk VI:1-47 The Phaeacians once lived near them.
Bk VII:182-239 Kin to the gods like the Phaeacians.
Bk IX:105-151 Odysseus arrives off Sicily. The small island where the ships beached was probably Favignana once called Aegusa, Goat Island, and part of the Aegadian Islands. The harbour was possibly Cala Grande. See Ernle Bradford’s ‘Ulysses Found’ Chapters 6 and 7.
Bk IX:152-192 The Cyclop’s cave on Sicily.
Bk IX:256-306 They have no reverence for Zeus.
Bk IX:307-359 The fertility of Sicily.
Bk IX:360-412 Poseidon is their father.
Bk IX:480-525 Their soothsayer, Telemus.
Cydonians
A Cretan people, living in the area of modern Khania, its main city on the northern coast of Crete also being Khania (Canea). According to Herodotus it took its name from Cydon, the son of Apollo and Akakallis daughter of Minos.
Bk III:253-312 Bk XIX:164-219 Mentioned.
Cyllene
A mountain in Arcadia: Hermes’ birthplace, hence Cyllenius, an epithet for him. (Pausanias, VIII, xvii, noting it as the highest mountain in Arcadia mentions the ruined shrine of Hermes on its summit, and says it got its name from Cyllen son of Elatus. Hermes’ statue was of juniper (thuon) and stood eight feet tall. Pausanias says that Cyllene was famous for its white, albino? blackbirds.)
Bk XXIV:1-56 An epithet of Hermes.
Cyprus
The island in the eastern Mediterranean, sacred to Aphrodite.
Bk IV:59-112 Visited by Menelaus in his wanderings.
Bk VIII:256-366 Aphrodite flees there.
Bk XVII:396-461 Ruled by Dmetor. Odysseus claims to have been taken there.
Cythera
The island near Cape Malea off the south-western tip of the Peloponnese, sacred to Aphrodite who emerged from the sea there.
Bk IX:63-104 Odysseus is driven past it by the gale.
Cytherea
See Aphrodite
Bk XVIII:158-205 Aphrodite of the lovely Crown, from her birthplace the island of Cythera. She dances with the Graces.
Damastor
The father of Agelaus.
Bk XX:299-344 Bk XXII:200-240 Bk XXII:241-309 Mentioned.
Danaans
The descendants of Danaus, King of Argos, or a general name for the Greeks at Troy.
Bk I:325-364 Their difficult return from Troy.
Bk IV:220-289 Bk IV:721-766 Bk IV:795-847 Bk V:262-312
Bk VIII:62-103 Bk VIII:521-585 Bk XI:465-540 Bk XI:541-592
Bk XXIV:1-56 The Greeks at Troy.
Dawn (Eos)
Eos the goddess of the dawn.
Bk II:1-34 Bk III:404-463 Bk III:464-497 Bk IV:290-350
Bk IV:398-463 Bk IV:548-592 Bk V:192-261 Bk VIII:1-61 Bk IX:63-104
Bk IX:152-192 Bk IX:307-359 Bk IX:413-479 Bk IX:526-566
Bk X:133-197 Bk XII:260-319 Bk XIII:1-52 Bk XV:183-221
Bk XVI:321-39 Bk XVII:1-60 Bk XIX:1-52 Bk XIX:361-47
Described as ‘rosy-fingered’ and ‘the goddess of the lovely tresses’.
Bk IV:155-219 Memnon was her son.
Bk V:1-42 Her husband is Tithonus.
Bk V:92-147 She loved Orion, whom Artemis killed with an arrow, perhaps unintentionally at Apollo’s instigation.
Bk V:388-450 She gives birth to the days.
Bk X:503-574 Bk XII:111-164 Bk XIV:457-506 Bk XV:56-119
Bk XV:493-557 Bk XVII:462-504 Bk XVIII:284-339
Bk XIX:308-360 Bk XX:56-119 Bk XXII:160-199 Described as ‘golden-throned’, ‘of the lovely throne’.
Bk XII:1-35 Aeaea’s Isle is her house, and dancing floor. In other words Aeaea is well east of the River of Ocean.
Bk XV:222-270 She loved Cleitus for his beauty.
Bk XXIII:205-246 Athene holds back the Dawn.
Bk XXIII:300-372 Athene rouses the Dawn.
Deiphobus
A son of Priam of Troy, who forcibly married Helen after Paris was killed.
Bk IV:220-289 He was with Helen, by the Wooden Horse.
Bk VIII:469-520 Odysseus and Menelaus attacked his house at the fall of Troy. Deiphobus was killed and his corpse mangled.
Delos
The Greek island in the Aegean, one of the Cyclades, birthplace of, and sacred to, Apollo and Artemis, hence the adjective Delian. (Pausanias VIII xlvii, mentions the sacred palm-tree, noted here in Homer’s Odyssey, and the ancient olive.)
Bk VI:149-197 The palm tree by Apollo’s altar seen by Odysseus.
Demeter
The goddess of harvests, sister of Zeus, and mother of Persephone.
Bk V:92-147 She fell in love with Iasion, the Titan, at the wedding of Cadmus and Harmonia, and lay with him in a thrice-ploughed field.
Demodocus
The blind bard of Alcinous’ palace.
Bk VIII:1-61 He is summoned to entertain Odysseus.
Bk VIII:62-103 He sings of a quarrel between Achilles and Odysseus.
Bk VIII:104-151 The herald leads him to see the Games.
Bk VIII:199-255 He is asked to sing.
Bk VIII:256-366 He sings the love of Ares and Aphrodite.
Bk VIII:469-520 He sings of the Trojan Horse, inspired by the god.
Bk VIII:521-585 Alcinous commands his silence.
Bk XIII:1-52 He sings again at the feast.
Demoptolemus
A Suitor.
Bk XXII:241-309 Killed by Odysseus.
Deucalion
King of Crete, the son of Minos, and father of Idomeneus.
Bk XIX:164-219 Odysseus pretends to be his son.
Dia (Naxos?)
An island sacred to the Goddess in the Aegean. Possibly Naxos.
Bk XI:225-332 Sacred to Artemis who killed Ariadne there.
Diocles
The Lord of Pherae, and son of Ortilochus.
Bk III:464-497 Bk XV:183-221 He offers Telemachus and Peisistratus hospitality.
Diomedes
The son of Tydeus king of Argos, and a Greek hero in the war against Troy. See Homer’s Iliad.
Bk III:148-200 Returned home safely to Argos.
Bk IV:220-289 One of the Greek captains inside the Wooden Horse.
Dionysus
The ‘twice-born’, god of the vine. The son of Zeus and Semele. His worship was celebrated with orgiastic rites borrowed from Phrygia. His female followers are the Maenades. He carries the thyrsus, a wand tipped with a pine-cone, the Maenads and Satyrs following him carrying ivy-twined fir branches as thyrsi. (See Caravaggio’s painting –Bacchus – Uffizi, Florence)
Bk XI:225-332 He warned Artemis that Theseus was carrying off Ariadne.
Bk XXIV:57-97 Thetis says that Achilles’ funeral urn is a gift of the god.
Dmetor
Bk XVII:396-461 Odysseus claims to have been handed over to him.
Dodona
The town in Epirus in north western Greece, site of the Oracle of Zeus, whose responses were delivered by the rustling of the oak trees in the sacred grove. (After 1200BC the goddess Naia, worshipped there, who continued to be honoured as Dione, was joined by Zeus Naios. The sanctuary was destroyed in 391AD.)
Bk XIV:293-359 Bk XIX:220-307 Odysseus pretends he has been there.
Dolius
An old servant of Penelope.
Bk IV:721-766 He tends her orchard. Sent to talk to Laertes.
Bk XVII:204-253 Bk XXII:116-159 The father of Melanthius.
Bk XVIII:284-339 The father of Melantho.
Bk XXIV:205-30 Odysseus fails to meet with him.
Bk XXIV:356-411 He arrives and recognises Odysseus.
Bk XXIV:463-501 He dons armour to fight for Odysseus.
Dorians
Their name supposedly deriving from Dorus son of Hellen, the Dorian people invaded Greece from Epirus/Macedonia between 1100 and 950BC, displacing the Achaeans, and penetrating Sicily, Italy, Crete and Asia Minor.
Bk XIX:164-219 One of the races inhabiting Crete.
Dulichium
Doulichion, an island near Ithaca. Its identification is problematic. Logically it would be the modern Levkas given the identification of the other major islands.
Bk I:213-251 Bk XVI:112-153 Bk XIX:100-163 Ruled by princes.
Bk IX:1-62 Mentioned by Odysseus.
Bk XIV:293-359 Bk XIX:220-307 Described as corn-rich.
Bk XIV:360-408 Odysseus in disguise as a beggar pretends it is his destination.
Bk XVI:213-257 It provides fifty-two of the hundred and eight Suitors.
Bk XVI:393-451 Bk XVIII:394-428 Amphinomus is the leader of the Suitors from there.
Bk XVIII:117-157 The home of Nisus.
Dymas
A shipowner of Scherie.
Bk VI:1-47 Athene takes the form of his daughter, a friend of Nausicaa.
Earth, Gaea
Mother Earth, the personification of the planet. Mother of the Giants
Bk VII:298-347 Mother of Tityus.
Echeneus
A Phaeacian elder.
Bk VII:133-181 Bk XI:333-384 He advises Alcinous to show hospitality to the stranger.
Echephron
A son of Nestor.
Bk III:404-463 He helps his father with the sacrifice.
Echetus
A King of North-Western Greece.
Bk XVIII:50-116 Bk XXI:245-310 Noted for his cruelty.
Egypt
The country of North Africa.
Bk III:253-312 Menelaus was driven to its coast from Cape Malea.
Bk IV:59-112 Visited by Menelaus (and Helen) during his wanderings.
Bk IV:220-289 The Egyptians noted for their medical knowledge.
Bk IV:351-397 Menelaus delayed on Pharos.
Bk XIV:235-292 Bk XVII:396-461 Odysseus pretends to be a Cretan who has been in Egypt.
Eidothee
A sea goddess, ‘Divine Form’, the daughter of Proteus.
Bk IV:351-397 Bk IV:398-463 She helps Menelaus capture her father.
Eileithyie
A goddess of childbirth, possibly an epithet of Artemis. She was apparently worshipped in her cave near Amnisos on Crete. Cave sites near Amnisos have yielded evidence of Neolithic habitation, and Homer is possibly evoking memories of worship of the Great Goddess of Neolithic times through into the later Bronze Age.
Bk XIX:164-219 Homer mentions it in connection with Amnisos.
Elatreus
A Phaeacian.
Bk VIII:104-151 He competes in the Games, and wins in the discus.
Elatus
A Suitor.
Bk XXII:241-309 Wounded by Eumaeus.
Elis
A city and country in the western Peloponnese.
Bk IV:625-674 Its wide plains. Noemon is breeding horses there.
Bk XIII:256-310 Odysseus uses it as a possible destination. It is ruled by the Epeians.
Bk XV:271-300 Passed by Telemachus on his way home. Note the issue over Homer’s use of the description ‘swift’ islands (line 299) for Telemachus’ destination of the Ithacan island group. I have taken ‘swift’ in the OED sense of ‘soon coming/not long delayed’, i.e. the islands are imminent, not far off, nearby.
Bk XXI:311-358 Its horse pastures on the mainland east of the islands.
Bk XXIV:412-462 Eupeithes suggests Odysseus may flee there.
Elpenor
The youngest member of Odysseus’ crew.
Bk X:503-574 Killed by falling from the roof of Circe’s palace.
Bk XI:51-89 His ghost appears to Odysseus, and he begs for proper burial.
Bk XII:1-35 Odysseus and his men return to cremate him.
Elysian Fields
The eternal home of the blessed.
Bk IV:548-592 Menelaus will go there after death. It is a place of eternal spring and sunlight.
Enipeus
A Thessalian river and its river-god.
Bk XI:225-332 Poseidon disguised himself as the river-god and raped Tyro in his stream.
Epeians
The rulers of Elis, the people of King Epeius of Olympia.
Bk XIII:256-310 Bk XV:271-300 Passed by Telemachus on his way home. Bk XXIV:412-462 Mentioned.
Epeius
The son of Panopeus, a Phocian from Parnassus. He was water-bearer to the House of Atreus and brought thirty ships to Troy from the Cyclades.
Bk VIII:469-520 Bk XI:465-540 He built the Wooden Horse, of fir-wood, with Athene’s help.
Eperitus
Bk XXIV:302-355 A name assumed by Odysseus.
Ephialtes
The giant son of Iphimedeia and Poseidon, who made war on the gods.
Bk XI:225-332 With his brother he piled Mount Pelion on Ossa. They were killed by Apollo.
Ephyre
An unknown district in western Greece.
Bk I:252-305 The home of Ilus, visited by Odysseus.
Bk II:296-336 Described as fertile. The source of deadly poison.
Epicaste, Jocasta
The wife of Laius, King of Thebes, and mother of Oedipus.
Bk XI:225-332 Her ghost appears to Odysseus.
Erebus
The Underworld. The realm of Hades.
Bk X:503-574 Odysseus must sacrifice towards it, while looking away.
Bk XI:1-50 The ghosts of the dead swarm up from there.
Bk XI:541-592 The ghost of Ajax departs into Erebus.
Bk XII:36-110 It lies to the far west.
Bk XX:345-394 Theoclymenus sees ghosts in his vision hurrying towards it.
Erectheus
Legendary hero-king of Athens, son of Pandion, father of Orithyia and Procris.
Bk VII:78-132 Athene travels to his palace in Athens.
Erembians
Probably a people of North Africa.
Bk IV:59-112 Visited by Menelaus in his wanderings.
Eretmeus
A Phaeacian.
Bk VIII:104-151 He competes in the Games.
Erinyes
Eriphyle
The wife of Amphiaraus. Bribed by Polyneices, Oedipus’ son, with the famous necklace of Harmonia (Given to Harmonia on her marriage to Cadmus, by Aphrodite) she persuaded her husband to join the war of the Seven against Thebes. He was subsequently sent down to the Underworld there by Zeus.
Bk XI:225-332 Her ghost appeared to Odysseus.
Bk XV:222-270 Her betrayal of Amphiaraus.
Erymanthus
A mountain range in the north-western Peloponnese, east of Elis.
Bk VI:48-109 A haunt of Artemis.
Eteoneus
The son of Boethus, and squire to Menelaus.
Bk IV:1-58 He attends the guests.
Bk XV:56-119 He lights the morning fire.
Bk XV:120-182 He carves the meat.
Ethiopia
The regions furthest from Greece where the sun rises and sets. The opposite side of the Earth. Vaguely, the country in North Africa.
Bk I:22-43 Poseidon visits remote parts.
Bk IV:59-112 Visited by Menelaus in his wanderings.
Bk V:262-312 Poseidon returns from there.
Euanthes
The father of Maron.
Bk IX:193-255 Mentioned.
Euboea
The large island (modern Evvoia) close to eastern Greece separated from it by the Euboean Gulf. Also called Euripos, and Negropont. It contained Eretria and Aegae. Anthedon was on the mainland across the Gulf from Euboea.
Bk III:148-200 Nestor heads there during the return from Troy.
Bk VII:298-347 The Phaeacians consider it the most remote of lands. They carried Rhadamanthus there to visit Tityus.
Euenor, Evenor
The father of Leocritus.
Bk XXII:241-309 Mentioned.
Eumaeus
Odysseus’ swineherd.
Bk XIII:366-415 Athene tells Odysseus to seek him out.
Bk XIV:1-47 Odysseus meets him, in disguise.
Bk XIV:48-108 He describes the Suitors’ ravages to Odysseus.
Bk XIV:109-164 Eumaeus assumes Odysseus is dead.
Bk XIV:165-234 He questions Odysseus as to his origins.
Bk XIV:360-408 He is unconvinced by the tale of Odysseus being alive.
Bk XIV:409-456 He provides supper for Odysseus.
Bk XIV:457-506 He makes up a bed for Odysseus.
Bk XV:301-350 He asks Odysseus to stay on in his hut.
Bk XV:351-40 He speaks about Odysseus’ parents.
Bk XV:403-492 He tells his life story.
Bk XVI:1-59 Bk XVI:60-111 He greets Telemachus.
Bk XVI:112-153 Bk XVI:154-212 Telemachus sends him to his mother to tell of his return from Pylos.
Bk XVI:321-39 He gives Penelope the news of Telemachus’ return.
Bk XVI:452-481 He returns to his hut with the news from the city.
Bk XVII:166-203 Bk XVII:254-289 He leads Odysseus to the palace.
Bk XVII:204-253 He prays to the Nymphs.
Bk XVII:290-327 He tells Odysseus about the dog, Argus.
Bk XVII:328-395 He bandies words with Antinous.
Bk XVII:505-550 Penelope asks him to bring the stranger to see her.
Bk XVII:551-606 He explains the stranger’s delay to Penelope.
Bk XX:120-171 He asks Odysseus how he is being treated.
Bk XX:172-239 Bk XXI:186-244 He prays for Odysseus’ safe return.
Bk XXI:80-135 He sets out the bow and arrows.
Bk XXI:359-403 He takes the bow to Odysseus.
Bk XXII:68-115 Telemachus arms him.
Bk XXII:116-159 He is sent to close the storeroom door.
Bk XXII:160-199 He captures and taunts Melanthius.
Bk XXII:241-309 He wounds Polybus.
Bk XXII:310-377 He helps Odysseus in the fight.
Bk XXII:433-501 He helps to execute the faithless serving women.
Bk XXIII:247-299 He retires to rest.
Bk XXIII:300-372 He arms himself and follows Odysseus.
Bk XXIV:98-204 Odysseus first landed near his hut.
Bk XXIV:356-411 He helps prepare a meal.
Eumelus
The husband of Iphthime, Penelope’s sister.
Bk IV:795-847 Mentioned.
Eupeithes
The father of Antinous.
Bk I:365-420 Bk IV:625-674 Bk XVI:321-39 Bk XVII:462-504
Bk XVIII:1-49 Bk XVIII:284-339 Bk XX:240-298 Bk XXI:136-185 Bk XXI:245-310Mentioned.
Bk XVI:393-451 Odysseus once saved his life.
Bk XXIV:412-462 He urges revenge on Odysseus for killing his son.
Bk XXIV:463-501 The crowd are persuaded to follow his lead.
Bk XXIV:502-54 He is killed by Laertes.
Euryades
A Suitor.
Bk XXII:241-309 Killed by Telemachus.
Euryalus
A Phaeacian, the son of Naubolus.
Bk VIII:104-151 He competes in the Games and wins the wrestling contest. Compared with Ares.
Bk VIII:152-198 He provokes Odysseus to compete.
Bk VIII:367-415 He apologises to Odysseus for the provocation and makes him a lavish gift.
Eurybates
Squire to Odysseus.
Bk XIX:220-307 He travelled to Troy with him.
Eurycleia
The nurse of Odysseus and Telemachus, and the daughter of Ops.
Bk I:421-444 Previously purchased by Laertes, and honoured in the palace.
Bk II:337-381 She guards the store room as stewardess, and prepares the provisions for Telemachus’ journey.
Bk IV:721-766 She advises Penelope.
Bk XVII:1-60 She sees Telemachus on his return.
Bk XIX:1-52 Telemachus summons her.
Bk XIX:308-360 Penelope asks her to wash Odysseus’ feet.
Bk XIX:361-47 She recognises Odysseus from the scar on his leg.
Bk XIX:476-507 Odysseus enjoins her to silence.
Bk XX:120-171 She defends Penelope to Telemachus.
Bk XXI:359-403 She locks the doors of the hall.
Bk XXII:378-432 She denounces the faithless serving women.
Bk XXII:433-501 She is sent to carry the news to Penelope.
Bk XXIII:1-84 She reveals Odysseus’ identity.
Bk XXIII:141-204 Odysseus asks her to make up his bed.
Bk XXIII:247-299 She helps make up Odysseus’ and Penelope’s bed.
Eurydamas
A Suitor.
Bk XXII:241-309 Wounded by Odysseus.
Eurydice
The daughter of Clymenus, and wife to Nestor.
Bk III:404-463 She attends the sacrifice to Athene.
Eurylochus
A friend and companion of Odysseus.
Bk X:198-250 He is sent to investigate Circe’s house.
Bk X:251-301 He reports back to Odysseus.
Bk X:400-448 He hangs back when Odysseus leads his men back to Circe’s house.
Bk XI:1-50 He assists in the sacrificial rites.
Bk XII:165-200 He tightens Odysseus bonds to help him resist the Sirens.
Bk XII:260-319 He argues for landing on Thrinacia.
Bk XII:320-373 He argues for stealing Helios’ cattle.
Eurymachus
‘Broad-Fighter’, the son of Polybus, and one of the leading Suitors.
Bk I:365-420 He placates Telemachus and asks who Mentes is.
Bk II:177-223 He attacks Halitherses’ prophecy, and defends the Suitors.
Bk IV:625-674 Co-leader of the Suitors with Antinous.
Bk XV:1-55 Penelope’s father and brothers urge her to marry him, because his are the most generous gifts.
Bk XV:493-557 Telemachus calls him the best of the Suitors.
Bk XVI:321-39 He advises the Suitors to send word to their ship at sea.
Bk XVI:393-451 He hypocritically reassures Penelope.
Bk XVII:254-289 He favours Melanthius.
Bk XVIII:50-116 Telemachus seeks his support for a fair fight.
Bk XVIII:206-283 He praises Penelope.
Bk XVIII:284-339 His gift to Penelope.
Bk XVIII:340-393 He taunts Odysseus.
Bk XVIII:394-428 He attacks Odysseus but fails to harm him.
Bk XX:345-394 He taunts Theoclymenus.
Bk XXI:186-244 He continues the contest to draw the bow.
Bk XXI:245-310 He laments their inability to draw the bow.
Bk XXI:311-358 He argues against the stranger trying the bow.
Bk XXII:1-67 He blames Antinous and seeks unsuccessfully to placate Odysseus.
Bk XXII:68-115 Odysseus kills him.
Eurymedon
A Titan, ruler of the planet Jupiter.
Bk VII:1-77 King of the Giants. Father of Periboea.
Eurymedusa
A woman from Aperaea, a spoil of war.
Bk VII:1-77 Waiting woman to Nausicaa.
Eurymus
Father of Telemus.
Bk IX:480-525 Mentioned.
Eurynome
Penelope’s housekeeper.
Bk XVII:462-504 She curses the Suitors.
Bk XVIII:158-205 She endorses Penelope’s plan of action.
Bk XIX:100-163 She brings a chair for the Stranger (Odysseus).
Bk XX:1-55 She covers Odysseus with a cloak.
Bk XXIII:141-204 She bathes Odysseus.
Bk XXIII:247-299 She helps make up Odysseus’ and Penelope’s bed.
Eurynomus
The son of Aegyptius, and one of the Suitors.
Bk II:1-34 Mentioned.
Bk XXII:241-309 He helps to rally the Suitors.
Eurypylus
The son of Telephus. He fought at Troy with his Mysian army. Priam offered his mother Astyoche a golden vine for his allegiance, and betrothed him to Cassandra.
Bk XI:465-540 He was killed by Achilles’ son, Neoptolemus.
Eurytion
A Centaur who tried to rape Hippodamia, so precipitating a fight between the Lapiths and Centaurs. (Note: Ovid in the Metamorphoses calls him Eurytus)
Bk XXI:245-310 His crime was the result of drink.
Eurytus
The King of Oechalia in Messenia, and father of Iphitus. He was a fine archer, taught by Apollo himself. He competed with Hercules who subsequently killed Iphitus.
Bk VIII:199-255 According to Homer, Apollo killed him in anger.
Bk XXI:1-79 The father of Iphitus.