The Odyssey Vocab Unit

a reference to something outside the text

a recurring pattern, image, or symbol throughout multiple works

a singer/storyteller/poet who told tales of epic heroes

justice, or revenge

an element of epic poetry in which the story starts in the middle and then has flashbacks to the beginning

a simile that extends through several lines to intensify heroic stature

a phrase that defines a person, like a nickname

excessive pride

the guiding spirit of the arts and sciences

an event that tells the future

hospitality (xenos = stranger)

glory (especially after death)

to miss and long for the return of (could also mean to suffer a mental and physical decline, especially because of a broken heart)

to raise (a sensitive or difficult subject) for discussion

to steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder

to mourn (a person’s loss or death)

goods or money obtained illegally

to lavishly supply (someone) with food or drink

to lecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner

treacherous, crafty

having a strong religious or spiritual quality; indicating or suggesting the presence of a divinity

having a sharply strong taste or smell

the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening

a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound for spinning

to rebuke or reprimand severely

straying from the proper course or standards

the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly

rude and disrespectful behavior

falling rapidly and in large quantities

self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way

engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or sad, serious thought

a defensive wall of a castle or walled city, having a broad top with a walkway and typically a stone parapet/border

a large, densely packed crowd of people or animals

sly or cunning intelligence

in a way that is causing or likely to cause an argument; controversially

an abundance or large quantity of something

food/drink or provisions

obvious to the eye or mind/standing out, attracting attention

being under obligation for a favor or gift, being indebted/owing thanks to someone

food/victuals (dry feed for animals, but could also be used to describe normal food for humans)

of a happy light-hearted character or disposition, carefree (sometimes a carefree disregard for consideration/manner)

the decaying flesh of dead animals

a wife, husband. or companion, in particular the spouse of a ruler or monarch

behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety, good etiquette

the quality of being cautious, the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

behind the rear of a ship (or aircraft )

an ancient burial ground, a large mound of earth or stones over the remains of the dead

remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree; causing amazement or wonder

a point of high land that sticks out from a large body of water; a headland

to set free (from bondage)

to decrease, dwindle, to have less illumination (of the moon)

having been carried away bodily or transported to heaven, could also mean to be completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing

a part of a fortification (walls) that sticks outwards to allow defensive fire form more positions

a drink poured out as an offering to a deity

a person or thing on which something else is based or depends, a chief support

a thing that decorates or makes something else more attractive and beautiful, an ornament

a fence of wooden stakes or iron railings fixed into the ground, forming an enclosure or defense

a personal possession, an item of property other than real estate (land/buildings)

intense happiness, the quality or state of being happy

of a gentle disposition, showing kindness/gentleness

under or subject to a curse; doomed - hateful, damned

assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering, commanding

a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end

heavily loaded or weighed down

demonstrating skill and cleverness, neatly skillful and quick in one's movements

engaged to be married (could also mean the person to whom one is engaged)

a person without a home, job, or property (could also mean in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect)

to show affection, used especially of a dog (could be also to court favor in a cringing or flattering manner)

to divide into parts, distribute (could also be to make a unit out of something, or the unit itself)

provide with a quality, ability, or asset

the quality of being open and honest in expression, frankness

a sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen; an omen

a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation, doubt

something fed to domestic animals, especially coarse food for cattle, horses, or sheep

a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad

a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant

critical observation or examination

(of a situation or event) extremely serious or urgent, extreme

to scold or rebuke

having no give or slack, tightly drawn; tense, high-strung

to seize and carry off (someone) by force

bold and impudent behavior (could also be to irritate, vex)

a sign of what will happen in the future; an omen

the state of being held in low esteem by the public, shame

to be unsettled (or confused) about something

feeling or showing elation or jubilation, extremely joyful

have an angry or sullen look on one's face; scowl

the intention or desire to do evil; ill will

not capable of being appeased, significantly changed, or mitigated

to bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities on

the vigor and strength of spirit or nature of someone

a sudden or irregular invasion or attack for war or spoils, a raid

overcome or defeated in battle or in a conflict or contest

an immeasurably deep gulf or great space (could also specifically mean great space between people, great separation)

a person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter

ornamented with or having the form of a raised pattern, design, image, etc.; decorated with a design that stands out