Book VIII Reading Guide
Scene: The island of Scheria, land of the Phaeacians.
Characters: Odysseus, Athena, Nausicaa, Alcinous, Arete, Demodocus, Laodamon, Broadsea, Hephestus, Ares, Aphrodite, Apollo, Hermes
Who is Demodocus? (p. 192)
How does Odysseus react to the bard’s first song? (p. 194)
What games are played at the festivities? (p. 195)
What does Laodamas say to Odysseus to convince him to join the games? How does Odysseus react? (p. 195-197)
How does Odysseus prove himself in the games, and how does Alcinous respond? (p. 197-199)
Explain The Love of Ares and Aphrodite Crowned with Flowers as sung by the bard. (p. 200-203)
Why does Odysseus respect Demodocus? (p. 207)
What is the bard’s final song? How does Odysseus react? (p. 208)