In "The Odyssey," the spirit of Elpenor asks Odysseus to return to Aeaea and properly bury his body, which Odysseus agrees to do. Elpenor's request serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the dead in Greek mythology.
The first spirit to visit Odysseus in Hades asks him to allow her to drink the blood of the sacrificial animals so that she may speak to him and share her prophecy.
Alcinous asks Odysseus to reveal his identity and explain where he comes from, as well as the purpose of his visit to the Phaeacians.
Eurymachus asks Odysseus to spare his life during the confrontation in the hall, offering to repay him for any wrongdoings and pleading for mercy.
Odysseus asks the swineherd and cowherd to keep his identity a secret and help him plot against the suitors who are courting his wife Penelope.
Penelope planned to ask her maids to move the bed in Odysseus's chamber, knowing that only Odysseus would know that their bed was built around a living tree. She used this as a test to verify Odysseus's identity.
The first spirit to visit Odysseus in Hades asks him to allow her to drink the blood of the sacrificial animals so that she may speak to him and share her prophecy.
she tell him to go to the underworld where she can ask the spirit of Tiresias, a blind prophet who will tell him how to get home.
Elpenor, the first spirit to visit Odysseus in Hades, asks him to return to the island of Aiaia and give him a proper burial. He regrets dying unceremoniously after falling from the roof of Circe's palace and pleads for Odysseus to honor him with the rites that will allow his spirit to rest. Elpenor's request underscores the importance of burial customs in ancient Greek culture.
He asks Odysseus to make him a burial mound.
Elpenor
The first spirit that Odysseus encountered in the Underworld was that of Tiresias, the blind prophet. Odysseus sought Tiresias's guidance to learn how to return home to Ithaca safely. The encounter occurs in Book 11 of Homer’s "Odyssey," where Tiresias provides crucial information and warnings about the challenges Odysseus will face on his journey.
Odysseus' crew men ask Odysseus to leave Circe's island after a year on her island.
The first spirit that Odysseus encounters is the shade of Elpenor, one of his crew members who died unexpectedly on Circe’s island. Odysseus meets Elpenor in the Underworld after performing rituals to summon the dead. Elpenor asks Odysseus for a proper burial, highlighting the importance of honoring the dead in Greek culture. This encounter sets the tone for Odysseus's journey through the realm of the dead.
He asks about his son.
He asks about his son.
Odysseus goes to the underworld and sacrifices a black lamb. The blood of the sacrifice draws spirits to Odysseus, including Tiresias. Odysseus guards the blood with his sword from the other spirits before Tiresias arrives.
The second spirit that Odysseus encounters in the Underworld is the prophet Tiresias. Tiresias provides Odysseus with crucial guidance and insights about his journey home to Ithaca, warning him of the challenges he will face and advising him on how to appease the gods, particularly Poseidon. This encounter is significant as it shapes Odysseus's understanding of his fate and the actions he must take to ensure his safe return.