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Subjects · Leaving Cert Classical Studies

Leaving Cert Classical Studies: Gods & fate in the epics

How often Gods & fate in the epics comes up on the Classical Studies papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 1 of the last 3 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025.

OL Asked on 3 of the last 3 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Gods & fate in the epics, Higher Level(7 marks)

Quick ones on Gods & fate in the epics.

(a)What does Jupiter promise Venus about the Romans in Aeneid 1?
  1. That Troy will be rebuilt on its old site
  2. An empire without limit in space or time
  3. That Aeneas will rule Carthage
(b)In Aeneid 2, what does Venus show Aeneas to stop him fighting?
  1. Anchises already dead
  2. Dido waiting for him at Carthage
  3. The gods themselves destroying Troy
(c)Which goddess pleads Odysseus' case at the gods' council in Odyssey 1?
  1. Athena
  2. Aphrodite
  3. Hera
Show the answers

(a) An empire without limit in space or time

(b) The gods themselves destroying Troy

(c) Athena

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Gods & fate in the epics.

Higher Level

Asked on 1 of the last 3 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025.

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q1
2024Not asked
2023Not asked

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Gods & fate in the epics questions

Gods & fate in the epics, 3 marks

In Odyssey 1, what does Zeus complain about mortals?

  1. They no longer offer him sacrifices at his altars
  2. They honour Poseidon more highly than they honour him
  3. They blame the gods for troubles of their own making
Show the answer

They blame the gods for troubles of their own making

Zeus cites Aegisthus, who was warned by Hermes yet killed Agamemnon anyway. The idea that humans cause their own suffering runs through the poem, from the crew to the suitors.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 3 of the last 3 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q5
2024Q1
2023Q13

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Gods & fate in the epics questions

Gods & fate in the epics, 3 marks

In the Aeneid, which god makes sure fate is carried out?

  1. Juno
  2. Apollo
  3. Jupiter
Show the answer

Jupiter

Juno can delay the Trojans but cannot stop them. In Book 1 Jupiter promises Venus that Aeneas' descendants will found Rome and rule an empire without end.

Gods & fate in the epics, 2 marks

Why is Poseidon angry with Odysseus?

  1. Odysseus ate his sacred cattle
  2. Odysseus blinded his son, Polyphemus
  3. Odysseus stole his trident
Show the answer

Odysseus blinded his son, Polyphemus

Polyphemus prays to his father Poseidon to punish Odysseus. Poseidon delays his journey with storms, such as the one that wrecks his raft after he leaves Calypso.

Gods & fate in the epics, 2 marks

Who sends Hermes to order Calypso to free Odysseus?

  1. Zeus
  2. Poseidon
  3. Hera
Show the answer

Zeus

Athena pleads for Odysseus while Poseidon is away. Zeus agrees and sends Hermes, the messenger god, to Calypso's island. She then helps Odysseus build a raft.

Other Classical Studies topics

All of Leaving Cert Classical Studies