abstemiousness
Noun form of abstemious, which means restrained, especially when eating or drinking
axle
The rod passing through the center of a wheel, often connecting it to other wheels
excrement
Waste or feces
ransom
As a noun, ransom can mean the payment demanded for a prisoner's release or the act of freeing someone in return for a payment. As a verb, it can mean obtaining the release by making the payment, demanding payment for someone's release, or releasing someone after receiving payment. All of these definitions are used in the text.
Cicada
A large insect that makes a loud, distinctive sound when it emerges from the soil, which happens only every 17 or 13 years, depending on the species.
Crossbench
The place on a cart near the front where the driver sits
Myrmidons
The Thessalian soldiers who accompany Achilles in the Trojan War, who are loyal to him specifically
Phthia
In Greek mythology, a city in ancient Thessaly. Home of Achilles.
Troy
A city in the northwest of what used to be known as Asia Minor, now known as Turkey: the setting for the Trojan War
chance
the possibility of something happening; important in Ransom as a distinction from the more commonly used "fortune"
grief
Deep sorrow, particularly sorrow caused by death
griddle cakes
Similar to modern-day pancakes, the griddle cakes mentioned are likely teganitai, which date back to ancient Greece and are pretty much the same as modern-day pancakes, except with fewer ingredients.
consternation
feelings of dismay, usually at something unexpected
attendant
An assistant, but in this case, a follower of a noble or wealthy person, similar to the idea of a retainer.
Greeks and Trojans
The two sides involved in the Trojan War: the Trojans are from the city of Troy, while the Greeks are a conglomeration of different peoples who are all from the area we know as Greece.
vigor
Physical strength and good health
unconsecrated
Profane; that which has not been declared sacred
humility
Freedom from pride or arrogance
intimacy
The state of being familiar with another person
foreknowledge
Knowledge that occurs beforehand, particularly by paranormal means or revelation
