Book IX is the beginning of the section referred to as "The Great Wanderings." As Odysseus finally introduces himself to the Phaiakians he makes special mention of his glory, confirmed when he requested the retelling of the Trojan Horse story from the Muse. I am Odysseus son of Laertes, known before all men for the study of crafty designs, and my fame goes up to the heavens. We start to learn about the exploits and general male shenanigans of the warriors on their voyage home after leaving Troy. We have heard how Odysseus has spent seven years held captive by Kalypso, but also know this did not occur immediately after leaving Troy. So just what did happen in the years between these two events? Before he starts his narrative I feel he takes one more chance to boost himself up as a noble warrior who only desires to reach home, hoping to further play into the hearts of the Phaiakians. | Dated: 670 BCE User: Travelling Runes Public Domain: Flickr license cc-by-sa-2.0, which is compatible with the Wikimedia Commons Source: Wikimedia Commons |
I cannot think of any place sweeter on earth to look at. |
Odysseus informs us he has turned down two goddesses that wished to make him into their husband, and left behind their oasis because he only desires to be home. How noble of him, as I suspect he is trying to soften the blow of the upcoming story.
First the warriors decide the spoils of war gathered from Troy were not enough and land at Ismaros and proceed to ravage the city. They slaughtered the people and shared the woman and goods from the city. Slaughtering sheep in a drunken stupor on the beach, they had to fight off a neighboring band of Kikonians. Here the men appear like thugs, stopping, especially to harass this village because they had favored Troy during the war. No good guest-host relationship here!
First the warriors decide the spoils of war gathered from Troy were not enough and land at Ismaros and proceed to ravage the city. They slaughtered the people and shared the woman and goods from the city. Slaughtering sheep in a drunken stupor on the beach, they had to fight off a neighboring band of Kikonians. Here the men appear like thugs, stopping, especially to harass this village because they had favored Troy during the war. No good guest-host relationship here!
Artist: unknown Dated: 18th century This work is in the public domain in the United States, and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 70 years or less. Source: Wikimedia Commons | Losing a few men, the warriors set sail to escape the Kikonians. After ten days at sea, they find themselves landing in the country of the Lotus-Eaters. Here you did not want to partake in the offerings unless you would be content to stay here. The Lotus-Eaters are kind, peaceful men, just don't eat the fruits they offer you. The men sent forth by Odysseus to ascertain the nature of the countrymen accepted lotus flowers as nourishment. The problem with these is, they put you in a day dreamy stupor that makes you forget all else. Odysseus had to drag these men back to the ship, lucky for him, he only sent three off to investigate and not the whole fleet of ships. Tally ho, off they sail, next reaching the home of Cyclopes. Here they spend the first night on the beach enjoying the goats found freely roaming. He allowed nine goats to each ship, except for him, he had ten. Guess he was hungry. On the next morning Odysseus sets forth with members of his ship to seek out whether they are savage and violent, and without justice, or hospitable to strangers and with minds that are godly. (Book IX: Lines 175-176) |
Why did the men not just set sail, they had filled their bellies with goats the night before. Have they turned from men wishing to get home to pirates? Odysseus appears to be somewhat of the savage minded, he is hoping that the inhabitants are hospitable and he can gain more treasures. He was thinking of the guest-host relationship, he set off with some fine wine he could offer up to pacify the host with.
The meeting here with the Cyclops was anything but pleasant. When they reached the cave Polyphemus called home, they made themselves at home. He was out tending to his precious sheep, but this didn't stop them from coming right in and enjoying his cheese and wine. Polyphemus uses large boulders as a door, so when he did return home, he locked himself and his precious sheep in his cave. He settles in and does his chores while the men are trying to hide. He then calls out to these strangers, wishing to know who they are and what business they have. After hearing the deep beastly voice of the stranger, Odysseus tries to politely tell him they were put here by Zeus, which make Polyphemus laugh, he has no use for Zeus and his godly way. He then proceeds to snatch two of the men up and slam them into the ground, scrambling their brains out and feasting upon them.
Now what, you have been locked in a cave with a boulder you can't move and a giant beast that likes to feast on men instead of feasting with men. What has Odysseus gotten himself into? Morning arrives and Polyphemus again dines on two men, then heads off with his sheep locking Odysseus and the other men in his cave. Odysseus spends the day preparing a plan. When Polyphemus returns in the evening he sets it in motion by using the fine wine he brought along, he tricks Polyphemus into asking his name in which he replies it is Nobody. He agrees to the gift of eating Nobody last. Once he lies down to sleep the men use the sharpened stick prepared during the day to stab into the eye of Polyphemus. He cries out to his neighbors in agony, wishing help, as they ask what is troubling him, for surely no mortal man can bring him harm he says "Good friends, Nobody is killing me by force or treachery." (Book IX: Line 408) No help from his friends, as clearly he does not need it, nobody is hurting him. So Odysseus has a brilliant stroke of luck. Followed by Polyphemus needing to let his precious sheep out, thereby removing the great boulder obstacle. Odysseus had thought ahead on this front as well and has tied his men to the belly of the sheep so they can be carried out by the sheep without Polyphemus feeling them.
The meeting here with the Cyclops was anything but pleasant. When they reached the cave Polyphemus called home, they made themselves at home. He was out tending to his precious sheep, but this didn't stop them from coming right in and enjoying his cheese and wine. Polyphemus uses large boulders as a door, so when he did return home, he locked himself and his precious sheep in his cave. He settles in and does his chores while the men are trying to hide. He then calls out to these strangers, wishing to know who they are and what business they have. After hearing the deep beastly voice of the stranger, Odysseus tries to politely tell him they were put here by Zeus, which make Polyphemus laugh, he has no use for Zeus and his godly way. He then proceeds to snatch two of the men up and slam them into the ground, scrambling their brains out and feasting upon them.
Now what, you have been locked in a cave with a boulder you can't move and a giant beast that likes to feast on men instead of feasting with men. What has Odysseus gotten himself into? Morning arrives and Polyphemus again dines on two men, then heads off with his sheep locking Odysseus and the other men in his cave. Odysseus spends the day preparing a plan. When Polyphemus returns in the evening he sets it in motion by using the fine wine he brought along, he tricks Polyphemus into asking his name in which he replies it is Nobody. He agrees to the gift of eating Nobody last. Once he lies down to sleep the men use the sharpened stick prepared during the day to stab into the eye of Polyphemus. He cries out to his neighbors in agony, wishing help, as they ask what is troubling him, for surely no mortal man can bring him harm he says "Good friends, Nobody is killing me by force or treachery." (Book IX: Line 408) No help from his friends, as clearly he does not need it, nobody is hurting him. So Odysseus has a brilliant stroke of luck. Followed by Polyphemus needing to let his precious sheep out, thereby removing the great boulder obstacle. Odysseus had thought ahead on this front as well and has tied his men to the belly of the sheep so they can be carried out by the sheep without Polyphemus feeling them.
Artist: Arnold Böcklin (1827-1901) Dated: 1896 This work is in the public domain in the United States, and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years or less. Source: Wikimedia Commons | Hurrying back to the ships and arriving safely isn't enough victory for Odysseus, he must get in a few last kicks on Polyphemus. "Cyclops, in the end it was no weak man's companions you were to eat by violence and force in your hollow car, and your evil deeds were to catch up with you, and be too strong for you, hard one, who dared to eat your own guest in your own house, so Zeus and the rest of the gods have punished you." This upsets Polyphemus, who decides to hurl the peak of a mountain at the sailing ship. Barely missing the ship, it did graze, part of it. Would that be enough to make Odysseus bite his tongue? No, let me add some additional salt to the wound. "Cyclops, if any mortal man ever asks you who it was that inflicted upon your eye this shameful blinding, tell him that you were blinded by Odysseus, sacker of cities. |
Here we learn that it had been prophesied for Polyphemus to lose his sight to a man named Odysseus. He had been on the lookout for a tall, handsome man that showed great strength, but instead he saw a little feeble man that used wine to weaken to him. Polyphemus calls up his father, Poseidon to heal him and if he would
grant that Odysseus, sacker of cities, son of Laertes, |
I'd be a little, ok a lot, worried if was on that ship and heard Polyphemus prayers to Poseidon for all the companions of Odysseus to be lost. It does make you wonder, just how much of this adventure has been predestined to happen, was meeting the Lotus Eaters part of the plan? Now what, do you convince Odysseus to high tail it home and hope to outplay the wrath of the gods? Do you figure that no god listened to Polyphemus because your great leader Odysseus said no god could find pity on this creature?
Book X opens with Odysseus continuing the tale of the journey, landing next on Aiolian Island. This land was peaceful and provide an excellent guest-host relationship to the men. They spent a month being entertained and enjoying the fine hospitality. Again, I guess the men really didn't see a need to hurry home. The Aiolian's provided a mystery gift to the Odysseus and set a wind upon the ship to send it home.
Look, ten days of sailing and we can see the shores of Ithaca, destination is within reach. Let us hurry and see what treasure awaits us in the gift before we reach land. Unfortunately, it was not gold and silver as they had hoped, but the wind. Unleashing this force sent the ship back to Aiolian. Now Odysseus is faced with asking for favor to be bestowed upon him and his ships once more by Aiolos.
Book X opens with Odysseus continuing the tale of the journey, landing next on Aiolian Island. This land was peaceful and provide an excellent guest-host relationship to the men. They spent a month being entertained and enjoying the fine hospitality. Again, I guess the men really didn't see a need to hurry home. The Aiolian's provided a mystery gift to the Odysseus and set a wind upon the ship to send it home.
Look, ten days of sailing and we can see the shores of Ithaca, destination is within reach. Let us hurry and see what treasure awaits us in the gift before we reach land. Unfortunately, it was not gold and silver as they had hoped, but the wind. Unleashing this force sent the ship back to Aiolian. Now Odysseus is faced with asking for favor to be bestowed upon him and his ships once more by Aiolos.
"O least of living creatures, out of this island! Hurry! |
I'd say that didn't go well. These words seem to confirm that Poseidon did hear the prayers of Polyphemus and now you should really be worried! Setting sail on their own manpower they leave the island behind only to find the next island was not a pleasant find. Meeting the Laistrygonian's, who take pleasure in dining on men. Make haste and find somewhere safe, loosing all but one ship.
Setting sail from this wretched island they land on Aiaia. Here they meet the goddess Circe. Circe is an enchanting sorceress and changes the first set of Odysseus men into pigs. Maybe she was onto something here, they did seem to enjoy gorging themselves with food, wine and treasure. Eurylochos, one of the men from the first search party had stayed back and was able to escape and tell Odysseus and the remaining men what transformation had taken place. Of course, Odysseus must set out to win over the affection of this goddess. Through the help of Hermes, who gives him a tonic to withstand the persuasive powers of Circe he sets off.
Setting sail from this wretched island they land on Aiaia. Here they meet the goddess Circe. Circe is an enchanting sorceress and changes the first set of Odysseus men into pigs. Maybe she was onto something here, they did seem to enjoy gorging themselves with food, wine and treasure. Eurylochos, one of the men from the first search party had stayed back and was able to escape and tell Odysseus and the remaining men what transformation had taken place. Of course, Odysseus must set out to win over the affection of this goddess. Through the help of Hermes, who gives him a tonic to withstand the persuasive powers of Circe he sets off.
Artist: Anonymous (Greece) Dated: 5th century BC (Archaic) On Display / Photo from: Walters Art Museum This work is in the public domain in the United States, and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years or less. Source: Wikimedia Commons Finally, he decides it is time to ask to be set free so they can continue their journey home. Nothing is easy with the god and goddess' so she instructs Odysseus that he must venture forth to the house of Hades. Oh, how joyful, we must venture off into the underworld where no ship has gone and returned from, to get home. So where did I sign-up for this journey? Makes perfect sense, to continue life you must journey through death. "You think you are on your way back now to your own beloved country, but Circe has indicated another journey for us, to the house of Hades and of revered Persephone there to consult with the soul of Teiresias the Theban." | "Circe, how can you ask me to be gentle with you, when it He extracts an oath from her and then proceeds to hop in bed with her. Now, does he placate with willingly going to bed with her for a day or a week for this oath? No, he stays for an entire year. Just how dear is making it home to him? Certainly he isn't missing his wife much, who could be hopping into bed with all sorts of suitors. Artist: Alessandro Allori (1535-1607) Dated: 1580 This work is in the public domain in the United States, and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years or less. Source: Wikimedia Commons |
So what an adventure Odysseus has had to this point. The islands in the area have an array of characters to meet, kind, pleasant, good-hearted men to the exact opposite in cannibalistic monsters. Certainly supports his thoughts when he ponders what they shall meet with each new island they reach. Odysseus has shown us he can be resourceful (tying men to sheep), but also easily swayed by the favor of a goddess. He has stayed here with Circe for a year and we know he stayed with Kalypso for seven.
I can't wait to read about his adventures through Hades in the next book, they should prove to be interesting.
Has Odysseus seen the continued loss of men to this point as just the way of a warrior's life or does he think it has anything to do with Polyphemus having asked Poseidon to interfere? I'm thinking he just figures it is a warrior life, even though he does refer to troubles being tossed at him from the gods.
I can't wait to read about his adventures through Hades in the next book, they should prove to be interesting.
Has Odysseus seen the continued loss of men to this point as just the way of a warrior's life or does he think it has anything to do with Polyphemus having asked Poseidon to interfere? I'm thinking he just figures it is a warrior life, even though he does refer to troubles being tossed at him from the gods.
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Quotes from: The Odyssey of Homer, Translated and with an Introduction by Richmond Lattimore
ISBN: 978-0-06-124418-6; Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics (2007)
[Notice: Original posting 2014-03-09 at Plethora of Books Blog: http://bookchallenges.weebly.com]
Tags: Odyssey, Read-Alongs
Quotes from: The Odyssey of Homer, Translated and with an Introduction by Richmond Lattimore
ISBN: 978-0-06-124418-6; Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics (2007)
[Notice: Original posting 2014-03-09 at Plethora of Books Blog: http://bookchallenges.weebly.com]
Tags: Odyssey, Read-Alongs