Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Who else has detained Odysseus besides Calypso in The Odyssey?

The goddess Circe also holds Odysseus captive.


After Calypso releases Odysseus, he has a number of misadventures, one of which was with the Cyclops. However, he is eventually able to trick the Cyclops and blind him. As he and his men depart, Odysseus has the audacity to taunt the Cyclops. Unfortunately for Odysseus, the Cyclops is the son of Poseidon, who then takes revenge upon Odysseus. 


After more difficulties, Odysseus lands on the island of the god of wind, Aeolus, who seals the world's winds in a bag except for the one to take Odysseus home. But, as he sleeps, some of his seamen think there is treasure in the bag and open it. With all the winds released, new disasters occur and the fleet is lost except for the ship of Odysseus which manages to escape alone. This ship arrives on the island of Circe, "a great and cunning goddess."



Presently they reached the gates of the goddess' house, and as they stood there they could hear Circe within, singing most beautifully as she worked at her loom, making a web so fine, so soft, and of such dazzling colors as no one but a goddess could weave.



Then, Circe comes to the doorway and beckons them inside. On the enchantress Circe's invitation, the men enter, but Odysseus stays on the ship and Eurylochus refuses to pass through the doorway with the crew, suspecting "mischief." Unfortunately for these men, they are changed into swine.
When Odysseus learns what has happened, he rushes to the cottage of Circe despite warnings from Eurylochus. Fortuitously, Hermes appears to Odysseus and provides him with an herb to wear around his neck which will protect him from the spells of Circe. Hermes also instructs Odysseus how to overpower Circe and save himself and his men. As it turns out, Circe casts off the spell on the crew and Odysseus and his men remain on her island for a year. Finally, Eurylochus convinces Odysseus that they must resume their efforts to return home. Circe keeps her vow to assist them, but she instructs them to consult with the spirit of the blind prophet Tiresias in the Land of the Dead before sailing for Ithaca. With her instructions and provisions, the Greeks set sail.





 

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