Books 9-12 of Odyssey (Adventures)

Main thing

Books 9-12 of Odyssey describe the adventures of Odysseus on his way home after the Trojan War.

Odysseus tells his story to the Phaeacians. He describes his encounters with the Lotus-eaters, Cyclops Polyphemus, Aeolus, Laestrygonians, and Circe. Odysseus loses all his ships and crew. He spends a year with Circe before descending to the underworld to consult the prophet Tiresias. Odysseus then passes the Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, and lands on the island of Helios, where his crew eats the sacred cattle. As punishment, Zeus destroys Odysseus' ship, and all his crew dies. Odysseus ends up on Calypso's island.

Example: Like Odysseus, many people face challenges and temptations on their journeys through life.

Terms

• Lotus-eaters - a mythical race of people living on an island near North Africa, who eat the lotus plant which causes forgetfulness and laziness. Example: Some people get lost in pleasures and forget their responsibilities, like the Lotus-eaters.

• Cyclops Polyphemus - a one-eyed giant son of Poseidon who lives in a cave and herds sheep. Example: Powerful, uncivilized, and dangerous individuals can be compared to Polyphemus.

• Aeolus - the ruler of the winds, who gives Odysseus a bag of winds to help him sail home. Example: Sometimes, people receive help from others to overcome obstacles, like Odysseus received from Aeolus.

• Laestrygonians - a tribe of giant cannibals who destroy all of Odysseus' ships except his own. Example: Unexpected and violent events can suddenly disrupt one's plans, like the Laestrygonians did to Odysseus.

• Circe - a goddess and sorceress who transforms Odysseus' crew into pigs. Example: Temptations and distractions can lead people astray from their goals, like Circe did to Odysseus' crew.

• Tiresias - a blind prophet in the underworld who advises Odysseus on how to appease Poseidon and return home safely. Example: Seeking guidance from wise individuals can help overcome challenges, like Odysseus did with Tiresias.

• Sirens - creatures who lure sailors to their death with enchanting music. Example: Temptations can lead to destruction if not resisted, like the Sirens' song.

• Scylla and Charybdis - sea monsters that Odysseus must pass between, risking his ship and crew. Example: Sometimes, one must choose between two difficult or dangerous options, like Odysseus did with Scylla and Charybdis.

• Helios - the sun god whose sacred cattle are eaten by Odysseus' crew. Example: Actions have consequences, and disrespecting divine or natural laws can lead to punishment, like what happened to Odysseus' crew.

• Calypso - a nymph who falls in love with Odysseus and keeps him on her island for seven years. Example: Distractions and comforts can hinder one from pursuing their goals, like Calypso did to Odysseus.

An analogy

Odysseus' journey in Books 9-12 can be compared to a person's journey through life. Just as Odysseus faces various challenges, temptations, and obstacles on his way home, people encounter different difficulties and distractions while pursuing their goals. Some may be tempted by pleasures and forget their responsibilities, like the Lotus-eaters, while others may face unexpected setbacks, like the Laestrygonians. Temptations, like Circe and the Sirens, can lead people astray, and tough choices, like Scylla and Charybdis, must be made. Ultimately, actions have consequences, as seen with Helios' cattle, and seeking guidance, as Odysseus did with Tiresias, can help overcome challenges.

Example: A student's journey through college can be likened to Odysseus' adventures, with distractions, challenges, and the need for guidance and perseverance to reach their goal of graduation.

A main misconception

Many people believe that the adventures in Books 9-12 of the Odyssey are simply fantastical tales with no deeper meaning. However, these stories serve as metaphors for the challenges and temptations people face in life, and they offer lessons on the consequences of one's actions, the importance of perseverance, and the value of seeking guidance.

Example: Someone might dismiss the story of the Sirens as a mere myth, failing to recognize its symbolism for the dangers of temptation.

The history

1. 8th century BCE: Homer composes the Odyssey, an epic poem about Odysseus' journey home after the Trojan War.

2. 6th-5th century BCE: The Odyssey is performed by rhapsodes in ancient Greece, becoming a significant part of Greek culture and education.

3. 3rd-1st century BCE: The Odyssey is translated into Latin, spreading its influence to the Roman world.

4. 15th-16th century CE: The Odyssey is rediscovered and translated during the Renaissance, inspiring artists and writers across Europe.

5. 18th-20th century CE: The Odyssey continues to be studied, translated, and adapted, influencing literature, art, and popular culture worldwide.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. When facing a difficult decision, think of Odysseus choosing between Scylla and Charybdis. Evaluate your options carefully, consider the potential consequences, and choose the path that aligns with your goals and values. For example, if you're offered a high-paying job that requires long hours and sacrificing time with family, weigh the pros and cons and decide based on your priorities.

2. If you find yourself distracted or tempted by short-term pleasures, remember the Lotus-eaters and the Sirens. Stay focused on your long-term goals, and develop strategies to resist temptations that could lead you astray. For instance, if you're trying to save money but are tempted by impulse purchases, create a budget, set financial goals, and find alternative ways to enjoy yourself without spending excessively.

3. When seeking guidance or advice, consider Odysseus consulting Tiresias in the underworld. Identify mentors, experts, or trusted friends who can offer valuable insights and support as you navigate challenges. For example, if you're struggling with a personal issue, reach out to a therapist, counselor, or a wise friend who can provide guidance and help you develop coping strategies.

Interesting facts

• The Odyssey, along with the Iliad, is one of the oldest surviving works of Western literature, dating back to around the 8th century BCE.

• The word "odyssey" has entered the English language to mean a long, adventurous journey, inspired by Odysseus' 10-year voyage home.

• In Book 9, Odysseus introduces himself to the Cyclops Polyphemus as "Nobody," which later allows him to escape by tricking Polyphemus into shouting, "Nobody is killing me!"

• The phrase "between Scylla and Charybdis" has become an idiom for being caught between two difficult or dangerous alternatives.

• The Sirens in the Odyssey are often depicted as bird-like creatures with women's heads, but later traditions portray them as mermaids or beautiful women.