Journal Topic “The worst place on Earth”

Essential Question: What do we learn about Greek culture from the stories of Circe and The Land of the Dead? Lesson 33

Plot  Aeolus helps Odysseus by giving him strong winds so they will not impede the Achaeans’ journey home  Odysseus’ s men overcome by curiosity, open the bag containing strong winds  Come to the island of the Laestrygonians (giant cannibals) who destroy all but one ship and eat many of his crew

Plot  Odysseus and his last ship make their way to Aeaea – land of Circe  A scouting party is beguiled by Circe and turned into swine  Eurylochus, wary of a trap, is able to escape and warn the remaining crew members  Odysseus, with the help of Hermes, goes to free his men  Circe, enchants Odysseus for some time before she agrees to assist in his return home – but first, Odysseus must go to the Land of the Dead

Key Points  The question of curiosity  Odysseus was curious about the Cyclops and it got him and his crew in trouble  Odysseus’ s men were curious about what was in the bag that Aeolus gave – and it caused trouble A person must be careful when searching for knowledge  Again, the code of xenia is broken  Odysseus’ men make themselves at home  Circe mistreats her guests

Key Points  Roles women portrayed in the story  Calypso and Circe both beautiful enchantresses  Calypso and Circe both seen weaving  Calypso and Circe both heard singing sweetly  Women viewed as seductive, dangerous?  Women are also industrious, creative, strong  Again, something eaten affects the crew  Lotus, wine – both cause loss of desire/motivation

The Land of the Dead  Plot  Odysseus must find the blind prophet, Teiresias, to learn his fate  He receives a warning about avoiding the cattle of the sun god, Helios  He is told when he reaches home he will find trouble waiting for him (think about Polyphemus’ prayer)  He is also told that after he restores his home, he must make sacrifices to Poseidon (to make reconciliation

Key Points  The Land of the Dead (after-life) is a place of sorrow (“joyless region”)  Gods demand sacrifice  Life and death are uncertain, the gods are in control, man must appease the gods for their favor  The way home (or the way to any goal) is narrow and involves self-denial****  Discipline and perseverance are also called for