The scene takes place on the sea-shore of the coast of Kirke's island
Aea.
Many of the companions of Odysseus are lying about sick or dying of a
plague caused by the cruel rays of the sun and the poisonous air of the
island. Helios is thus revenging himself upon the mortals that have
offended him.
Periander, dying of the fatal spear wound, is being tended by two or
three friends not yet struck down by the pestilence.
Odysseus has heard of their distress; he tears himself from the arms of
Kirke and comes to reassure and comfort his friends; but all turn from
him with horror, and curse him as the author of their woes.
All but Periander, who with a last, supreme effort implores Odysseus to
fly from the enchantress and return with his companions to his faithful
wife Penelope and take her her brother's dying greeting. Deeply
touched Odysseus promises to do so; the spell that bound him to Kirke
is broken; Periander consoled dies in his arms.
With his old energy Odysseus sets to work with the companions still in
health to prepare the ship for sailing away at once; when Helios
appears {408} in his dazzling chariot. Stricken with terror all fall
to the earth. Helios is about to aim his fatal arrow at Odysseus, when
Kirke rushes upon the scene to protect her beloved hero. Helios warns
his daughter that like all mortals Odysseus is false and fickle; but
she will not believe her father's warnings, and he drives sadly away.
Odysseus still lies on a couch unconscious as when first struck down.
Hermes appears to him in a vision and tells him his mother Antikleia
died the very day, Odysseus was ensnared by Kirke. In agony he cries
out in his delirious sleep; he longs for darkness, only this can cure
him. Kirke bids him descend to the underworld; the couch sinks with
him and the scene gradually changes to the realm of Hades.
When the darkness clears away Odysseus is seen with two of his
companions in the mournful land of Hades; they offer sacrifices and
refresh the shades in the underworld with draughts of blood.
Antikleia, the mother of Odysseus approaches and touchingly pleads the
cause of Penelopeia with him. Teiresias, the Seer prophecies the
future fate of Odysseus, who listens with awe. Periander passes by
with his gaping wound. Agamemnon, Ajax and other great heroes of Troy
approach; all mourn and bewail their sad doom to wander as shades in
the changeless gloom of the underworld; they eagerly struggle to seize
and quaff the cup offered to them by the attendants at the altar.
Achilles rushes forward and accuses Odysseus of {409} cowardice; he has
fatally wounded his friend in the back; he is the slave of Kirke!
Odysseus draws his sword, the living and the dead heroes fight; the
other shadows press forward with wild yells upon Odysseus, who,
overpowered, falls senseless to the ground. With vivid lightning and
pealing thunder the scene is quickly shrouded in darkness and the
curtain falls.