Ulysses tells his Story—The Lotus-Eaters, Polyphemus, Circe, Scylla, and
Charybdis—The Visit to Hades
The company sat in silent expectation, gazing intently at the stranger,
who began as follows: “The land of the Phæacians is indeed a delightful
land, and I know no greater pleasure than to sit in the banquet hall,
while heralds move from table to table filling the cups, and the
minstrel sings splendid songs of the heroic deeds of brave men. For harp
and voice are the ornaments of the feast. But ye ask me for my unhappy
history. Where shall I begin the tale, for the immortal gods have heaped
much misery upon me? Let my name come first, that ye may know me and
keep me in remembrance. I am Ulysses, son of Laertes, well known to men
through many exploits.”
The Phæacians were transfixed with astonishment, and the old minstrel
bemoaned the loss of his eyesight that he was unable to see the man
whose heroic deeds he had so often sung. He, the most famous among all
the Trojan warriors, had eaten and drunk with them, and was now going to
tell them of all the wonderful deeds which he had done and the hardships
he had suffered.
“Yes, I am Ulysses,” continued the hero. “The sunny isle of Ithaca is my
home. I will not speak of the unhappy war. When it was ended I turned
with my comrades to Ismarus, the city of the Ciconians, destroyed it,
slew the fleeing men, while we divided the women and other booty amongst
us. I now counselled that we should hasten from the place, but my
foolish comrades did not obey me. As long as they had enough plunder,
wine, sheep, and goats, they caroused upon the shore and thus brought
the first misfortune upon us.
“The conquered Ciconians summoned their allies in the interior, who
responded in great numbers, fell upon us, and horribly revenged
themselves. The fierce battle at the ships began early in the morning.
At first we defied the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, but as the sun
set we were obliged to give way. Each of my ships lost six men, and it
was only with difficulty that I escaped in swift boats with the others.
Happy in our escape we sailed toward the west, keeping near to the coast
of Greece. Then a terrible storm arose, breaking the masts and tearing
the sails. With difficulty we put to shore to mend them, and on the
third morning when we set out with renewed hope, a fresh storm descended
upon us from the heights of Malea and drove us far out into the open
sea.
“For nine days we drifted before the awful north wind, and on the tenth
day were driven on the coast of the lotus-eaters. They are an amiable
people and most fortunate, for they possess a fruit called the lotus,
which is their daily food and is sweeter than honey. Whoever eats of it
forgets his home and desires to remain there forever. We landed to take
on fresh water and the lotus did not fail in its effects. I had to drive
my companions back to the ships, bind them with ropes, and throw them
under the rowers’ benches, and if I had not put off again quickly, not a
single man would have followed me.
“We now rowed out again over the boundless sea and landed on a wooded
island near the coast of Sicily, which was uninhabited except by
countless herds of goats roaming the lowlands. They were without fear,
so that we had easy hunting, and provided ourselves plentifully with
game. When we had refreshed ourselves with food and sleep I was anxious
to row across to the next island, which seemed to be very large and
fruitful. We could hear voices there and see cattle climbing about the
hills. It is the home of the giant race of Cyclops, a savage people who
know nothing of agriculture, have no laws, nor fear gods nor men. I said
to my companions: ‘Remain here with your ships. I will row across in
mine with twelve picked companions and examine the land.’ I embarked,
taking with me a large skin of excellent wine, for I divined that I
might fall in with savage people who could not be won by reason or fair
words, and therefore I furnished myself with this sweet, beguiling
drink.
“On our arrival I carefully concealed my vessel in a hidden cave and
landed with my people and my wine skin. Not far away I saw a tremendous
cave in the rock surrounded by a wall of great stones and shaded by a
row of gigantic firs and oaks. It was the dwelling of the most terrible
of the giants, where he spent the night with his goats and sheep; for
the care of his flocks was his sole occupation. He was the son of
Poseidon and his name was Polyphemus. Like all the Cyclops, he had a
single but horrible eye in the middle of his forehead. His arms were
powerful enough to move rocks, and he could sling granite blocks through
the air like pebbles. He wandered about alone among the mountains, none
of the other Cyclops holding intercourse with him. He was savage and
delighted only in mischief and destructiveness.
“I, unhappy man, not knowing this, went with my companions straight to
the open cave and entered it. We did not find him there, as the sun had
not yet gone down and he was still grazing his herds on distant hills.
The stalls were full of lambs and young kids. There were baskets and
tubs of cheese and milk; also curds in great vessels and milking pails.
My companions wanted very much to fill a few baskets with cheese, drive
away a number of lambs and kids, and quickly make away with them in the
ships before the dread king of the cave should return. But I forbade
this, for I was too curious to see the man and hoped, besides, to
receive a gift from him, as is the custom among hospitable people. But
how mistaken I was!
“We seated ourselves in the cave, lighted a fire for an offering, and
passed the time eating cheese until the Cyclops should come home. Toward
evening he appeared with his whole herd before the mouth of the cave. We
drew back in affright, and he did not see us at first. He bore on his
shoulders a tremendous load of wood, which he dropped upon the ground
with a clatter which made the rocks tremble and caused us to flee into
the innermost recesses of the cave. He then drove the goats and sheep
inside, and barred the entrance with a piece of rock that two and twenty
wagons could not have moved from the spot. We were prisoners in the
power of the monster.
“We were able to watch him unobserved for a while as he seated himself
comfortably on the ground to milk the animals, then poured the milk into
tubs, and last stirred the fire. The flames leapt up and he discovered
us huddled together in a corner. For a moment he stared, then thundered
at us in a fearful voice: ‘Ho, strangers! Whence come ye? Are ye traders
or robbers who roam the seas, not sparing human life?’
“Our knees trembled at the sound of the monster’s voice. However, I
quickly recovered myself and answered boldly: ‘We are Greeks returning
from Troy, cast upon this coast by storms. As we have been overtaken by
misfortune we beseech thee to shelter us and to please the gods by
sending us on our way with gifts. Honor the gods, excellent sir, for
Jupiter is the avenger of all wrongs committed against the traveller.’
“‘Oho! Thou foolish stranger,’ roared the Cyclops. ‘Thou seemest to know
the Cyclops ill. Nobody here honors the gods, and we know naught of thy
Jupiter, for we ourselves are much greater. But tell me, where didst
thou land with thy vessel?’
“I perceived his cunning and determined that he should not outwit me.
‘My ship,’ said I aloud. ‘Ah, had we it still we should not be here. The
waves destroyed it, and had we not been able to swim, we should all have
perished.’
“Instead of answering, the cruel Cyclops stretched out both his arms,
seized two of my companions, and dashed them upon the ground so that
blood and brains spattered in all directions. He tore them apart and ate
them. We shrieked aloud when we saw this horrid deed and prayed to
Jupiter. But our lamentations did not affect the Cyclops. He drank a tub
of milk and stretched himself out to sleep.
“‘What shall I do?’ I said to myself when the monster began to snore.
‘Shall I plunge my sword into his heart before he awakens. But no! if I
kill him, who shall open the door for us?’ No one but the giant himself
would be able to move away the mighty stone. We should only be preparing
for ourselves a miserable death by slow starvation. We needed to invent
some better plan, and so we awaited the break of day in fear and
uncertainty.
“With the dawn the Cyclops awoke and went about his usual business. He
put fresh wood on the fire, milked his herd, and put the nurslings to
suck. Then he again seized two of my dear companions and killed and ate
them as he had done the others. Next, he pushed back the stone, drove
out the flocks, and deftly rolled the great rock back in its place.
“Thus we were again imprisoned for the whole day. I now conceived a plan
to avenge our lost comrades and to free ourselves—I would put out his
great eye with a red-hot stake! I found just the piece for the purpose.
It was the giant’s own club of green olivewood, as long and as thick as
a mast. I hewed off a piece from the end, my companions helped to smooth
it, and I sharpened the point and hardened it in the glowing coals. When
my weapon was ready I carefully concealed it under the pile of straw on
the ground. Hereupon we drew lots to find out which of my companions
should help me thrust the stake into the eye of the sleeping giant, and
we fearfully awaited his return. At last he came, driving in his flocks,
and this time he left none of the animals outside, either because he was
suspicious of us or because a god had so decreed. He set up the great
stone, milked his sheep and goats, ate two more of my poor companions,
and put fresh wood on the fire. I now brought out the wine skin and went
boldly up to him.
“‘See, Cyclops,’ said I, filling a jug; ‘here is something to drink; try
it. Wine tastes good after human flesh. Take it that thou mayest see
what good drink we had upon our lost vessel.’ He took the jug and drank.
How delighted he was! He emptied the vessel and said, smiling: ‘Fill
again from thy wine skin and tell me thy name, that I may make thee a
gift. What a delicious draught! We have wine here, but compared with
thine it is but water. Do but give me more.’
“I filled his jug three times and he gulped it down eagerly. I soon saw
with delight that his senses were becoming clouded. Then an excellent
idea occurred to me. ‘Thou wouldst know my name,’ said I. ‘My name is
Nobody. My father and mother call me Nobody and so do all people.’
“‘Good,’ said he. ‘Then Nobody shall be the last one I shall devour.
Take that as thy guest gift from me.’
“With these words he fell upon his back overpowered by sleep. He tossed
about until deep snores showed that he had at last lost consciousness.
Our time had come! I quickly drew forth the stake, plunged the end into
the fire, turned it about until it was glowing, and then called upon my
companions to assist me. A god put courage into our hearts. We all took
hold and in an instant had plunged the fiery pole into the sleeper’s
great eye. As when a smith dips glowing iron into cold water, thus
hissed the Cyclops’ eye as the torch penetrated it. But we pushed it in
the deeper and turned it round and round until the blood gushed out and
flowed over forehead and cheeks. With a horrible roar the giant jumped
up and we all fled into the corners of the cave. Bewildered by the pain,
he pulled the glowing brand from his eye and threw it against the rocky
wall, raving like a crazy man. The other Cyclops were aroused by his
desperate cries and gathered about the cave.
“‘What has happened to thee, Polyphemus,’ they cried, ‘to make thee roar
thus? Has someone stolen thy cattle or a murderer attacked thee?’
“‘Woe is me!’ roared the Cyclops. ‘Nobody has craftily throttled me.
Nobody has attacked me.’
“‘Well, if nobody is attacking thee we are of no use. We can do naught
against inward pains; for those thou must call on thy father Poseidon.’
Speaking thus they went away.
“How my heart laughed for joy that my false name had fooled them. But
the greatest danger lay still before us. We might escape the fingers of
the blind giant in the recesses of the cave, but he now seated himself
before the entrance, rolled back the stone halfway, and stretched out
his hands to catch us should we try to steal out among the sheep and
goats.
“However, I conceived a plan to outwit him in this also. Among the goats
were powerful animals, with very thick wool. I put three of them side by
side and bound them together with withes. The middle one carried one of
my companions under his body bound securely, while the other two
protected him on either side. A great woolly one, king of all, I kept
back for myself. Thus prepared, we awaited the morning.
[Illustration: _THE BLINDING OF POLYPHEMUS_]
“At last the flock set out and crowded past their waiting master, who
carefully felt of each woolly back to see if one of us should not be
riding on it. It never occurred to him that we might be hanging
underneath. At length the first three came up, carrying their man
successfully past, then the second, and so on. I was last. I crawled
underneath, nestling into the thick wool as deeply as I could with hands
and feet. Then the animal struggled forward as fast as he was able with
his unaccustomed burden, while I held on desperately by his curly wool.
The Cyclops recognized his favorite at once in caressing him, and spoke
sadly to him. ‘Dear little one, art thou the last to-day to leave the
cave? Thou, who art always the first to trot so gayly at the head of all
the others. Art perchance sad also, and dost feel sorry for thy master’s
eye, which the villain Nobody has put out? But only wait, he shall not
escape his deserts. If thou couldst but speak, my little one, thou
wouldst tell me at once where the wretch is hiding. Then shouldst thou
see how his blood and marrow would splash about the cave. That would be
revenge sweet to my heart.’
“Thus spake the Cyclops and released the goat. I let him carry me but a
short distance, then let go, jumped up, and released my companions, of
whom, alas! but six alone were left. Our rescuers we quietly drove
before us, taking them as a thank offering. The Cyclops carefully closed
his door again and whistled for his flock. We laughed in our hearts, and
slunk quickly away with the stolen animals to our ship and put off. We
rowed as fast as we could, and when the boat was as far from land as a
man’s voice will carry, it occurred to me to shout a mocking farewell to
the monster.
“‘Ho, Cyclops! Take notice that thou hast entertained no ordinary
mortal. In truth thou hast not eaten my friends for nothing. Thou art
repaid at last for thine inhuman crimes.’
“How enraged he was. He tore off a piece of rock and cast it in the
direction from which the voice had come. He aimed well, for it fell into
the water close beside our vessel, so that we rocked in the trough of
the sea. The waves nearly beat us back to shore again, but I urged on my
men and they regained the high seas.
“I could still see the giant feeling of his bloody forehead, and could
not resist calling again, although my men begged me to desist. ‘Listen
once more, Cyclops. If thou art asked who hath so shamefully blinded
thee, know that it was Ulysses, son of Laertes!’
“‘Cursed guest!’ sputtered the furious Cyclops. ‘Thus hath the prophecy
been fulfilled! I have heard thy name and have always feared a great
giant of superhuman powers. And now that it should be such a midget—such
a tiny weakling who has outwitted me! Woe is me! But listen, Ulysses,’
he called directly afterward; ‘come back and let us make peace. I will
entertain thee royally and pray Poseidon, my father, that he grant thee
safe conduct. He will certainly restore my eye; then all shall be
forgiven thee.’
“‘Ha!’ I shouted back. ‘Would that I could but send thee so certainly to
Hades that neither Poseidon nor any god could replace thine eye!’ And
now I heard him praying loudly to his father to send misfortunes on my
head. Alas, the god heard him only too well.
“In the meanwhile we kept on rowing, but were still in danger, for
suddenly another rock came flying and splashed like the first one into
the sea close to our boat. At last after hard rowing we reached our
little island and divided our booty with our companions. Our friends had
given us up for lost and had been sitting on the shore day and night,
mourning for us. They gave me the big goat, which had carried me out of
the cave, for my share. I immediately sacrificed him to Jupiter, and we
ate and drank joyfully together. When the sun sank into the sea we laid
down on the beach to sleep.
“When we had recovered from our fright and had refreshed ourselves with
food and drink, we launched our boats and put out to sea. We travelled
until we reached an island of peculiar formation. It floated about on
the water and was surrounded by a wall of brass. It was the famous isle
where lives Æolus, the king of the winds. The gods have given him charge
over all the winds, that he may cause them to blow or to cease at his
will.
“I was hospitably received and delightfully entertained there for a
whole month. In the palace lived the king’s six sons with their
beautiful wives. I had to tell them all about Troy and all that had
happened to me in my unfortunate journey. And when I begged for safe
conduct, Æolus gave me a present which would have made me supremely
happy had it not been for the foolishness of my companions. He confined
all the winds in a leather bag, binding it securely with a silver rope.
Thus I was fitted out so that I might make use of the winds should the
vengeful Poseidon again lead me from my course. I laid the bag in the
bottom of the ship without saying anything to my companions of its
contents, and we sailed away with a gentle wind from Æolus’ isle and
crossed almost the whole Mediterranean without accident, sailing nine
days and nights, when suddenly on the tenth evening the shores of my
native island loomed out of the darkness. Yes, it was really old Ithaca!
I saw the watch-fires, the end of my wanderings had come. And now, weary
as I was, sweet sleep overcame me, for I had labored at the mast day and
night in order to reach home safely and quickly.
“While I slept my companions began to talk of our return, to recall all
that they had undergone, and to complain that they were returning poor,
in spite of it all. They looked at me enviously, at my rich booty from
Troy, and the number of my guest gifts. ‘Everywhere that he goes,’ they
said, ‘he is honored and receives gifts, but we get nothing. What can he
have hidden in that bag? Æolus has certainly given him a costly present
of gold or silver.’
“Curiosity incited them to examine the bag, which the king had bound up
so tightly for good reasons. They had scarcely loosened the cord when a
furious east wind broke loose, which drove us backward in the direction
we had just come. We wretched ones, who had hoped to land on Ithaca in a
few hours, found ourselves once more on Æolus’ isle. We were exhausted
on landing, and after taking the food and drink I set out, with one of
my men and the herald, for Æolus’ palace. There I found the family
assembled at table, and all were astonished at my reappearance. I told
them my story and begged for help once more. But the king cried in a
terrible voice: ‘Unhappy one, fly from my house. Far be it from me to
shelter a man who is thus pursued by the anger of the gods.’
“Sorrowfully I rejoined my companions and with heavy hearts we put out
on the treacherous sea. We rowed continuously for six days, and at last
on the seventh we saw the coast of the Læstrygones. We found a sheltered
harbor where we made fast our ships. Then I mounted a hill to see if I
could discover traces of people. In the distance I saw smoke rising and
sent two of my men with a herald to explore the country. They entered a
wood where they found wagon tracks that led to a town, and there they
met a maiden, the buxom daughter of the king, Antiphates, just going to
the well to draw water. She answered their inquiries by pointing out her
father’s lofty dwelling. But when they entered the great palace they
were terrified to behold the queen, a giantess, tall as a tree, who at
once called her husband, an uncouth barbarian of gigantic stature.
Without a word, like the Cyclops he seized one of them for his evening
meal. The other two fled in horror to the ships. We saw them running,
and soon a crowd of giants, summoned by the king’s roars, started in
pursuit. While we were trying to loose the ships tremendous stones began
to hurtle through the air upon us, dashing men and ships in pieces. I
had tied my ship behind a cliff where it was safe from the stones. I
quickly cut the ropes, called to my remaining companions, and we rowed
away as fast as we could. With horror we saw the Læstrygones spearing
our poor comrades to carry them home to their cruel meal.
“The current now carried us to the island of Ææa. We stole into a
sheltering bay and rested for two days and nights, weak from hunger and
overwork. But on the third day when rosy-fingered Eos began to paint the
sky, I seized lance and sword and climbed to the top of the rock. The
gods took pity on me and sent a great stag with branching antlers across
my path. Like lightning I planted my spear in its side, and the animal
sank in the dust with a cry. Bracing my foot against its side I drew out
my spear, bound its feet together, threw the animal over my shoulder
and, staggering under the unwonted burden, returned with it to the ship.
“‘Come friends,’ I cried, ‘we shall not descend to the kingdom of Hades
until our day of doom dawns. As long as there is food and drink let us
be merry and refresh our weary bodies.’
“The sight of the stately animal put new life into my fainting comrades.
They sprang up, washed their hands, and began to prepare the meat. We
sat down to an excellent evening repast and our courage returned. A
sweet sleep refreshed us, and at daybreak we determined to set out and
see whom we could find on the island. But my companions grew
panic-stricken when they thought of the Cyclops and the cannibal
Læstrygones. ‘Very well,’ I said, ‘divide yourselves into two parties. I
will lead one and the hero Eurylochus shall lead the other.’ We then
drew lots from a brass helmet to see who should explore and who should
remain to guard the ship. The lot fell to the brave Eurylochus and he
hastened to set out with twenty-two men.
“In a distant valley they found the stately palace of Circe, the
Sun-god’s daughter, a sorceress skilled in all the arts. Her dwelling
was surrounded by lions and wolves, which were men transformed into
animals by her magic. They were unfortunates who had been cast upon her
coast by storms. Their human reason had not been taken from them, so
that they did not attack the approaching men, but came up to them like
friendly dogs. Inside the palace sat the beautiful Circe at her loom,
singing. ‘Listen,’ said one of the men, ‘what lovely singing. Let us go
in.’ The goddess who had overheard the words, left her work and opened
the door. ‘Come in, strangers,’ she said sweetly, ‘that I may entertain
ye.’ The friends obeyed and went inside. Only the cautious Eurylochus
remained without and hid himself from the sorceress as though he divined
mischief.
“The strangers were invited to sit on soft cushioned chairs and Circe
passed food and mixed sweet wine for them, but in the wine she secretly
put evil herbs, and when the poor fellows had drunk of the mixture Circe
touched them all with her magic wand and in an instant they were changed
into grunting swine. She then drove them out and put them into pens and
laughingly shut them in. Eurylochus, horrified, saw all this from his
hiding place, then hastened away to bring me the news. In broken words
he related the horrible fate of our friends.
“I immediately sprang up. ‘Guide me thither,’ I cried, impatiently. ‘I
will avenge the unfortunates if I cannot save them.’ But he fell at my
feet and begged me with tears not to sacrifice myself. ‘Let us flee from
the cursed island,’ he cried, ‘that we, at least, may escape the same
awful fate.’
“‘Stay thou,’ I answered scornfully, ‘and eat and drink thy fill here by
the shore, but I must needs go.’ With these words I hurried along the
beach until I saw the dwelling of Circe in the distance. All at once a
shining youth came toward me. I recognized Hermes by his staff and his
glorious appearance.
“‘Friend,’ said he, taking me by the hand, why art thou wandering alone
among these wild hills? Dost thou know what awaits thee? Thy friends are
shut up in Circe’s pens transformed into swine. Dost intend to release
them? Poor man, thou wilt scarcely succeed. I fear she will but pen thee
up with the rest.’ I did not know what to answer, and could only gaze
perplexed at the youthful god.
“‘Listen,’ he said. ‘I wish thee well and I can help thee. Therefore let
me warn thee to beware of Circe’s tricks. On thy arrival she will mix
for thee a sweet wine with a certain poison which puts all who partake
of it in her power. But here is the antidote. Pour it secretly into the
wine before thou drinkest, and her herbs cannot harm thee. When thou
hast partaken of the mixture she will touch thee with her magic wand in
the vain endeavor to transform thee. Take advantage of this moment to
overcome her. Fall upon her with drawn sword as though thou wouldst
pierce her, and thou shalt see her supplicating for mercy at thy feet.
Grant what she asks, but let her swear a solemn oath that she will not
further harm thee. Then she shall be appeased, and by degrees, in
confidential talk, thou shalt persuade her to release thy friends also.’
“The god gave me the wholesome herb, then hastened back to high Olympus.
I gazed gratefully after him, carefully stowed away his gift, and
committed his advice to memory. Deep in thought I suddenly found myself
at Circe’s dwelling and heard the heavenly singing. I called, and the
goddess immediately appeared. She led me to the silver-mounted seat and
went to prepare the wine in which she mixed her magic herbs. As soon as
she handed me the cup, I quickly poured Hermes’ antidote into it, and
drank off the potion without fear.
“At once she pointed the magic wand at my head saying: ‘Now, my little
beast, follow thy friends into the pig-pen.’ I pushed back my chair,
sprang from behind the table, and fell upon the false one with drawn
sword. She shrieked and threw herself upon the ground to clasp my knees.
‘Who art thou and whence comest thou who art the first to withstand my
magic? Never has a mortal resisted its power. Art thou perhaps the
crafty Ulysses who, Hermes once told me, should visit me on his long
wanderings and set at naught my sorcery? But look not so fiercely upon
me. Put up thy sword. Sit down peaceably beside me that we may hold
friendly converse.’
“‘O goddess,’ I answered, ‘how can I trust one who has robbed me of my
friends? I know not what schemes thou entertainest against me. If I am
to trust thee, swear to me the great oath of the gods that thou wilt not
practise thine arts against me, sleeping nor waking.’
“She at once complied and I was reassured. And now she drew me down upon
her couch and fondled me, while her maidens, beautiful daughters of the
river and forest gods, prepared a delicious repast for me and one of
them heated water for the bath. When it was ready she washed my head and
shoulders herself and clothed me in rich garments. Then she led me to a
table covered with delicacies. I did not partake, but leant my head upon
my hand and sank into sorrowful musings. Circe urged me in vain to eat.
‘O goddess,’ I sighed, ‘how can I enjoy a feast in the house where my
unhappy companions are prisoners? Until I see them freed from the
terrible enchantment, thou wilt exert thyself in vain to cheer me with
thy embraces and thine entertainment.’
“The goddess was touched. She went out into the pens, freed the swine,
and anointed each one with a healing salve. And, oh joy! the animals
stood up, the bristly hide and the long snouts disappeared, and my
companions stood before me, younger and handsomer than before. They
shouted for joy and fell at our feet. Then their beautiful liberator led
them into the banquet hall.
“‘Listen, Ulysses,’ said Circe to me, ‘remain with me for a while and
rest after all the hardships thou hast undergone. Go and beach thy ship
upon the sands. Hide thy weapons and goods in the thicket, and then
bring all thy worthy comrades here that I may entertain them.’
“Confiding in the sacred oath of the goddess I set out at once to fetch
my companions. They rejoiced to see me returning in safety, and came
running to meet me like young foals to their mother. I related my
adventure, and commanded them to draw the ship on the beach and to bury
the tools and follow me to the palace where they might rest and feast to
their heart’s content.
“Then arose the prudent Eurylochus, still half-paralyzed with fear, and
said to them: ‘Poor fellows, where are we going? The crafty sorceress
will soon have transformed us all into swine, wolves, or lions. Did not
Ulysses lead us into the Cyclops’ cave. Let us stay here, and let him go
where he will.’ I grew crimson with anger on hearing him speak thus. I
had already drawn my sword to cut off his head when my companions
prevented me. ‘Let him go,’ said they; ‘we will all follow thee.’
“I then guided them to Circe’s palace, and even Eurylochus followed us
at a distance. How happy they all were to find their companions, in fine
garments, sitting at the festive board. They fell upon one another’s
necks, and even Circe was touched at the sight. She said to us: ‘Dear
comrades, stay with me until ye shall have forgotten all your troubles
and regained your old-time courage.’
“Thankfully we accepted her invitation, and day by day we feasted and
drank. But at length, when a year had gone by, the longing for home
awakened in our breasts, and my companions urged me to think of our
native land. All day I mused upon their demand, and as darkness fell I
clasped the knees of the goddess and besought her to send us back to our
homes. She answered graciously that she did not wish to detain me
against my will, but that I must first accomplish a mission for her
before I could take the direct path homewards. I gave my promise and
heard with horror the following commission: ‘I wish to send thee to the
underworld to inquire of the spirit of old Tiresias, who conferred upon
Persephone, Queen of Hades, alone of all the shades, power to wander
there a living person, while the other souls are only floating shadows.’
“I wrung my hands and groaned. Weeping I sat beside the goddess and
cried: ‘Who shall show me the way thither? Never did a living man
descend into Hades, and nevermore shall a living man return from thence
into the light.’
“‘Fear not for thy life, nor for a guide,’ she continued. ‘Spread thy
sail and let the north wind guide thee.’ She then gave me full
directions as to all that I should see and do upon this visit to the
lower regions.
“As she ended dawn was gilding the morning sky. Sorrowfully I arose and
went to arouse my companions and advise them of our speedy departure. We
went down to the ship with heavy hearts. There we found the sacrificial
sheep, which I was to carry with me, bound and ready; a black male sheep
and a female. Circe had also provided flour, wine, and honey. We
launched the ship, raised the mast, and reluctantly embarked. A
favorable wind bore us straight toward the ends of the earth.
“We reached the shores of the Cimmerians, where the sun no longer sheds
its light. There we beached our ship, took the sacrificial gifts, and
descended to the place which Circe had shown me. We found all as she had
foretold. I now began to dig a pit with my sword, an ell square, and
into it I poured an offering for the dead as I had been instructed;
first of honey and milk, then of sweet wine, and at last of water,
strewing white flour over all. Then the two sheep were handed me, and I
cut their throats with my sword so that the dark blood ran into the pit.
Immediately the departed souls floated up in crowds from the lower world
and pressed upon me. But I held them back with my sword, and commanded
my companions to burn the sheep which had been skinned meanwhile. While
the offering was being consumed we prayed to all the gods of the lower
world, and I did not forget to make promises to them and to Tiresias,
provided that I should reach Ithaca in safety.
“I gazed upon the approaching shades with silent awe. I saw armed men
with deep wounds, old dames and blooming maidens, careworn old men and
vigorous youths. They crowded about the pit on all sides with horrible
cries, and I had hard work to keep them from the blood with my sword.
[Illustration: _INVOCATION OF THE SHADES IN HADES_]
“The spirits seemed speechless except Tiresias. He bade me turn away the
sharp sword, that he might drink of the blood and prophesy of my fate.
When he had drunk he leaned upon his golden staff and began: ‘Noble
Ulysses, thou art anxious to return to thy home, but one of the gods
will put difficulties in thy way. Dost thou not know how deeply thou
didst offend Poseidon in blinding the eye of his son? Still all may be
well with thee if only thou layest not thine hands upon the steers of
Helios upon the island of Thrinakia. If thou shouldst kill one of them
thou mayest scarcely expect to be saved, and if thou shouldst ever see
thy native land again, it would only be after many years of hardship and
without any of thy companions. Others shall feast upon thy substance,
woo thy spouse, and seek to lay deadly traps for thy son. But at last a
divinity shall take pity on thee that thou mayest slay the presumptuous
guests in thy palace. The deed will compel thee to leave thine ancestral
home and to settle far inland. Then let it be a token for thee that,
when on thy pilgrimage with thine oar upon thy shoulder, thou shalt meet
a man who shall call the oar a shovel, that it is the place which the
gods have set apart for the haven of thine old age. Far from the sea,
death shall come gently upon thee.’
“‘So that is to be my fate, O Tiresias,’ I said. ‘But tell me, do I not
see my old mother amongst the spirits? She deigns not to speak to her
son, nor looks into my face. What shall I do to make her know me?’
“‘If thou wouldst question any of these spirits, let them drink of the
blood,’ answered Tiresias; ‘then mind and speech shall return to them.’
“I waited until my mother should approach, and as soon as she had drunk
she recognized me with joy and astonishment. I recounted to her all my
sufferings and questioned her in what manner she had died and how my
father, wife, and dear son at home were faring. She told me that all
were alive and longed for me every day, that my father, grown weak with
age, lived in the palace no longer, but cultivated his vineyards in the
country.
“She departed and in her place came other women, wives of famous heroes
I had known. They, too, drank of the blood and told me of their fate. My
heart swelled as I beheld the spirits of dear friends floating near who
had once been my companions before Troy—Agamemnon, Achilles, Patroclus,
and the excellent Ajax, all of whom death had overtaken before they saw
their native land again. I was most astonished to see Agamemnon here. I
questioned him and, lamenting, he told me his sad fate. He inquired
about his living son, Orestes, but alas, I could tell him nothing of the
Greeks. But I was able to tell Achilles of many glorious deeds done by
his son Neoptolemus, of whose bravery in war I had often been witness
after his father’s death. Even in the pale world of shades Achilles
rejoiced in his son’s valor, and floated proudly down to the fields of
asphodel where dwell the spirits of brave heroes.
“I saw also the heroes of ancient times. Minos, the wise ruler and
lawgiver of Crete, was even now holding judgment over the souls of the
dead in Hades; and Orion, the great hunter, with his mighty bow drove
innumerable game before him. Tityus, that gigantic son of earth, who had
once dared to dishonor the divine Leto, mother of Apollo and Artemis,
lay fast bound upon the ground in punishment, two vultures on either
side tearing at his entrails which ever grew again and were anew
destroyed. Not less terrible was the penalty of Sisyphus, a king who had
practised many cruelties during his lifetime. He was obliged to push a
heavy block of marble up a steep hill, and as often as he had nearly
reached the top it would glide from his hands and roll thundering down
to the bottom of the valley. Then, bathed in cold perspiration and in a
cloud of dust, he would begin the difficult task over again.
“I saw Tantalus also, that celebrated king whom Jupiter allowed to sit
at his own table and feast with the gods. His vain heart was unworthy of
the honor. He misused their confidence and betrayed their secrets; and
for this he was undergoing a terrible martyrdom in Hades. A burning
thirst consumes him continually, and though he stands up to his throat
in water, and delicious pear, fig, and apple trees hang their sweet
fruits above his head, he can never satisfy his vehement desires; for as
often as he bends down to the water the pool suddenly dries up, and as
often as he raises his hand to pluck of the juicy fruit, a furious wind
quickly tosses the branches toward the clouds. I saw also the shade of
Hercules. He lives in Olympus with the gods and is married to Hebe,
enjoying the pleasures of the gods in return for all his labor on earth.
Only his shade is in Hades. Theseus and Pirithous also glided by at a
distance.
“I did not venture to remain much longer in this dread place, but full
of what I had seen and heard, hastened back to the ship with my
companions. We all went aboard and Oceanus bore us back the way we had
come. Circe had scarcely heard of our arrival when she visited us and
sent us plenty of bread, meat, and wine. When it began to grow dark she
seated herself by my side, apart from the others, and gave me much wise
advice for my coming voyage. She warned me against the Sirens who entice
travellers with sweet songs, only to devour them like beasts of prey.
‘As it is impossible to resist their entrancing singing,’ she said,
‘take this piece of wax and knead it into a paste with which to stop the
ears of thy companions; but cause thyself to be bound to the mast, and
when, carried away by the magic singing, thou wouldst set thyself free,
let them bind thee the faster.
“‘Another and greater danger awaits thee in the fearful abyss where
dwell Scylla and Charybdis. There the sea is forced between two high
rocks scarcely an arrow’s flight apart. Deep at the foot of one lurks
Charybdis, the monster, gulping down endless streams of water with all
ships and men who approach too near, and long afterwards spitting them
out again dashed to pieces in the turmoil. Beware of that side and keep
closer to the right, where the other monster, Scylla, dwells. When thou
passest by thou wilt be obliged to pay her a terrible toll, for with
each of her six jaws she will snatch one of thy men from the rower’s
bench. But it is better to lose six men than to see thy whole ship go
down in Charybdis’ whirlpool. Finally I warn thee of the sacred oxen of
Helios on the island Thrinakia. Shouldst thou harm one of them, I
prophesy destruction for thee and thy ship and thy friends; and even if
thou shouldst thyself escape, thou shalt return home only after many
years, unhappy and without any companions.’
“Thus spake the glorious goddess, and as rosy Eos appeared we hastened
to our ships to take advantage of a favorable wind. As soon as I thought
we were nearing the Sirens I kneaded the wax and stopped the ears of my
friends; but me they bound fast to the mast. Thus we rowed on. The
Sirens heard us coming and began their enchanting song. As I listened I
was seized with an overmastering desire to hear more and struggled to
loosen my bonds. I begged my friends with signs and gestures to aid me,
but they only tied me faster, until the magical sounds grew fainter and
fainter and the danger was left far behind.
“We next saw mist and rolling surf and heard hollow reverberations in
the distance. The arms of the rowers became paralyzed and the ship stood
still. I hastened among them and admonished them to row as fast as
possible, but commanded the steersman to keep as far to the right as
possible, that we might not be engulfed by Charybdis. I wisely kept
silent about the fearful Scylla, or not a man would have rowed another
stroke. As I stood on the high deck, armed with two spears and looking
down into the foaming gulf, I heard a cry of pain on my right, and
behold, the fearful monster had seized with her six jaws the bravest and
strongest of my companions. They called loudly for help, but I could do
naught for them. At last we had passed through the awful gulf and
feasted our eyes on the green hills of Thrinakia. We could hear the
lowing of the splendid oxen of Helios and the cheerful sound of bleating
herds of sheep. Helios, the Sun-god, had placed these herds in the care
of two nymphs, and delighted in watching them as often as he guided his
golden chariot over Thrinakia’s hills. They never increased or
diminished, neither did they grow old.
“‘Friends,’ said I, ‘this is the fatal island, and I already see the
pleasant flocks of Helios, to touch which means death. Let us heed the
warning of Tiresias and the divine Circe and avoid the island, for they
have told us that the most terrible fate awaits us there.’
“My companions were displeased with my speech and began to murmur.
Eurylochus was their spokesman. ‘Cruel, but too courageous Ulysses,’
said he, ‘thou art never weary, but we are worn out with our labors and
thou begrudgest us rest. Thou wouldst have us row blindly out into the
night. Let us land, take food, and rest beside the ship. Early in the
morning we can set out again.’
“All applauded Eurylochus’ speech, and I perceived that the god was bent
on my destruction. I said to them: ‘Ye can easily force me, a single man
among many, to obedience. Only swear that ye will not touch one of those
animals, but will be satisfied with the food which the immortal Circe
has given us.’ They promised hastily and the steersman put to land.
“We disembarked and ate our supper. Then we bewailed the terrible death
of our companions, and it was late before sweet slumber came to dry our
tears. But alas, what an awakening we were to have. During the night a
frightful storm arose and thick black clouds veiled land and sea. When
morning dawned we drew our ship into a rocky cove and sheltered
ourselves as best we could.
“‘Friends,’ I said, ‘we shall not get away from this island to-day, but
we have a store of food and drink. Swear to me once more that none of
you will touch the sacred cattle.’
“They all promised, but for four long weeks the south wind and the rough
east wind alternated with each other and our departure was delayed. When
all the store of food had been eaten my companions scoured the beach to
find shellfish or would shoot a bird for food. But all these were not
enough to appease their gnawing hunger. I, too, wandered about the
island far from the ship, washed my hands in the sacred sea, and prayed
to the gods that one of them might show me the way to return. When I had
prayed thus a deep sleep overcame me, and I sank down upon the shore.
“When my companions found themselves alone they determined to break
their oath. ‘If Jupiter has destined us to death, let us be suddenly
dashed to pieces in the ship rather than die miserably of hunger here,’
said Eurylochus. ‘Come let us take some of the oxen and sacrifice them,
and vow a temple in Ithaca to the offended Sun-god as soon as we are
safe at home.’
“Just as the fat shanks were steaming on the hastily prepared altar I
awoke and came hastening to the scene. Ye gods! what were my feelings
when I smelled the unexpected odors from afar. It was vain to blame
myself or my companions. The nymphs had carried the news to Helios, and
the god threatened that unless he should receive sufficient reparation
he would no longer light the world for gods and men. Upon this, Jupiter
promised him to destroy my ship as soon as I should put to sea again.
Alas, what woes were still in store for me!
“For six days my comrades feasted, but on the seventh, when the fury of
the storm had spent itself, we hastily embarked and sailed rapidly
toward our native coast. We had not gone far when a terrific west wind
arose, piling up black thunder clouds. Our little vessel was tossed
hither and thither until, with a loud crash, the mainmast broke off,
carrying the steersman with it into the sea. Then came a frightful bolt
of lightning which split the ship in two and all the rowers were
precipitated into the water, where they tossed about and then sank. I
had clung tightly to the keel, and when the broken mast with its sail
ropes floated near enough, I bound it fast to the keel. I tried to keep
myself afloat on this miserable raft, but despaired of ever reaching
land, especially as a south wind suddenly arose, which carried me
straight toward the straits of Scylla. The current bore me toward the
whirlpool of Charybdis, so that only a miracle could save me. On a cliff
directly overhanging the gulf I saw a fig tree, and just as the
whirlpool was about to suck me down I seized hold of its slender stem,
clinging to it like a bat, for I found no place for my feet. My raft had
been swallowed up, but I knew that the monster would soon cast it out
again, and sure enough, presently my faithful raft came floating safely
along. I essayed a sudden leap, grasped the raft desperately, and was
carried out again by the current into the open sea. The storm had
subsided and I paddled about for nine days with my hands, almost
perishing with hunger. On the tenth day I was fortunate enough to reach
land. It was Ogygia, Calypso’s island, where I was held in captivity for
nine years, as I have told you.”