The Odyssey (Book Nine-Book Twelve)

       The beginning of The Odyssey gives reason to feel remorse for Odysseus and his family because of everything they have suffered. Books nine through twelve help the reader to understand the transformation that occurred over these many years. Book nine begins with Odysseus revealing his true identity to King Alcinous and the court. It surprised me how Homer did not have King Alcinous respond to the introduction of Odysseus. The town had heard so many tales of this famous man, but Homer decided to skip over any recognition at that specific time.

       The story begins with Odysseus and his men raiding the Cicones. Their narrow escape led them to the Land of the Lotus Eaters. In some respect this Land of the Lotus Eaters reminds  me of casinos. When in the right mindset a casino can suck away many hours making it only feel like minutes. The bulk of book nine refers to Odysseus' encounter with Polyphemus the Cyclops and also the son of Poseidon. True, Odysseus was able to save some of his men from the wrath of Polyphemus, but if it were not for Odysseus' arrogance they would have not been in that situation. His crew wanted to plunder the cave and move on, but Odysseus had to meet the owner and receive his expected gift. It is only after the men are captured in the cave that Odysseus understands his stupidity. Through clever planning Odysseus frees his men by blinding the Cyclops and riding out of the cave under his sheep.

http://tomtomrant.wordpress.com/
2013/04/10/two-species-of-monster/

Before this took place he told Polyphemus that his name was "Nobody" in order to confuse the neighbors who came to help. The pride of Odysseus is shown when he yells back his true name to the Cyclops. When learning of this name Polyphemus remembers Telemus' prophecy and can not believe a small man was able to outwit his strength. This demonstration of aggression proved to be fatal for Odysseus and his men. Odysseus is built up as a hero, but in turn through this boost of self-actualization he becomes arrogant and believes that he is entitled to everything his heart desires.

      Book ten focuses on three different lands. Odysseus and his crew reached the Aeolian island and were well received. King Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag of wind to help them on their journey to Ithaca. As seen in book nine the crew become envious of Odysseus' gifts and open the bag of wind thinking it to be riches. By letting out the wind their ships was thrown off course. To make matters worse the ships were in sight of Ithaca when this occurred. Oddly enough they land on the Aeolian island again but this time are run off after begin viewed as a bad omen. Odysseus and his crew then land on the region of Laistrygones.  It is only after the crew meets the beautiful princes of the land and go to talk with the King that they learn these people are cannibals. Sadly, Odysseus' ship is the only ship to escape amongst the fleet. With grief in their souls the crew lands on the Aeaean island, home of Circe. 

http://odyssey60.weebly.com/
cicones-and-circe.html

This nymph seduces many of the crew to drink her poisoned wine and are turned into swine. It is only through the help of Hermes that Odysseus is able to out wit Circe and gain her pleasure. Hermes is helpful to Odysseus through the use of prophesy. This type of prophesy was seen during his encounter with the Cyclops. Homer uses prophecy to show the importance and wisdom of Odysseus. He never reveals his name until after he learns the motives of his captors. Circe is crafty enough to hold the  men on the island for a year through her enticing life of ease for "battle-hardened spirits" (514). Odysseus finally pleads with Circe to let them turn for Ithaca. She grants him this wish but advises him to "consult the ghost of Tiresias" (541). The book ends with the crew grieving because of their next journey down into the House of Death.

      Odysseus and his crew make it to the House of Death in book eleven by following Circe's wisdom. They meet Teiresias, who predicts "the future" of Odysseus that we, as readers, know to be true. Teiresias also warns Odysseus about Helios and the Island of the Sun. He informs Odysseus that if Helios herds are killed his revenge will be death. By turning the timeline around Homer is able to use foreshadowing to help the reader understand the significance of different scenes. Odysseus then talks to his mother and she updates him on the what is happening in his humble home. She assures him that his beloved Penelope is faithful and that his son is seeing to the needs of the estate. Many ghost come and speak with Odysseus each with differing stories. Odysseus comes back to the present time and becomes quiet Queen Arete ends the silence by rallying the people into blessing him with many gifts. Not to be out done King Alcinous agrees and feels that he must give the most but pushes Odysseus to continue his tale. King Alcinous wants to know if Odysseus met any famous warriors while at the House of Death. Odysseus delves into his meeting with Agamemnon who warns him about his return home from personal experience. Achilles is also met by Odysseus and wants to know how his son, Neoptolemus, did in the war. After relaying how brave his son was, Odysseus continues to see well-known figures. After some time Odysseus is mobbed by souls who want to know about their loved ones on earth. The book ends with Odysseus fleeing from the House of Death in order to free himself from these sad souls.

    The men stop and see Circe at the beginning of book twelve. While there she tells Odysseus of the trials ahead. She warns him about the Sirens and Scylla/Charybdis. She also reiterates how important it is that Odysseus and his men leave Helios' herds at peace. To begin there journey Odysseus tells the men of the Sirens and how to make it through their trap.

http://mst3kriffaday.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/
143-scylla-and-charybdis-actual-footage/

Scylla takes her victims when the crew journeys through the crags. Eurylochus rallies the men to stop at the Island of the Sun, after Odysseus urges them onward. Odysseus final gives in to their pleas but only after make the crew swear an oath not to slaughter any of Helios' herds. In the beginning of their stay of the island the men stay true to their word. Once their food supply runs out and they are forced to hunt for food, Eurylochus rallies the men, once again, to kill some of the cattle. During this episode Odysseus is away praying/sleeping. Odysseus returns to the smell of meat cooking and because distraught. His men see no harm and continue to eat their plunder for six more days. The winds finally change and Odysseus and his men set out again for Ithaca. Once out at sea Zeus creates a storm that plunges the crew to the depths of the water. As prophesied Odysseus survives but is pushed back to Charybdis and escapes for a second time. He eventually reaches Ogygia, Calypso island, and breaks off from his story. Odysseus ends the book by stating that he sees no reason to retell what the King and Queen already have heard. 

The Odyssey (Book Five-Book Eight)

      This section of books is the first interaction with the character Odysseus on a personal level. Up to this point this man is only spoken of as a captured character whose fate is undecided. Book Five begins with a second council of the gods. Athena is still trying to convince Zeus to let Odysseus escape the clutches of Calypso and travel home safely. To her surprise Zeus has Hermes inform Calypso that she must release Odysseus and give him the means to build a raft. Calypso is disagreeable to this decree but does not want the wrath of Zeus to be placed upon her. After learning of his freedom Odysseus is skeptical and requires Calypso show "good faith" of his safe passage home (197). This is simply shown through Calypso's words. She warns Odysseus that she has no control over the gods and what they may do to him on his voyage home. Through this warning she tries to persuade Odysseus to stay with her on the island. Odysseus' yearn for his homeland and wife is to strong of a pull to hold him there. He had been through so many trials that the simple evidence of tragedy does not sway his decision. After finishing his raft, Odysseus sets sail with provisions provided by Calypso. His journey starts out uneventful and pleasant. It is not until Poseidon discovers the gods release of Odysseus that he begins to question his journey. It is only through the help of Ino, an esteemed mortal living "in the sea's salt depths," that Odysseus survives (369). Once on land, naked and exhausted, Odysseus finds shelter amongst olive branches and falls asleep with the help of Athena. This book gives way to the extremes that Odysseus is willing to face in order to see his homeland. His continued struggle helps him to become a humble man who understands the power of the gods.
     Book Six and Seven introduce the audience to the Phaeacians. The princess Nausicaa is the first to speak with Odysseus, after some crafty planning done by Athena. This section helps to show the ability of Athena to be a guide and mentor of Odysseus. After having Odysseus flatter the virgin princess, Athena gives the princess wisdom enough to explain the unique nature of the Phaeacian city to Odysseus. This city is known for being close to the gods. It is not uncommon for gods to visit the city in times of "grand, glorious, sacrifice" (238). Athena made sure Odysseus looked almost god-like to the Phaeacians. This helped Odysseus to be granted passage on their ships. Nausicaa also explains to Odysseus the importance of sailing in the city. She sums it up quite nicely by stating, "Phaeacians, you see, care nothing for bow or quiver, / only for masts and oars and good trim ships themselves- / we glory in our ships, crossing the foaming seas!" (296-298). Through both the help of Athena's guidance and Nausicaa's simple explanations Odysseus is looked fondly upon by the queen and king. Book Seven ends with Odysseus promising to tell the stories of his journey but only after some food and rest, while King Alcinous promises him safe passage on one of their ships.
      Something to remember is that Odysseus' identity alludes King Alcinous and the rest of the town. They just know he is a stranger from another land. In Book Eight Alcinous has a council to decide if they should provide Odysseus with a ship back to his homeland. Having been given a god-like appearance from Athena, the council  approves this measure. A celebration is in order after the approval of Odysseus' passage.

http://www.brunswick.k12.me.us/hdwyer/
the-odyssey-book-viii-study-guide/

Enter Demodocus, a blind bard known for his musical and story-telling talent. Demodocus tells of the struggle between Odysseus and Achilles, this recollection brings tears to Odysseus' eyes. Having noticed Odysseus' grief King Alcinous recommends the town begin the games. Many of the games are measures of physical ability. After watching the men compete Odysseus is challenged by a younger athlete, Broadsea. Homer's depiction of Phaeacian is humorous through his use of names. Many of the "commoners" have names that are nautical themed. This helps the reader to understand the importance of the sea to the town. With the challenge giving way to insults Odysseus gives in to pride and easily beats the other competitors. As typical males the adrenaline begins to show and an outright battle almost begins, but through the wisdom of King Alcinous the aggression is diffused. The town feast again while Demodocus performs a piece about the Trojan horse at the request of Odysseus. Once again memories flood back to the traveler and he is not able to withhold his emotions. King Alcinous stops the music and becomes almost demanding of the identity of Odysseus.

The Odyssey (Introduction-Book Four)

         Webster's definition of Odyssey is "a series of adventurous journeys usually marked by many changes of fortune." This simple definition helps to define the basic structure of Homer's Odyssey. With most older texts controversy arises about the creation and linage of the piece, The Odyssey is no different. Many scholars hold a basic belief that Homer was a master oral epic poet. This basic understanding helps in the dissection of the piece. Oral epic poets were known for improvising their works. They would have a basic story that they would embellish through their telling. Thus being different every time a poem was performed.  Another controversy is debated in connection to the origins of the The Odyssey's written form. The length of the poem would lead to the belief that it originally was created in a written form; however many people of that time period were illiterate. This debate is continually discussed and the main conclusion that is formed focuses on the importance of the magnificence of the story and not the linage.

         The epic starts with Athena bargaining with Zeus for Odysseus' safe travel home. Poseidon has a personally vendetta against Odysseus because he blinded the Cyclops, his only son, and has done everything in his power to through him off course. Back in Ithaca Telemachus, Odysseus' son, gets motivation from Athena to sail to Pylos in order to learn more about his fathers whereabouts. This comes after the house of Odysseus is over run by suitors for the lady of the house. These suitors are warned of the inevitable doom they will face through the use of a bard's songs/stories. This foreshadowing helps the reader to understand how much the suitors take the hospitality of Telemachus for granted. 

      Book Two gives way to the beginning of Telemachus' transformation into a civilized man. He calls together a public meeting that helps him to assert his rights as man of the house. This meetings basic principle is to inform the public of his journey, to learn about his father's fate. The suitors use the meeting as a platform to ridicule the son's authority and in turn are shown bad omens that foreshadow their inevitable doom. Athena helps Telemachus through these troubled times and pushes him to continue on his personal, small, odyssey. When he begins to doubt his ability or means to lead a ship, Athena takes it upon herself to find him a crew. Once a crew was established Telemachus took it upon himself to become the leader that Athena already knew was there. Telemachus has the leadership of his father and it only took the simple persuasion of a mentor (Athena) to bring it out. Throughout this book Athena disguises herself as human. She takes on the name of Mentor, meaning teacher. This name fits the persona creating a balance amongst the outside and inside of her character. This book ends with Telemachus leading his ship outward into the ocean towards Pylos. This imagery is iconic because it resembles that of the beginning of his father's journey home.
        Telemachus learns very little about his fathers whereabouts in Book Three; however, he hears about the war that led up to his father's disappearance. With a little encouragement from Athena, Telemachus is able to ask King Nestor about Odysseus. Sadly, Nestor left Troy with Menelaus while Odysseus stayed behind with his brother, Agamemnon. This book is significant for two reasons. King Nestor, even with out knowledge of Odysseus, is able to advise Telemachus through the use of a story. This story gives way to the death of Clytemnestra, Agamemnon, and Aegisthus. Orestes, Agamemnon's son, kills Clytemnestra and Aegisthus after Aegisthus kills Agamemnon in order to stay married to his the king's (Agamemnon's) wife, Clytemnestra. The importance of this tale is shown through the relevancy of the events. If Penelope (Odysseus' wife) were to give in to a suitor this story could occur again. King Nestor is trying to warn Telemachus of the dangers that can occur when acting in haste. The second significance is seen through the actions of King Nestor and his family. With the first step into the palace walls Telemachus and Athena were treated as guest. They were taken care of and given food and drink without asking. On the other hand they did not try to overrun the king's palace. This balance between host and guest emphasizes the piggishness of the suitors back in Ithaca. The book ends with Telemachus and Pisistratus, King Nestor's son, leaving by land to see King Menelaus.
     The beginning of Book Four starts in a manner of celebration. King Menelaus is celebrating the double wedding of his daughter and son. Telemachus and Pisistratus arrive at the castle and are accepted with open arms. This journey helps Telemachus to see the chaos that has ensued in Ithaca because the suitors lack civility. King Menelaus knows by their appearance that these two travelers are sons of Kings. It is only after the King speaks of his grief for Odysseus that he is able to place Telemachus. By hearing his fathers name Telemachus is overcome with emotion. Enter Helen in all her glory. The queen is blunt with her words and pointedly asks:

                               "To the life he's like the son of great Odysseus,
                                surely he's Telemachus! The boy that hero left
                                a babe in arms at home when all you Achaeans
                                fought at Troy, launching your headlong battles
                                just for my sake, shameless whore that I was." (158-162)

The ending line of this section gives humor to the tragedy of war. Pisistratus speaks for Telemachus in order to explain the princes' predicament. He helps the King to understand the shambles Odysseus' kingdom has fallen into because it lacks proper advisement. The whole room is then run with grief in memory of Odysseus. Helen helped to heal this wound by slipping a drug into the wine. She then delved into stories of the war and how Odysseus infiltrated enemy lines through a disguise in order to gain information. Her story leans towards that of her playing an innocent victim. King Menelaus tells a story in which she is a vixen trying to lure the Greeks out of their magnificent hollow horse. Odysseus was the only one with a clear mind and kept the men quiet. The contrasting portrayals of Helen illustrates the complexity of the King and Queen's relationship. The next morning Telemachus pleads with King Menelaus to tell him about his father's demise. King Menelaus beings his tale with the events that he faced on his journey home. After being trapped on land, Eidothea, daughter of Proteus, informs Menelaus that he must capture Proteus in order to learn how to cross the sea. Through her wisdom Menelaus is able to capture Proteus. This Old Man of the Sea tell Menelaus how to return home safely and the fate of his comrades. The story of Agamemnon's death is told again, this time in more detail. This story is told many times throughout the epic. Its overtones help the reader to understand the difficulties that Telemachus faces. Odysseus' fate is the last to be explained in detail, being the only one alive but in captivity at Calypso's island. With this news, Telemachus and Pisistratus head for Pylos in order for Telemachus to return to Ithaca. Little did Telemachus know that the suitors, that terrorized his house, plotted to kill him while at sea, when learning of his voyage. Penelope, learning of this plan, is overwhelmed with "...a cloud of heartbreak.." (807). Through her worry Athena takes pity on Penelope and sends a phantom in the form of her sister, Iphthime in order to reassure her of her son's safety.

This link is an organized timeline of Homer's epic.

Note: Robert Fagles' translation was used as reference.

Gilgamesh (Book IX-Book XI)

      Books nine through eleven encompass the climax and ending of the epic. In book nine Gilgamesh responds to Enkidu's death with fear. He is terrified of dying even to the point of looking for ways to become immortal. Eventually Gilgamesh arrives at Twin Peaks. This area of land is guarded by the scorpion people. These people tell him how to get through Twin Peaks, but also inform him of the dangers. By going through these mountains Gilgamesh will be able to visit Utnapishtim. This man is the only known human being that became immortal. The tunnel that runs through these mountains is pitch black all around. The epic makes sure to repeat this idea numerous times throughout the selection. Gilgamesh is able to make it through the tunnel barely in the nick of time. He was forced to run for 12 hours straight in full darkness.
        Book X introduces the character of Shiduri, a tavern-keeper. She owns an establishment on the other side of the mountain for all those brave souls who make it through the peaks. Interestingly enough, every time Gilgamesh introduces himself he starts with the same two lines but adds different facts and ideas to the end. Shiduri is a honest character. She blatantly tells Gilgamesh the ridiculousness of  his journey and how he should feel blessed for all that he has in his life. Shiduri also tells Gilgamesh about Urshanabi, who is the only one to cross the water in order to see Utnapishtim. After destroying Urshanabi's crew Gilgamesh is obliged to help him return to the other side of the ocean. Once on land Utnapishtim starts talking to Gilgamesh with the same passage that Shiduri began her introduction. Ironically enough Gilgamesh has the same lengthy response. Utnapishtim is able to explain to Gilgamesh the preciousness of life and how he needs to quit grieving. Both Utnapishtim and Shiduri remind me of Rafiki in The Lion King. They give Gilgamesh wisdom to be used in his life, but like Simba it takes Gilgamesh some hard love to fully understand.
     In Book XI Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh the story of how his wife and him became immortal. The story is almost exactly like that of the Great Flood story in the Bible. After the story Utnapishtim challenges Gilgamesh with how he will bring the gods into council for his immortality. When Gilgamesh has no solid answer, Utnapishtim gives him test to prove that he can outwit death. Sleeping is the closest to death a mortal being can come to, thus Utnapishtim wants Gilgamesh to stay awake for seven days. After having traveled so far Gilgamesh falls fast asleep right when he sits down. This piece of text is rather important amongst the ideals of the epic. In the beginning Gilgamesh was known for going days without sleeping. It is only after having experienced such companionship and desperation that Gilgamesh becomes weary of his human burden. After sleeping for seven straight days Gilgamesh wakes up to defeat. Utnapishtim has Urshanabi clean Gilgamesh up to look like a king. For all of his hardships Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh of a secret plant that will give him youth. After going through the trouble of finding the plant, it is stolen by a snake.

http://exilioss.blogspot.com/2012/03/epic-of-gilgamesh-mesopotamia.html

This imagery alludes to that of Eve in the Garden of Eden. The story ends with Gilgamesh introducing the city of Uruk  to Urshanabi. This presentation references back to the prologue helping the reader to make a full circle of the story.

Gilgamesh (Book V-Book VIII)

https://wiki.uiowa.edu/display/theatre/
Humbaba+Dramaturgical+Information

     This section brings about celebration and grief. Book V gives an insight to the importance of the friendship that Enkidu and Gilgamesh share. After entering the Cedar Forest Enkidu becomes frightened because he knows what is to come. Leading up to the initial contact with Humbaba Enkidu requires persuasion from Gilgamesh in order to continue the journey. Humbaba is the protector of the Cedar Forest and takes his job rather seriously. Humbaba is some ways reminds me of the Dr. Seuss character, The Lorax. He takes care of the forest and protects it from outsider coming in for its resources. Humbaba had numerous opportunities to kill both Gilgamesh and Enkidu during their travel in the forest. He chose to let them confront him, knowing that they would not be able to destroy him based on their own abilities. The only way that Gilgamesh kills Humbaba in the end is through the help of the Shamash's winds that pin him down. This display of testosterone is evidence of the pride that Enkidu absorbed. Humbaba foreshadows to the death of Enkidu and the discomfort of Gilgamesh through the use of his curse. Gilgamesh had reservations about slaughtering Humbaba, it is only through the persuasion of Enkidu that he followed through this action. Once the deed was done Gilgamesh and Enkidu celebrated their victory.
    Book VI is the humor break of the epic. Ishtar takes a liking to the physique of Gilgamesh. She tries to seduce him; however, he sees through her lies. He knows the history of Ishtar and her volatile nature. After becoming enraged, because Gilgamesh refuses to sleep with her, Ishtar goes to her father in order to borrow the Bull of Heaven. Through slight manipulation Ishtar is given the Bull and lets it lose on the earth. With the help of Enkidu, Gilgamesh is able to slaughter the Bull with ease. The fact that Gilgamesh and Enkidu have killed two possessions of the gods, gives the gods reason to end one of their lives. Enkidu becomes the sacrifice. In Book VII Enkidu begins cursing different people from his life. He throws blame onto the trapper that found him and Shamhat who "tamed" him. These curses come from the mouth of an angry soul who can only find blame in others. After Shamash shows Enkidu how Shamhat helped him he begins to view his life in more positive manner. Shamash also reminds Enkidu of his companionship with Gilgamesh. The importance of this relationship helps Enkidu come to terms with his inevitable death.
     Book VIII is how Gilgamesh deals with the death of his good friend. The book begins with Gilgamesh explaining who will mourn Enkidu. Gilgamesh then goes into depth about how he will mourn and dedicate different aspects of his fortune to Enkidu afterlife.
     This section helps the reader to understand the importance of the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. They are able to celebrate, but it is only after the death of Enkidu that Gilgamesh fully understands his need for a companion.

Gilgamesh (Introduction-Book IV)

      Known as the oldest story of the world, Gilgamesh has a understandable simplicity in its telling. Originally being passed down through verbal forms it repeats many passages in order to ensure consistency throughout time. The discovery and background of the tablets gives the reader a better insight to the origin of the story. These tablets were lost for approximately two thousand years. When finally recovered amongst the rubble of a destroyed empire the magnificence of this literature was not truly understood until they began translation. The well known Standard version was deciphered and translated by Sîn-lēqi-unninni. His epic is the basis of all modern translations. 

       The opening prologue of Gilgamesh begins at the end. The reader is given information of how the story will be told in the end and is thrown into the imagery behind the magnificent city that is explored throughout the epic. The first three books of the Gilgamesh epic are told at a quick pace. Book I starts off by describing Gilgamesh as a powerful, arrogant leader. He is worshiped for his strength but is also feared because of his pride. In turn Gilgamesh is the epitome of a "man's man." This king takes whatever he desires and refuses to listen to reason. The outcry of the people brings about the creation of Enkidu. This character is equal in power and might to Gilgamesh but the opposite of his pride and arrogance. After being raised by animals, it is only through the human pleasure given to him by Shamhat that he understands the desire of a human. Book II brings about Shamhat's civilization of Enkidu. This transformation helps to shape that of Rudyard Kipling's, The Jungle Book. It is only after Enkidu hears of the demands that Gilgamesh places upon newlywed virgins that he becomes enraged and chooses to face Gilgamesh in a fight for power. In turn Gilgamesh wins, but is also persuaded that Enkidu is meant to be a friend and brother. The friendship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu is created by their equal ability of power and their contrasting ideas of good and evil. Book III faces Gilgamesh with a challenge to attack Humbaba the protector of the Cedar Forest. Throughout the book different people try to talk Gilgamesh out of going on this quest, but he has set his mind towards going. With his decision made Ninsun, his mother, pleads with the gods to protect her son. She also makes Enkidu a brother to Gilgamesh, as well as her son. This distinction helps Enkidu understand the connection he has to Gilgamesh. The fourth book encompasses the journey that Gilgamesh and Enkidu travel in order to reach the Cedar Forest. Sleep becomes an important aspect of this trek. Before Gilgamesh met Enkidu he rarely slept. After the connection was made with Enkidu, Gilgamesh became more human-like and required sleep in order to survive. These times of sleep also brought about dreams that would prophesy to the future of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. 

       Overall the first four books of Gilgamesh help to establish the importance of each character and how they will help to develop the story further. Gilgamesh begins the story in a state of feeling immortal. Through this immortality he is given everything expect companionship. Enkidu is able to fill that void; however, it comes at a cost. Throughout these books I hope to develop these characters more thoroughly in order to fully comprehend the importance of this literature.

Note: Stephen Mitchell's translation was used for reference