The Great 0dyessy

The Trojan War and Odysseus

Nov 13, 1200

Summary: The Odyssey occurred after the Trojan War, which started because of a beautiful woman named Helen. Odysseus the King of Ithaca was one of many Greeks who sailed to Troy to destroy the walled city. After enduring ten years of fighting, the Greeks became victorious when they made a wooden horse that tricked the Trojans. Analysis: The Odyssey sprung up right after the war, so Odysseus would lead 12 ships of men ready for battle against any monster, or Cyclops during their daring adventure.

Lotus Eaters

Nov 15, 1200

Summary: Lotus-Eaters are peaceful natives that live on an island filled with lotus plants. A beautiful fruit-like flower that makes whoever consumes it experience an eye-popping drug like sensation. Analysis: Odysseus and his soldiers immediately ran to the island for cover from the hurricane's mayhem that caused him to lose too many men that were needed to run the ships. They encountered the Lotus-Eaters who offer them this amazing opiate which the men quickly become addicted to.

Cyclops

Nov 15, 1200

Summary: Polyphemus a giant man-eating cyclops is the son of Poseidon who declared war on Odysseus for viciously stabbing him in the eye which left him blind. Analysis: Polyphemus has a run in with Odysseus and his crew while they were on their journey back home from the Trojan War. The hungry men stumble upon an empty cave filled with food and began to feast but when the ferocious creature returned to his dwellings he found them hiding in it and commenced to eating them alive two at a time.

Aeolus - Bag of Wind

Nov 16, 1200

Summary: Aeolus God of the winds gave a bag to Odysseus that contained air currents needed for his return home. The only rule was it should never be opened, but the long exhausting trip made Odysseus fall asleep, his greedy and treacherous shipmates looking for treasures untied the bag and released the air which forced them all back to Aeolus' island a second time, but now he refused to help. Analysis: Trust goes a long way. The overwhelming desire for more causes people to do betraying things.

Circe - Goddess of Magic

Nov 17, 1200

Summary: A clever enchantress who's enticing beauty, vast knowledge of magical spells, potions and herbs beguiled Odysseus' men into succumbing to their weaknesses greed and lust.She quickly presented them with delicious food and sweet wine, unaware of the danger her invitation carried they turned into swine, but Odysseus' wit saved his comrades. He agrees to stay with her on the island a while, and in return she helps him get home. Analysis: Trickery can be a trap if you leap without thinking.

Scylla and Charybdis Creatures of The Sea

Nov 20, 1200

Summary: Odysseus and his allies successfully pass Sirens' island to encounter Scylla the six headed beast and Charybdis a deadly whirlpool. He must choose between sailing towards Scylla or tackling the waters of Charybdis, although both bring death he knows the whirlpool is unbeatable, and would sink the entire ship killing everyone, Circe's warning helps him decide to sail near the beast, only sacrificing six men. Analysis: Faced with tough decisions sometimes sacrifices are needed to survive.

Defeating The Sirens

Nov 20, 1200

Summary: Sirens beautiful sea nymphs that sang magical, seductive songs which no man could resist because the alluring music was mesmerizing, and made them want to leap to their death. Odysseus and his comrades had to out think these creatures to avoid dying. Each man plugged their ears with beeswax to elude the tricky sound, but tied Odysseus along the mast, refusing him freedom.This allowed him to hear the songs and cheat death. Analysis: Odysseus learns trust because the crewmen obeyed him.

Devouring Helios' Cattle

Nov 27, 1200

Summary: After losing six men to Scylla and surviving Charybdis the exhausted seamen stumble upon a nearby island to recover. This was home to Helios God of Sun and his cattle. Needing a place to rest the crew decides to stay, but are then warned not to eat the oxen. Eurylochus persuades his comrades to feast while Odysseus slept, this angered Helios to seek vengeance. Zeus honored his wish and struck the ship with lightning killing everyone but Odysseus. Analysis: Disobedience can be deadly.

Odysseus is Home Suiters Must Go!

Nov 28, 1200

Summary: Odysseus' journey comes to an end as he finally arrives home, but he still can't be with his family because his palace is being overrun by men who want to marry his wife and take over the kingdom. Disguised as a beggar he participants in a challenge that Penelope gives to the Suitors trying to win her hand, while she awaits Odysseus' return. Odysseus wins the archery competition, then turns and slays every Suitor in the palace with the help of his friends. Analysis: Love conquers all.