Journal TopicJournal Topic

“The worst place on Earth”

Essential Essential Question:Question:

What do we learn about Greek culture from the stories of Circe and The

Land of the Dead?

Lesson 33

PlotPlot 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

PlotPlot 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 PointsKey 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 PointsKey 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 DeadThe 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 PointsKey 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