1937 ODYSSEY by Homer - Epic Voyage , Ancient Greece Gods Cyclops Calypso Circe

Description: The Odyssey of Homer Translated By S. H. Butcher and A. Lang With Introduction and Notes Harvard Classics Vol. 22 Published By P. F. Collier & Son New York 1937 Green Hardcover Binding. Binding Decoration Veritas ( Latin for " truth ") Decorated Endpapers. 5.5" x 8.25" , 334 Pages. The Odyssey by Homer , Epic Poet of Ancient Greece ( born circa 850 B.C. ) Translated into English. The Odyssey is, in part, a sequel to the Iliad - the other major work ascribed to Homer. It is believed to have been composed near the end of the 8th century BC, somewhere in Ionia, the Greek coastal region of Anatolia . In these works we find a foundation for much of later western literature. The Odyssey mainly centers on the Greek hero Odysseus (or Ulysses , as he was known in Roman myths ) and his long journey home after the fall of Troy , at the end of the epic Trojan War . It takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the decade long Trojan War. In his absence, it is assumed he has died, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a group of unruly suitors who compete for Penelope's hand in marriage . The hero 's struggle to reach his home is a series of remarkable adventures in which he and his crew ( with some help from the gods ) must overcome resistence by one-eyed giants ( cyclops ) , cannibals , the witch goddess Circe , fearsome monsters , etc., and behind it all, the mighty Poseidon , lord of the sea , himself. In the English language as well as many others, the word "odyssey" has come to refer to an epic voyage . Nice Condition Almost no wear to the binding. The covers are somewhat bowed. [ see the photos ] The hinges are very tight. No markings. No writing. The pages are clean and in very good condition. Carefully Packed for Shipment to the Buyer ----------- A Summary of Homer's ODYSSEY is provided below. The Odyssey Main Human Characters Odysseus - The Odyssey is the story of his journey home from the Trojan war. He is brave, loyal, and above all else clever. He is the king of Ithaca. Penelope - The faithful, loyal wife of Odysseus. She patiently waits 20 years for his return. She is Homer's example of the perfect Greek wife and mother. Telemachus- Son of Odysseus and Penelope. He was only an infant when his father left to fight in Troy. The Odyssey is also a story about Telemachus' journey to manhood Minor Human Characters Antinous- The evil leader of the suitors. He is the first one Odysseus kills Eumaeus - A servant of Odysseus. He has remained loyal to Odysseus throughout his master's twenty year absence. He and Philoetius help Odysseus fight the suitors. Eurycleia- An old woman servant who was a devoted nurse to both Odysseus and Telemachus. Eurymachus- A suitor. He is an evil coward. He tries to blame Antinous for all the suitors actions. Eurymachus is the second suitor killed by Odysseus. Irus- The favorite beggar of the suitors. He is cruel to Odysseus when Odysseus is disguised as a beggar. Laertes - Odysseus' father. He lives on a farm some distance from Odysseus palace. Melantho - A servant girl. She has been disloyal to Odysseus in his absence by becoming the mistress of Eurymachus. Melanthius- A servant of Odysseus who has betrayed him in his absence by assisting the suitors. Menelaus- King of Sparta. He was a comrade of Odysseus during the Trojan war. It was the abduction of his wife, Helen, that caused the war. Nestor- King of Pylos. He fought at Troy with Odysseus. He is known for his wise counsel. Philoetlus A loyal servant to Odysseus. He and Eumaeus help Odysseus fight the suitors. Tiresias- A famous, deceased Greek prophet. Odysseus goes to Hades to consult his spirit. Gods Who Help Odysseus Athena- Goddess of wisdom. She comes to Odysseus' aid by intervening with the other gods to bring Poseidon into line and let Odysseus go home. Hermes- Messenger of the gods. He is sent by Zeus to order Calypso to release Odysseus. He, also, guides the souls of the suitors to Hades. Zeus- King of all the gods. He is the keeper of Fate. He lets Athena assist Odysseus. Gods and Others Who Impede The Journey Home Aeolus- Keeper of the winds. He places all of the bad winds in a bag and gives them to Odysseus. Ithaca is within sight when the ship's crew lets the winds out and the ship is blown far away by the storms within the bag. Calypso- A beautiful sea nymph who tries to make Odysseus her husband. She holds him captive for nine years. Calypso offers Odysseus immortality if he will stay with her. Charybdis - A violent whirlpool. Circe - When Odysseus' crew meets her, she turns them; into pigs. Odysseus becomes her lover, and she later helps him on his journey home. Helios - God of the Sun. Odysseus earns his wrath when his crew eats some of Helios' sacred cattle. Lotus-Eaters - A people who eat the Lotus plant, a narcotic. Polyphemus - Son of Poseidon. He is one of the Cyclops (one eyed giants). Odysseus blinds him. Poseidon - God of the Sea. He seeks revenge on Odysseus for injuring his son, Polyphemus. Scylla - A six headed monster that Odysseus must go by to get home. She eats six of his men (one for each head). Sirens - These beautiful maidens lure sailors to their deaths with an irresistible song. Odysseus fills his crew's ears with wax to save them from temptation. ---------------------- Plot Summary of THE ODYSSEY Book I - A Goddess Intervenes All the survivors of the Trojan War have returned home except Odysseus. He is currently being detained by Calypso, a sea nymph, who wishes to make Odysseus her husband. Odysseus has experienced many difficulties in returning home because Poseidon, god of the sea, is angry at him. At a council, called by Zeus, all the gods have assembled. Athena petitions her father, Zeus, to help Odysseus return home. This is done in the absence of Poseidon who is away at a banquet. Athena requests that Hermes be sent to order Calypso to release Odysseus. Athena then disguises herself and goes to see Odysseus' son, Telemachus. Odysseus' home is overrun with suitors seeking to marry his wife, Penelope. The suitors are constantly feasting and gorging themselves at the expense of Odysseus' household. Athena tells Telemachus that his father is not dead, and he will return home. She encourages Telemachus to assert himself as a man, tell the suitors to leave, and recommends he seek out information about his father. Book II - A Hero's Son Awakens Telemachus calls an assembly of the men of Ithaca. It is the first assembly that has been called since Odysseus left. Telemachus announces that he will tolerate the suitors no longer, and states that if he were powerful enough he would punish them. The suitors refuse to leave until Penelope selects one of them. Telemachus states that he will go seek news of Odysseus. If he discovers his father is dead, he will force Penelope to choose another husband. With Athena's help, Telemachus assembles a crew, and after loading a ship with supplies, he sets sail to Pylos. Book III - Telemachus Meets Nestor After arriving at Pylos, Telemachus explains to Nestor the reason for his journey. Nestor tells Telemachus of the last days of the Trojan war. He, also, tells him that he last saw Odysseus on his ship heading for home. Since he has no recent information, Nestor suggests Telemachus go speak with Menelaus in Sparta. Book IV - The Visit To Sparta When Telemachus arrives in Sparta a wedding feast is going on for King Menelaus son and daughter, so he is unable to speak to Menelaus until the next day. Menelaus is upset to hear of the conditions on Ithaca. He informs Telemachus that he heard Odysseus is alive but is being help captive by Calypso. Meanwhile, in Ithaca the suitors have found out Telemachus has set sail. They plot to ambush him while he is at sea and kill him. Book V - Calypso Sets Odysseus Free Athena, once again, asks the gods at assembly to help Odysseus. Zeus sends Hermes to deliver the message to Calypso that she must release Odysseus. She helps Odysseus leave by providing him with a small boat. While Odysseus is at sea, Poseidon returns from Ethiopia. When he sees Odysseus he gets very angry and starts up a violent storm. Odysseus' boat is destroyed, and he is left clinging to a small piece of wreckage. With the help of Athena he is able to reach the island of Scheria, which is the home of the Phaeacians. Books VI, VII and VIII - The Phaeacians Help The Phaeacian king and Queen extend to Odysseus their hospitality. They provide assistance to help him on his journey home. While at a banquet, stories of Troy are told which bring great sadness to Odysseus. Book IX - The Land of the Cyclops While at the banquet, Odysseus reveals his identity. The king asks him to tell his story. This story of Odysseus' wanderings are told in flashback. After leaving, Troy Odysseus' ships were caught in a storm. They landed in a strange place which was the home of the Lotus-Eaters. All the men who ate the Lotus were overcome by the narcotic plant. The next place the ships landed was the land of the Cyclops (one-eyed giants). Odysseus and his men explored the island and came upon a huge cave. This was the home of Polyphemus, who lived in the cave with his sheep. When Polyphemus discovered the Greeks in his den, he ate two of them. The next day he ate two more for breakfast, then left with his sheep. He blocked the entrance to the cave with a huge boulder. Unable to move the stone blocking the entrance, Odysseus devised a plan of escape. While Polyphemus was asleep, Odysseus and his men pierced his eye with a large stick, blinding him. The next morning, when Polyphemus let his sheep out to graze, Odysseus and his men escaped by hiding under the sheep's bellies. Odysseus, also, tricked Polyphemus into thinking his name was "Nobody." While sailing away, Odysseus allows his pride to get in the way and he yells out his true identity to Polyphemus. By injuring Polyphemus, Odysseus incurred the wrath of Poseidon, Polyphemus' father. Book X - Aeolus and Circe The island of Aeolus king of the winds, is the next place Odysseus lands. In order to assist him on his journey, Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag containing all the bad winds which could blow his ship off course. Odysseus' crew become jealous because they think the bag contains treasure. Ithaca is within sight when the men rip open the bag, letting all the winds escape. The resulting explosion of winds blows them far away. After several days at sea, Odysseus lands on the island of Aeaea. Aeaea is the home of the goddess Circe. When Circe encounters some of Odysseus' men she turns them into pigs. Assisted by Hermes, who tells him how to avoid Circe's spells, Odysseus sets out to rescue his men. Circe falls in love with Odysseus and he stays with her for a year. When Odysseus decides to leave, Circe tells him he will not have a safe journey unless he goes to Hades to seek the counsel of the prophet, Tiresias. Book XI - The Trip to Hades Odysseus sails to the edge of the earth where he performs animal sacrifices. Dead souls, attracted by the smell of fresh blood, begin to rise out of Hades. When Tiresias arrives, he warns Odysseus of the future dangers that await him. He tells Odysseus he will reach home, but his troubled journeys will not end until he earns Poseidon's forgiveness. Book XII - Further Perils on the Journey Home In order to return home, Odysseus and his men must pass the island of the Sirens. The Sirens lure susceptible men to their deaths with their irresistible song. Odysseus protects his men by filling their ears with wax. He wants to hear the song, so he has his men tie him to the mast. In this manner they pass by the Sirens safely. The next two hazards to pass are so close together it is impossible to avoid them both. They are Scylla, a six headed monster, and Charybdis, a violent whirlpool. In order to avoid Charybdis, Odysseus is forced to sacrifice six of his men to Scylla. After the encounter with Scylla, Odysseus and his crew land on the island of Helios, god of the sun. They had been warned not to eat any of Helios' sacred cattle, but the starving men give into temptation. This causes the gods to become angry. Zeus sends a storm and a thunderbolt which not only kills all the crew, but destroys the ship. Odysseus, the only survivor, nearly drowns as he gets sucked into Charybdis. He falls into the hands of Calypso when he is washed up on her island. This ends the part of the poem told in flashback. Books XIII, XIV, XV, and XVI - The Return to Ithaca Finally, Odysseus gets to go home. He leaves the land of the Phaeacians, transported in one of their ships. Because the Phaeacians have treated Odysseus with so much kindness, they incur the wrath of Poseidon. When Odysseus arrives on the shores of Ithaca, he is meet by Athena. She suggests he disguise himself as a beggar so he can assess the situation at home. In the disguise of a beggar, Odysseus leaves the beaches and travels into the hills. He arrives at the farm of one of his servants, Eumaeus. Eumaeus has remained loyal to Odysseus throughout his twenty year absence. Returning from his trip to see Menelaus in Sparta, Telemachus, also, goes to Eumaeus' farm. When they are alone together, Odysseus identifies himself to Telemachus. Together they formulate a plan to get rid of the suitors. Remaining in disguise, Odysseus will travel to the palace. He will keep his identity secret, even from Penelope, until the proper time to take vengeance arrives. Book XVII - Odysseus Arrives at the Palace The next morning, Telemachus returns to the palace and tells his mother all the information he has gained about Odysseus. Penelope wants to believe that Odysseus may still be alive, but she has almost lost all hope. Later that day, Odysseus and Eumaeus approach the palace. They meet Melanthius, another servant of Odysseus, on the way. Melanthius has been disloyal to Odysseus by catering to the whims of the suitors. He does not recognize Odysseus, who is still disguised as a beggar, and he insults and kicks him. Odysseus is scarcely able to hold his temper. When Eumaeus and Odysseus enter the palace, the suitors are feasting at the banquet table. Telemachus offers food to the beggar (Odysseus), and gives him permission to beg. Antinous, the leader of the suitors, insults Odysseus and beats him with a footstool. Odysseus swears to himself that he will have revenge for this act of cruelty. Penelope asks Eumaeus about the beggar (Odysseus). She requests he tell his story, and asks if he has any news of her husband. Odysseus agrees to speak with her later. Book XVIII - The Suitors Torment Odysseus Irus, a beggar who is the favorite of the suitors, arrives at the palace after the banquet. Irus taunts and threatens Odysseus, who is still in disguise. Antinous decides to have the two beggars fight each other. When Odysseus takes off his shirt, his strong, muscled body frightens Irus. Although Odysseus tries not to hurt Irus, he breaks his jaw. Penelope appears before the suitors. She rebukes them for the fight that just occurred, and for depleting her husband's estate. Eurymachus, one of the suitors, has taken Melantho, Odysseus' servant, as his mistress. Odysseus censures Melantho for her disloyalty. A ruckus ensues between Eurymachus and Odysseus. Telemachus intervenes by telling everyone to go to bed. The suitors are all surprised, but they do as ordered. Book XIX - The Beggar Meets Penelope After everyone has retired for the evening, Odysseus and Telemachus clear all the weapons from the hall and hide them. Penelope comes down to the hall, and she and Odysseus talk. She tells him how much she has missed her husband, and how many tricks she has implemented in order to put the suitors off. Odysseus, deeply affected by her story, tells her about himself and claims to have known her husband. Penelope is deeply touched, and orders one of her maids to wash the old beggar's feet. While Eurycleia, an old nurse, washes Odysseus' feet, she realizes that this is her master. She recognizes it is Odysseus because of an old scar on his leg. Odysseus orders her to keep his identity secret. Penelope decides to hold a contest to see which suitor will become her husband. The one who is able to shoot an arrow through twelve axe handles will win her hand in marriage. This is a feat that previously only Odysseus could do. The beggar tells Penelope that this is a good idea. Retiring to her room, Penelope is overcome with grief over the memory of Odysseus. She is unable to stop crying until Athena intervenes and brings her sleep. Book XX - The Plan Begins Odysseus is unable to sleep as he plans the upcoming confrontation with the suitors. Athena appears before him, and promising her help, tells him he will be victorious. Penelope prays to the gods for rescue, even if it means death, from marriage to another man. When the morning arrives, Odysseus asks Zeus for a favorable sign. As the god's thunder rumbles, the suitors notice and become uneasy. Odysseus carefully observes the behavior of the servants in order to determine who has been loyal. He is able to determine that Philoetuis has been loyal. The suitors return for lunch. One of them insults Odysseus and throws a bone at him. Telemachus is outraged at their behavior, and proceeds to berate them. A soothsayer warns the suitors of their impending doom, but they ignore him. The suitors continue with their gorging and feasting, while Telemachus awaits his father's signal. Book XXI - The Contest Penelope informs the suitors of her plans for the contest. The suitors must use Odysseus' great bow. Whoever can both string the bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axes, will be Penelope's next husband. The suitors accept the challenge. While the suitors are making their preparations, Odysseus takes Eumaeus and Philoetius aside, and after identifying himself, enlists their aid in his plan. None of the suitors is able to string Odysseus' great bow. When Antinous suggests the contest be continued the next day, Odysseus asks for a chance to try the bow. The suitors refuse his request, but Penelope intervenes. Telemachus orders his mother to leave the hall, and he hands the bow to Odysseus. Eumaeus and Philoetius secretly lock the doors to the hall. Odysseus takes the bow and easily strings it. He effortlessly shoots an arrow through the twelve axes. While the suitors sit in surprise, Telemachus arms himself with a sword and goes to his father's side. Book XXII - The Death of the Suitors Odysseus kills Antinous with the next arrow. The suitors think the beggar has gone crazy until Odysseus identifies himself. In horror, Eurymachus tries to blame the dead Antinous for the actions of the suitors. Odysseus answers him by killing him with the next arrow. Pandemonium breaks out as the suitors attempt to defend themselves. Odysseus; however; eliminates them one by one. Telemachus brings out arms for Odysseus, Eumaeus, Philoetius, and himself. These four fight bravely together until all the suitors are killed. Odysseus calls to Euryclea, and has her identify all of the maids who were disloyal to him. Twelve maids are targeted, and Odysseus makes them clean out the carnage in the hall After they complete their chores, the maids are taken outside and hanged. Melanthius is killed and mutilated for his treacherous behavior. The hall is then fumigated by the burning of brimstone. Book XXIII - The Reunion Eurycleia rushes up to Penelope's bed chamber to inform her that the suitors are dead, and Odysseus has returned. Penelope, not believing this story, goes down to the hall to see what has occurred. Penelope doesn't recognize Odysseus because he is still dressed as a beggar and is covered in blood. Penelope tests Odysseus by telling him his bed has been moved. He is outraged because the bed is made from an olive tree that grows through the center of the palace, and cannot be moved. This is a secret only the two of them share so his knowledge assures Penelope that this is indeed Odysseus. The two share a loving reunion. Athena delays the sunrise so the two lovers can have more time together. The next day, Odysseus goes to visit his father, Laertes. Book XXIV - Peace Comes to Ithaca In Hades all the dead souls of Odysseus' former comrades in Troy are surprised when Hermes arrives leading the souls of the dead suitors. They are impressed by Odysseus' valor and his wife's loyalty. When Odysseus arrives at his father's farm, Laertes is overcome with joy. Meanwhile the people of Ithaca have learned of Odysseus' return and the slaughter that took place. At an assembly, the relatives of the slain suitors seek retribution. Arming themselves, they follow Odysseus to Laertes' farm. Athena wants to help Odysseus, so she asks Zeus for permission. Zeus, feeling Odysseus was justified in his actions, agrees to let Athena intervene. When the armed relatives arrive at Laertes' farm, a fight breaks out. A thunderbolt from Zeus gets everyone's attention and Athena orders that peace be restored. Odysseus returns to reign as king of Ithaca.

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