The Odyssey Summary:Book 10

Circe

Making landfall on Aiolia, our relentless heroes are welcomed by Aiolos, the wind king. While Odysseus tells the story of Troy to Aiolos, they feast and drink, spending a month with Aiolos. Upon leaving, Aiolos gives Odysseus a package of cow hide that contains winds which will help Odysseus home. When Odysseus returns home, only then is he supposed to open the bag of winds. However, overcome with greed, his men open the bag looking for gold, releasing the winds, and blowing the ship back to Aiolia. When Odysseus approaches Aiolos, the king dismisses him as cursed by the gods.

From Aiolia they sail to the land of the Laistrygonians, a race of cannibals. As our hero and his men approach, the Laistrygonians attack, making escape difficult. They become lost again, and find themselves on the island of Circe.

Weary of man eating giants, lots were taken on who gets to explore this island. So it was that Eurylokhos left with twenty-two men to the hall of Circe. Once they reached the hall, the witch invites the men to enter, except Eurylokhos holds back, chary of Circe’s intentions. Sure enough, Eurylokhos caution is not unfounded, because Circe transforms the men into swine. Eurylokhos relays the news to Odysseus, who sets out to confront the witch.

While on his way, Odysseus receives an herb from Hermes. This herb will prevent Odysseus from falling under Circe’s spells and allow Odysseus to draw his sword, make Circe swear to the release of his men, and sleep with the witch. Odysseus gets the girl, food, wine, and fun which lasts about a year before his men remind him of his home.

Odysseus goes to Circe and reminds her of her oath to let them go. Circe agrees to allow Odysseus to sail; however, she instructs him to go the Underworld and to hear Teiresias’ augury.

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