Odysseus
My story continued with my crew and I arriving on Aiolia Island. I told the king there of the Trojan war and after we stayed a while, he sent us off with gifts and provisions. His help was greatly needed and brought us unimaginable relief. Aiolos also bestowed upon us the gift of wind, enclosed in a huge bull hide bag. Nine days after we sailed from Aiolia my men grew jealous of my gifts and warm receptions. They decided to steal whatever was in the large bag. A hurricane pushed us back to Aiolia and no one can imagine the shame of having to go before Aiolos again, but this time, he would offer no help. We wandered at sea and finally came upon an island of savage people. They ripped apart two of my men but we managed to escape, despite our grief and horror. The next island was inhabited by the goddess Kirkê. I sent a platoon to her hall, only one man returned, terribly shaken and saying the rest went in and never came out. I knew we had to get them out so I swallowed my fear and went into the woods. Hermês met me and gave me instructions so that I might not be enchanted and turned into a pig like my crew. I ate the magical herb that made me immune to her wine and when she approached me with her stick, I drew my sword. I made her swear an oath not to harm me and sheltered us for many months. She obliged when I asked to leave, but told me that we must travel to the land of the dead in order to get home.
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ogger Penélopê
Everyday, I die a little inside and hope my beloved husband will return to me. I can see now at least some of the hardships he has faced. Odysseus is a brave man and the forgiving gods of heaven would not allow him to be tested so if they didn’t believe he could handle it. He is such a typical man, though. I just wish he was a little different from the rest of them. The suitors treat me like a prize to be won. I’m sure my husband would never be so brainless and I don’t doubt he loves me but it’s like a sword in my heart when I hear of all the goddesses he has slept with! He doesn’t even seem to care what I would think; it never occurs to him that I would disapprove. But I suppose that’s just how our society is, isn’t it? I turn down suitors every night because my heart belongs to my husband but he can sleep with a different goddess every night and still say his heart belongs to me. In situations like this he, and the rest of humankind, rationalize their actions. (For example, Odysseus could think ‘I need to sleep with Calypso tonight or else she won’t help me.’) I just wish he understood I don’t whatever stupid reason he makes up to feel less guilty (if he feels guilty at all.) He should know never to do it in the first place because it is unfair for the two of us to have different “rules” about what is acceptable to do and still call yourself a loyal spouse.
My story continued with my crew and I arriving on Aiolia Island. I told the king there of the Trojan war and after we stayed a while, he sent us off with gifts and provisions. His help was greatly needed and brought us unimaginable relief. Aiolos also bestowed upon us the gift of wind, enclosed in a huge bull hide bag. Nine days after we sailed from Aiolia my men grew jealous of my gifts and warm receptions. They decided to steal whatever was in the large bag. A hurricane pushed us back to Aiolia and no one can imagine the shame of having to go before Aiolos again, but this time, he would offer no help. We wandered at sea and finally came upon an island of savage people. They ripped apart two of my men but we managed to escape, despite our grief and horror. The next island was inhabited by the goddess Kirkê. I sent a platoon to her hall, only one man returned, terribly shaken and saying the rest went in and never came out. I knew we had to get them out so I swallowed my fear and went into the woods. Hermês met me and gave me instructions so that I might not be enchanted and turned into a pig like my crew. I ate the magical herb that made me immune to her wine and when she approached me with her stick, I drew my sword. I made her swear an oath not to harm me and sheltered us for many months. She obliged when I asked to leave, but told me that we must travel to the land of the dead in order to get home.
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ogger PenélopêEveryday, I die a little inside and hope my beloved husband will return to me. I can see now at least some of the hardships he has faced. Odysseus is a brave man and the forgiving gods of heaven would not allow him to be tested so if they didn’t believe he could handle it. He is such a typical man, though. I just wish he was a little different from the rest of them. The suitors treat me like a prize to be won. I’m sure my husband would never be so brainless and I don’t doubt he loves me but it’s like a sword in my heart when I hear of all the goddesses he has slept with! He doesn’t even seem to care what I would think; it never occurs to him that I would disapprove. But I suppose that’s just how our society is, isn’t it? I turn down suitors every night because my heart belongs to my husband but he can sleep with a different goddess every night and still say his heart belongs to me. In situations like this he, and the rest of humankind, rationalize their actions. (For example, Odysseus could think ‘I need to sleep with Calypso tonight or else she won’t help me.’) I just wish he understood I don’t whatever stupid reason he makes up to feel less guilty (if he feels guilty at all.) He should know never to do it in the first place because it is unfair for the two of us to have different “rules” about what is acceptable to do and still call yourself a loyal spouse.
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