Reading Notes: Homer's Odyssey, Part B

Story: Scylla and Charybdis

Source: Homer's Odyssey, translated into English by Tony Kline (2004)

Scylla and Charybdis, Source EuroScientist

Plot Summary:

Leaving the house of Circe, Odysseus goes to the underworld where he meets the ghost Teiresias which tell him a prophecy. While on the underworld, Odysseus meets many famous ghosts. With Teiresias words in mind, Odysseus leaves the underworld and set off on his path home. He then encounters sirens that try to lure him. However, in preparation, he put beeswax to his ears and tied himself to the mast. He is able to pass by the sirens.

No sooner he left the siren's isle, he encountered two treacherous beasts, the Scylla and Charybdis. Forgetting Circe's command to not arm himself, he ran out to see the beast. Rock-bound Scylla was bringing disaster to his comrades, and on the other side, the divine Charybdis sucked-in the sea. The Scylla picked up six of his men and devoured them at the entrance of her cave.

My thoughts:

I found the first part of the Odyssey (Part B) was a bit boring compared to the latter part. Maybe it was because of all of the different references from the ghost, which I did not fully get. I would like to change the story to have a great battle to get out of the underworld. Also, the fact the UnTexbook ends here, in such cliff hanger, gives a lot of creative freedom as to how Odysseus will deal the Scylla and Charybdis. 

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