Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Odyssey: Part 5 - Circe

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Starting point is 00:01:37 it can help you sleep better, improve focus, reduce anxiety, relieve tinnitus and calm babies. As a listener of Get Sleepy, we have an exclusive offer for you, you. Download the white noise deep sleep sounds app and get 30 days free access to all of the premium content. Just go to deepsleepsounds.com slash get sleepy. That's deepsleepsounds.com slash get sleepy. Welcome to get sleepy, where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. I'm your host, Thomas. Thanks so much for tuning in for another instalment of The Odyssey. Our sleepy retelling was written by Alexandra, and I have the pleasure of reading it for you. Last time, Odysseus entertained his hosts with stories of his adventures, including his

Starting point is 00:02:47 narrow escape from the Cyclops. Tonight, Odysseus tells more tales of his travels across the seas. We'll find out how he became the guest of an enchantress named Circe, and how his journey took him all the way to the underworld. This episode contains some references to death, including the death of a family member, something you might want to be aware of before you listen. If you find that you're sleeping better thanks to get sleepy, we'd truly appreciate it if you'd consider becoming a Get Sleepy premium member. On the premium feed, everything is completely ad-free, and you'll have access to our entire catalogue of over a thousand episodes. Plus, on Thursdays, we release a brand new bonus episode, exclusive to premium members.

Starting point is 00:03:54 Like tomorrow, when Vanessa will be reading us a story all about a bit of magic that can be found in real life, inspired by the writer's hometown. It really would mean the world to have your support on Get Sleepy Premium. For more information, head to get sleepy.com and I'll pop the link in the show notes too. Thanks so much, everyone. Okay, my friends, I hope you're feeling comfortable and relaxed.

Starting point is 00:04:33 If you need to shift position, take a nice stretch, or maybe plump up your pillow, go ahead and do so. Whatever helps you transition from the busyness of the day where we feel like we have to get things done. into the slow and gentle night, where we can allow our bodies and minds to switch off from that more frantic pace. As you lie in bed, I want you to just focus on what feels good in this moment. It may be the physical things that come to mind first, like the soft weight of your body. duvet, keeping you snug and warm. You might enjoy the darkness of the space you're in, and the opportunity to rest your eyes. Perhaps your mind feels pleasantly free and settled. Maybe the peace and solitude of being in your own haven of rest, or the comfort of a partner or a pet. Maybe it's

Starting point is 00:06:17 even the sound of my voice that is familiar and eases you into your nightly routine. It's very easy to get caught up in focusing on what doesn't feel right, particularly when we remove the distractions of daily life, but shifting our attention onto the things that feel good can really help us settle down and find the right frame of mind for a good night's rest. So, continue to enjoy those good feelings. As we move on to tonight's tale, we're returning to the palace of King Alcinous, where Odysseus is in the middle of telling his story. The hall was silent as Odysseus continued to tell tales of his adventures. After the incident with the bag of winds, he and his men set sail once again.

Starting point is 00:08:06 This time, without any help from the gods, they encountered further misfortune in Lastragonia, where the inhabitants turned out to be bloodthirsty giants. During the battle, many lives were lost, and nearly all their ships were destroyed on their one remaining ship, Odysseus and the other survivors sailed away with heavy hearts, relieved to be alive, but grieving the loss of their companions, drifting across the windark sea, they reached the harbour of another island for the first few days, They had no desire to explore.

Starting point is 00:09:14 They simply rested in their ship, or lay on the sandy shore, completely worn out. But at last, hunger compelled Odysseus to act. Early one morning, he sat off with his spear and sword, and climbed up to a high, rocky crack that gave him a view. over the island. From up here, he could see a palace in the middle of the island, surrounded by trees. Smoke was rising from the roof. For a moment, Odysseus pondered whether to go down to the palace, but his first priority was finding something to eat, and as he made his way through the trees, The gods took pity on him.

Starting point is 00:10:30 A massive stag appeared in the middle of the path. When Odysseus returned later that morning, dragging his catch behind him. The men were overjoyed. They quickly prepared a meal and spent the rest of the day eating and drinking. With their bellies full, they slept well that night. Drifting off to the sound of the sea, in the morning, Odysseus gathered his men for a meeting from his excursion yesterday. He had learned that the island seemed to be uninhabited, apart from a palace in the middle of

Starting point is 00:11:31 the forest. Now, some of the men must go to visit this palace to see who lived there. But Odysseus' men were not exactly infused by the prospect, the memories of their recent misadventures. The Cyclops and the battle with the Lestrogonians were still fresh in their minds. What if the palace turned out to be home to yet another bloodthirsty giant? But Odysseus insisted he divided the men into groups. and drew lots, shaking the pieces of wood in a helmet. And so it was decided that the group, led by Eurylicus, would go off to investigate. Several hours later, Eurylicus returned alone,

Starting point is 00:12:52 in a state of shock. What happened? asked Odysseus. Where were the other men? At first, Eurylicus seemed unable to answer. But then, with some encouragement, he told his story. Eurylicus and his men had set off towards the palace, just as Odysseus had instructed. They found it quite easily, in the middle of a woodland glade. It was a beautiful building made from shining marble. the palace was guarded by lions and wolves, so the men approached cautiously, their weapons raised, but these were no ordinary beasts. When the lions and wolves caught sight of the men,

Starting point is 00:14:08 they bounded towards them like friendly dogs, tails wagging. Some of the lions nuzzled up against Pyrruring, from inside the palace, the men could hear the sound of singing. A woman's voice, lovely and melodic. Hopefully, the woman would be just as welcoming as her animals. So, the men called out to her, and she came outside. The woman introduced herself as the goddess Circe. Apart from her animals and servants, she lived alone on this island, which was called Iya. With a warm smile, Circe invited the men inside. She seemed pleased to have visitors,

Starting point is 00:15:26 and the men were equally pleased to be welcomed by such a beautiful host. Uralicus remained wary. He'd heard tales of Circey's. trickery, how she wasn't just a goddess, but an enchantress who liked to cast spells. While the others went into the palace, Eurylicus stayed outside, watching through a window. He looked on as Circe invited the men to sit at the table and served them a potion, something made of cheese, barley, honey, wine, and something else. The men happily drank the mixture, which seemed to go right to their heads. Then Circe took out her magic wand and struck them one by one, Turning the men into pigs. Outside, Eurylicus watched an astonishment. As his friends were led

Starting point is 00:16:59 to a pigsty, Circe flung acorns into the pen, smiling as the pig scrambled to eat, but Eurylicus couldn't bear to watch. His friends turned into squealing pigs. snuffling at the ground. Who could have imagined such a thing? So Eurydicus decided to run away. To flee before a similar fate befell him. He sprinted through the woods, all the way back to the shore. After hearing this story, Odysseus decided that there was no time to waste. strapping his sword across his back, he told Eurylicus to take him to Circe's palace. But Eurylicus shook his head and begged Odysseus not to make him go back. The men who had been transformed were beyond saving.

Starting point is 00:18:31 And the others should escape while they could. Eurylicus could stay behind, said Odysseus. But he was determined to save his men. So Odysseus made his way into the woods. The glade seemed somehow enchanted. A peaceful, sacred place. As Odysseus walked on, breathing in the fresh scent of the pines, he caught sight of a young man.

Starting point is 00:19:16 The man seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. And now he lingered by the trees, as if he were waiting for Odysseus. As he came closer, Odysseus noticed the golden wand in the young man's hand and realized who he was. Hermes, the messenger god, Hermes smiled in greeting and asked Odysseus what he was doing in these woods.

Starting point is 00:20:02 If he planned to visit Circe and attempt to rescue his men, he would need some help. Hermes explained that Circe was full of tricks. She had a spell or potion for every situation. And if Odysseus turned up on her doorstep, she would most likely find a way to poison him. So, said Hermes, this was what Odysseus must do. He must take the magic herb that Hermes was about to give him, as it would protect him from Circe's magic. Then, when Circe produced her wand, Odysseus must draw his sword, as though he were about to attack, and then, as strange as it might sound, the goddess would invite him to her bed.

Starting point is 00:21:20 Odysseus should accept, but only after Circe had sworn an oath not to harm him. After all, she was capable of all kinds of mischief. If Odysseus followed this advice, said Hermes, he would save himself, and if he were lucky, perhaps he would also manage to free his friends. Hermes then bent down and plucked something from the soil. It was a rare plant with a black root and a milk-white flower. The gods called it Moli. This was the magic herb that Hermes had mentioned,

Starting point is 00:22:23 which would protect Odysseus from enchantments. Odysseus thanked Hermes for his help, tucking the plant in his pocket for safekeeping. He then watched in one. as the god took flight, soaring up to the treetops before disappearing. Odysseus walked on through the woods until he reached a clearing. In the middle was Circe's palace, a grand marble building. Just as Eurylicus had said, there was no sign of the wolves and lions, and the

Starting point is 00:23:23 place seemed eerily quiet, heart beating fast. Odysseus went to the door and called Circe's name. When the goddess appeared and invited him in, Odysseus was struck by her beauty. He could only nod. As Odysseus followed Circe into the palace, he remembered just in time to eat the moly. The plant had a strange bitter taste. Just moments later, Odysseus was sitting at the table, drinking from the golden cup, Circe had offered him. Her potion had no effect whatsoever. Sercy, who had not yet realized, took out her magic wand and tapped Odysseus on the shoulder. Go, she said.

Starting point is 00:24:45 You belong in the pigsty with the others, but just as she understood that her magic was powerless, Odysseus reached for his sword. Circe shrank back in fear and begged for mercy. Who was this man? The only one to drink her potion, without succumbing to its enchantment.

Starting point is 00:25:21 Then it clicked. Odysseus. Hermes had told Sassie about Odysseus, how he would one day come to her island. In that case, she must welcome him. She told Odysseus to put away his sword and come to bet. They should get to know each other.

Starting point is 00:25:57 Learn to trust one another, but Odysseus remembered Hermes' advice, and he remained wary. How could he trust Circe with all her tricks? She had turned his men into pigs. And now, who knew what she had in mind? Odysseus asked Circe to swear an oath. She must promise not to harm him. Once the oath had been made, Odysseus followed the goddess into the other room. A little while later, Circe called her servants.

Starting point is 00:27:01 They were not ordinary serving girls, but nymphs, who came from the rivers and forests. One of the nymphs prepared a hot bath for Odysseus, a bath so far. warm and luxurious that it seemed to wash all his weariness away. Meanwhile, the others prepared the dining table, setting out an abundance of food. Once Odysseus was dressed in a fresh cloak and tunic, he was invited to sit at the table and to rest his feet on a stool. The servants attended to him, offering him a basket of warm bread, and filling his cup with wine. But Odysseus couldn't bring himself to eat. What's wrong? Circe asked. Sercy, Odysseus replied, how could you expect me to enjoy such a feast? He hadn't forgotten his poor men, locked up in the pigstye.

Starting point is 00:28:35 It was about time they were set free. So Odysseus and Circe left the hall and went to the pigsty. Using her wand, Circe drove out some of the pigs. Huge hairy creatures like wild boars. Then she took out a potion and sprinkled some drops on each of the pigs. One by one, they began to lose their bristles, slowly shape-shifting. Eventually, they were men once more. But they weren't quite the men that Odysseus had known. Circe's magic had made them younger, taller, and more handsome.

Starting point is 00:29:45 The men looked around in bewilderment. and then they recognized Odysseus and they were overcome with emotion. In tears of joy they embraced each other. Even Circe was moved by the scene. She told Odysseus to go back to his ship and bring the other men to the palace. Odysseus agreed. They should all be there to gather. So he left at once and returned to his ship, where he found his loyal crew waiting for him.

Starting point is 00:30:44 As the men rushed to greet him, Odysseus was reminded of cows coming back from the fields. How all the calves gather around their mothers, mooing happily. The men were filled with such emotion, it seemed like a homecoming, as though they had suddenly found themselves back on Ithaca, as they threw their arms around Odysseus. They told him how happy they were to see him back, safe and sound. But what about the others? Odysseus reassured them that their companions were alive and well. Now they must bring their ship onto the shore and safely store their belongings in a nearby cave.

Starting point is 00:31:58 Odysseus explained that they would be gone for quite some time as they had been invited to a feast at Circe's palace, The first of many, the men were eager to set off, with one exception. Eurylicus. It was foolish to trust Searcy, said Eurylicus. To go there, only to be turned into pigs or wolves or some other creature, and come to think of it, why should they trust Odysseus after what happened with the Cyclops? Temperes flared and the men nearly came to blows.

Starting point is 00:32:58 But the others intervened, and in the end, Eurylicus agreed to come too. When they arrived back at Circe's palace, they discovered that their companions were now transformed. in a different sense. They seemed taller and younger, their skin gleaming, and they all wore new cloaks and tunics. The men were sitting in the hall, feasting happily, but when they caught sight of the others, they rushed to greet them, as the men reunited. Sersi spoke to Odysseus. she could see that he and his men had suffered. They were weary from their wanderings, and needed some time to rest and replenish their strength.

Starting point is 00:34:19 Stay here, said Circe. Stay for as long as you like, and so a year went by. Every day, Odysseus and his men feasted and drank, and every night they slept deeply in soft beds. Their troubles and thoughts of Ithaca seemed far away. But as the seasons passed and the leaves changed, so too did the men's thoughts. They became restless and told Odysseus that it was time to go home.

Starting point is 00:35:24 That evening, once the sun had set, Odysseus walked through the darkened palace, until he found Circe, kneeling down before her. He said that he and his men were starting to feel homesick. He hoped that Circe would fulfill her promise to help them return. Cersie replied that Odysseus was free to leave whenever he wished. However, before he returned to Ithaca, he would have to make another journey. Next, he must go to Hades, the land of the dead, and speak to the blind prophet Tyresius. Hearing this, Odysseus was distraught. Once again, his homecoming would have to be postponed.

Starting point is 00:36:39 And how could he possibly set sail to Hades? It had never been done before, seeing the look on his face. Cersy did her best to reassure Odysseus. He was a clever, resourceful man. if anyone was capable of travelling to Hades and back. It was him. Odysseus listened carefully, as Circe gave him instructions. Once he had raised the sails of his ship,

Starting point is 00:37:26 he should let the north wind guide him across the sea, all the way to the great river Oceanus, which encircled the earth. Here, Odysseus would find the boundary to the underworld. Circe then gave other instructions. How Odysseus should make a sacrifice in order to summon the spirit of Tyresius. The prophet would tell Odysseus what awaited him. The final stages of his journey home.

Starting point is 00:38:19 At dawn, Lassie and Odysseus began to make preparations. Once he was dressed, Odysseus made his way through the palace, calling out his men's names to wake them up. But not all of them were inside. One man, El Pino, had spent the night to sleep on the roof, where it was cooler, when he was woken by the men's voices, Elpinole sprang up, and, forgetting where he was, fell from the roof.

Starting point is 00:39:10 His spirit overtook Odysseus, heading straight to Hades. But the men barely had time to mourn Elpinaur's sudden passing. As they gathered in the palace hall, Odysseus broke the news. They would not yet be returning to it. Ithaca. First, they must travel to Hades, so Odysseus could speak with the prophet Tyresius. At this announcement, there were groans and sighs, but lamentation would get them nowhere. And so, once the men were packed and ready, they left Circe's palace and headed towards the shore. Cersy came too, and she brought a gift.

Starting point is 00:40:20 The sheep that Odysseus would later need for the sacrifice. One moment, Cersi was standing by the ship, and the next, she was gone. The gods were often elusive, but she still had one more gift to give, as the ship was launched into the water and the sails were raised. The goddess summoned a fair wind. Odysseus and his men sat and rested, while the ship glided smoothly across the sparkling sea. By the time they reached the edge of the world,

Starting point is 00:41:18 darkness had fallen, but here, where the sea met the deep river of Oste, It was always dark. The land in this part of the world, the home of the Samerians, was shrouded in perpetual mist. Untouched by the rays of the sun god, once they were on shore, Odysseus ordered his men to bring out the sheep. He then led the way through the mist, recalling Circe's instructions. After walking for a while, they reached another shore, where the waters of Oceanus lapped against the dark earth.

Starting point is 00:42:22 Odysseus poured libations, a mixture of wine, honey, and water, with a sprinkling of barley, and made a vow to the gods. Once the sacrifice had been made, the mist became thicker and thicker. For a moment, Odysseus could see nothing at all, but as the air slowly cleared. He realized that he was no longer on earth. He was in Hades, the underworld.

Starting point is 00:43:09 Some spirits came forward to greet him. Men and women of all ages. Most of them were strangers, but one of the spirits seemed familiar. It was Elpino, who had fallen from the roof of Circe's palace. Odysseus was deeply moved. The unlucky young man had reached Hades before him, and he looked just the same. somehow full of life. Elpinaur and Odysseus talked at length. The young man begged Odysseus

Starting point is 00:44:05 to remember him, to return to Iyaa, where his body still lay unburied. He wished to be cremated with his armour, and he also had another request that Odysseus would bury him by the sea. and mark his tomb. Of course, said Odysseus, he would do everything that Elpinaur asked of him. The two men bid each other farewell. And then, as the spirit retreated into the darkness, Odysseus caught sight of another familiar face. With a pang, he realized who it was. His own mother, Anticlia. When he'd left Ithaca all those years ago, she had still been alive, but before Odysseus could speak to his mother, he saw a flash of gold in the dark, the sceptre of the prophet

Starting point is 00:45:33 Tyresius. And as the prophet came forward, Odysseus knew that he would have to watch. wait. First, he must do as the gods wished. Speak to Tyresius and learn what the future held. Although the old man was blind, he knew Odysseus at once and addressed him by name. Odysseus, said Tyresius. As sweet as it may seem, the thought of going home, Beware. First, you will have to endure the bitter vengeance of the gods. The prophet warned Odysseus that the sea god Poseidon was still angry with him.

Starting point is 00:46:38 Because of what had happened to his son, the Cyclops, and that wasn't the only challenge that lay ahead. On the way home, Odysseus would pass the island on. of Thranacia, which was home to the sun-god's cattle. Tyresius warned Odysseus not to touch the animals. Doing so would spell disaster for him and his men. The prophet had other predictions, too. He spoke of Odysseus' homecoming, and the great battle that awaited him, more sacrifices would have to be made in order to appease Poseidon. But eventually, Odysseus would be able to rest at last. Tyresius could see the future, and he had a vision of Odysseus in old age, at peace,

Starting point is 00:48:02 and the people of Ithaca, living in prosperity. This vision gave Odysseus some comfort although there were hard times ahead, he had reason to stay hopeful. He thanked Tyresius for his guidance. And then, as the prophet moved away, Odysseus's mother and Ticlia stepped forward. At first, she didn't seem to recognize him, but as she looked him up and down, Her face changed. My son, she said. How have your wanderings brought you here?

Starting point is 00:49:08 Anticlia couldn't believe her eyes. She was full of questions. Odysseus told her everything. The story of Troy, his wanderings, and his journey to the underworld. But all the while, he said. He had never forgotten his loved ones. Now, he wanted to know what had happened to her,

Starting point is 00:49:48 and what about his father and his wife and son, and to clear sighed deeply. Life was not easy for Laetys, her husband and Odysseus's father, but Laetes still lived, as did Penelope. and Telemachus, and all these years, Penelope had remained loyal to Odysseus. She was a strong-hearted woman, and she would wait patiently for her husband's return, but for Anticlia, the wait had been too long. It was her love for her son, and her grief in his absence, that had been brought her here, Odysseus tried to embrace his mother. Three times he tried to wrap his arms around her. But mother and son seemed to pass through each other, like shadows. Anticlia did her best to comfort him. This was just the way things were in the afterlife. The body of the afterlife. The body was the

Starting point is 00:51:27 body vanished, and the spirit was just as fleeting. Like a dream, as she said goodbye. Anticlair urged Odysseus to leave this place. To go back to the light, but Odysseus didn't want to leave just yet. He was too curious about the other spirits, the gathering throng of women, one by one They came forward and told Odysseus the stories of their lives, Tyro, who fell in love with a river god and had Poseidon's children, Alkmini, the mother of the great hero Hercules, Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos of Crete, who helped Theseus in the labyrinth, and there were many more. Too many to mention. Here Odysseus paused his story and let out a great yawn. If he named every spirit he had met, they would be here all night. Maybe it was time to go to bed. But then, he looked

Starting point is 00:53:18 around at all the expectant faces. The phyatians had been listening. In awe-struck silence, Odysseus didn't want to disappoint his hosts, and the knight was still young. Perhaps he would continue after all.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Odyssey: Part 5 - Circe

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