Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Odyssey: Part 8 - Odysseus at the Palace

Starting point is 00:00:01 Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. As always, I'm your host, Thomas. Thanks so much for being here. Tonight's story is the penultimate episode of our epic retelling of The Odyssey, all written by Alexandra and read by me. For those of you who follow us on Instagram, You may have seen my video there last week where I mentioned my trip to the cinema to see the recently released film.

Starting point is 00:00:41 I was thoroughly entertained and so impressed with how they turned this ancient tale into a full-fledged action film and still managed to stay pretty true to the original story. It was especially fun for me having just finished recording the last parts of the series and watching the film play out and seeing how all those characters had been cast and brought to life really was quite fascinating. We will of course have the finale to our series coming out at the start of next month and I'll have another exciting announcement soon about an audiobook version that we'll be putting together and making available to you all very soon.

Starting point is 00:01:29 Now let me talk about where we're at at this point in, now retelling. After his long travels, Odysseus has finally reached his homeland, Ithaca, but he hasn't yet returned to his palace. At the moment, he's keeping his identity a secret, while he stays with the swineherd Eumaeus. Meanwhile, Odysseus's son, Telemachus, whom we met right at The beginning of the series is on his way back to Ithaca. In tonight's story, we'll witness some heartwarming reunions and discover how Odysseus plans to take back his palace. But first, let's take some time to unwind and prepare for rest as you ease into your bed.

Starting point is 00:02:36 try to soften your mind and relax your body both have worked hard all day and they deserve this time to rest and recharge take a deep breath in and let it out slowly as your breathing slows Try visualizing yourself, lying on a field of soft grass. With a golden sun high in the sky, the sun's warming rays caress your skin and relax each and every muscle in your body, bringing you a luxurious sense of sleepiness. Feel as the sun travels over. your body from the top of your head across your face, your neck, your shoulders and chest. The upper third of your body is bathed in warmth and light. The nourishing rays continue

Starting point is 00:04:25 to move over your abdomen, your hips. across your upper legs and your lower legs. Any tension or achiness begins to melt away. And eventually, the light reaches your ankles and feet. Every part of you relaxes more and more. Feeling warm and soothed by the nourishing rays. of our life-sustaining sun. In this state of calm and stillness, we can turn to our story. It's time to join a character we haven't seen in a while. Telemachus, the son of Odysseus.

Starting point is 00:06:04 The ship was approaching Ithaca, slowly gliding toward shore. On board were Telemachus and his companions. After a visit from the goddess Athena, who had told him to return home, Telemachus had left Sparta immediately. Athena's words had filled him with a sense of urgency. She'd warned him that the suitors, the men who wished to marry his mother, Penelope, would soon ruin the palace. They were working their way through everything he owned, and that wasn't all. Some of the suitors were planning an ambush. They wanted to kill Telemachus before he could return, but thanks to the goddess's warning, Telemachus had made it safely to Ithaca.

Starting point is 00:07:23 At last, here he was, back home. After mooring the ship, Telemachus and his men settled down on the beach for their evening meal. As they ate, Telemachus spoke of his troubles. The suitors who refused to leave the palace. He hoped they met a bitter fate, just as he said these words. A bird appeared in the sky. A hawk, messenger of the god Apollo. In its talents, it held a pigeon.

Starting point is 00:08:18 The hawk had appeared on Telemachus' right-hand side. At once, all the men realized what this was. A good omen sent by the gods. Telemachus and his family would rule over Ithaca forever. his spirits lifted, Telemachus decided that it was time to move on. Now that he had eaten and rested, he was ready to follow Athena's instructions. Instead of returning to the palace, she had told Telemachus to go to the swineherd, Eumaeus, and spent her night at his cottage.

Starting point is 00:09:16 He was a good, loyal man. Meanwhile, Eumaeus and Odysseus were sitting outside by the fire. Odysseus, who had been Eumae's guest for the past few days, was still disguised as an old beggar. The swineherd had no idea that this mysterious stranger was actually his master. The two men talked together, overcome. cups of wine, while the dogs lay nearby. Some dozed, twitching in their sleep, while others kept watch.

Starting point is 00:10:14 All of a sudden, the dogs sat up. Someone was approaching, but as they didn't bark, it must be someone they knew. Mayus and Odysseus followed the dog's gaze and saw a figure emerge from the trees. Although 20 years had passed, Odysseus recognized him immediately. It was Telemachus, his own beloved son. When Odysseus had left Ithaca, Telemachus was just a baby. Now he was all grown up, and he looked just like his father. Odysseus was overcome with emotion.

Starting point is 00:11:21 But he couldn't show his feelings just yet. He was still in disguise. Instead, he watched in silence as Eumaeus ran to greet Telemachus, who was like a son to him. Eumaeus was so relieved to see him, safely returned from Sparta. The two men embraced. When Telemachus caught sight of Odysseus, he greeted him with a smile. He was a polite young man, always friendly to strangers.

Starting point is 00:12:15 Then, the three men settled down by the fire, and enjoyed a simple, meal of bread, meat, and wine. Telemachus explained the reason for his visit. He had come to see Emaeus first, to ask for news of his mother and an update on the suitors. Eumaeus reassured Telemachus that Penelope was still loyal. But those arrogant men were still there, as always. They refused to leave until she agreed to marry one of them. Odysseus, whom Eumaeus introduced as a visitor from Crete, spoke with Telemachus at length, discussing what to do about the suitors. It was a sad situation indeed.

Starting point is 00:13:28 Then Telemachus asked Eumaeus for a favour. to go to the palace as a messenger and tell Penelope that her son had arrived home safely. But Eumaeus must be discreet. He should only tell Penelope. It was best that the suitors were kept in the dark. Meanwhile, Telemachus would stay at the cottage and come up with a plan of action. So, Eumaeus strapped on his sandals and made his way towards town. Telemachus and Odysseus were now alone, but for the dogs.

Starting point is 00:14:26 And the goddess Athena, who now made her appearance, she stood outside by the doorway, tall and radiant. Only Odysseus could see her, but the dogs could sense. her presence, and they began to whine. While Telemachus remained indoors, Odysseus stepped outside to greet the goddess. Odysseus, said Athena, It is time for you to reveal yourself to your son. Together, you must come up with a plan to get rid of the suitors once and for all, taking out of the suitors. her golden wand, she tapped him on the shoulder. In an instant, Odysseus transformed. Instead of looking like an old beggar, he was himself again. A muscular man with a dark beard,

Starting point is 00:15:47 dressed in a fine cloak and tunic. As the goddess flew away, Odysseus went back indoors. Astonished, Telemachus lowered his gaze. He wondered if he was in the presence of a god. Who was this man? Had he come down from the heavens? Odysseus laughed and told Telemachus to look him in the eye. He wasn't a god. He was his father.

Starting point is 00:16:37 But Telemachus could not believe it. He looked up, incredulous. How was it possible? Just a moment ago, Odysseus had looked completely different. It was Athena's doing, Odysseus explained. The gods could transform anyone's appearance. At last, Telemachus was convinced. Father and son,

Starting point is 00:17:16 threw their arms around each other, and wept, overjoyed to be reunited. They had so much to talk about. Telemachus wanted to know all about Odysseus's travels. How he had reached Ithaca. Odysseus shared a few details, explaining that the phyatians had brought him home, and that his treasure was safely hidden away in a cave. There was much more to tell, but that could wait for later. Now, said Odysseus, they must talk strategy, how many suitors were at the palace, and would they be able to fight them alone?

Starting point is 00:18:22 Together, father and son began to come up with a plan, They would hide all the weapons in the palace and ask the gods for help with Zeus and Athena on their side. They could surely defeat the suitors. For the time being, it was agreed that Odysseus would keep his identity a secret. Only Telemachus should know the truth. That evening, Eumaeus returned to his cottage. Athena had changed Odysseus' appearance, so he looked like an old man once again. Telemachus was pleased to see Emaeus.

Starting point is 00:19:28 He hoped that he had delivered his message to Penelope, and perhaps he had some news about the suitors. Yumaeus reassured Telemachus that his mother was well and happy to hear news. of his safe return. As for the suitors, they were still hanging about the palace. Yumaeus had also caught sight of a ship in the harbor. From a distance, it was hard to tell. But he suspected that the men on board were suitors too, the ones who had planned to ambush Telemachus. It looked like they too. would soon be back at the palace.

Starting point is 00:20:33 Eumaeus then began to prepare dinner. While his back was turned, father and son exchanged a knowing smile after a hearty meal in good company. It was time to enjoy another of life's great pleasures. The gift of sleep. In the morning, Telemachus decided that he was ready to head home, he would go to the palace alone while Eumaeus could take care of Odysseus,

Starting point is 00:21:18 or rather the beggar. So Telemachus put on his sandals and picked up his spear, before making his way through the woods. When he reached the palace, the first person he encountered was Euryclair. The faithful old servant, she was in the middle of preparing a room, covering the chairs with soft fleeces. When she looked up and saw the prince in the doorway, beaming, she ran to embrace him. The other women of the household soon followed, flocking to greet Telemachus. Hearing the commotion, Penelope came down. from her bedroom. She too embraced Telemachus and kissed him all over. Her dear son, home at last,

Starting point is 00:22:46 while Telemachus was at the palace, speaking to his mother and keeping an eye on the suitors. Emaeus and Odysseus made their way into town, but even before they reached the palace, they had an unfortunate encounter, as they were passing by a fountain, they bumped into Melanthius, a goat-herd and friend of the suitors, seeing Odysseus, whom he took for a beggar, Melanthius spoke scornfully. He had no patience with scroungers, as Melanthius continued to jeer at him, Odysseus managed to keep his temper. But it didn't bode well if this was how one man treated him. The suitors were likely to be similarly hostile.

Starting point is 00:24:03 There were disadvantages to being disguised as a beggar. But when the palace came into view, all other thoughts disappeared. Odysseus's heart swelled as he gazed at his home, a grand estate with marble columns, surrounded by olive groves and fruit trees. From within, he could hear the sound of music. A bard was strumming a liar, keeping the suitors entertained as they feasted, while it made him sick at heart to think that these. men had taken over his property, Odysseus was still eager to enter. He had been dreaming of this

Starting point is 00:25:08 moment for years, but as he was heading towards the entrance, he noticed a dog resting in the shade. It was an old hunting dog, with speckled fur and a white muzzle, as they gazed at each other. the dog began to wag its tail, and Odysseus realized with a rush of emotion, who it was. Argos, his very own pet, Odysseus went over to stroke him as he ran his hands through the dog's fur. He reflected on the passing of time. When he'd left Ithaca, Argos was just a puppy. And Telemachus, an infant, now that Odysseus was home again, he would have to make up for lost time. When Odysseus followed Eumaeus inside the palace, he was appalled by what he saw.

Starting point is 00:26:38 All these men, these uninvited guests, eating and drinking at his table, as though they owned the place. While the suitors feasted, Odysseus made his way around the table, begging for scraps. Some of the men took pity on him, while others were rude and scornful. One of the suitors, Antinous, was particularly disrespectful. He told Odysseus to go away and stop spoiling their feast, as tempers flared, the two men came to blows. Antinous picked up a stool and threw it at Odysseus. Even the other suitors were shocked. Besides, you could never tell, perhaps the beggar was a god in disguise. As these scenes unfolded, Yumeas and Steyas and and Telemachus watched on in dismay.

Starting point is 00:28:04 They didn't want to make matters worse by getting involved. From her bedroom, Penelope heard the raised voices. When her servants told her what was going on, she sighed. Antinous was the worst of them all. As Penelope reflected on the incident, an idea came to her. She summoned Yumeus and asked him to bring the beggar to her room. From the stories he was telling, it sounded as though the stranger had travelled far. Perhaps he had news of her beloved Odysseus.

Starting point is 00:29:05 Yumae smiled. Indeed, he said, this stranger was full of stories. He had been entertaining the swine hats with his lively tales. This man also claimed that Odysseus was still alive and on his way home, if only, said Penelope. How wonderful it would be if Odysseus returned, and he and his son took revenge on the suitors. Just then, Telemachus. who was standing nearby, let out a loud sneeze that echoed through the room. Penelope was delighted. This sneeze was surely a divine omen, a sign that the suitors were doomed.

Starting point is 00:30:17 Downstairs, Emaeus spoke with Odysseus. He explained that Penelope was desperate for news of her husband. but Odysseus would not go to her just yet. He was afraid of the suitors, these rowdy men who were quickly provoked to violence. It was safest to wait until nightfall. By then, at least some of the suitors might have left, and he could talk to Penelope by the fireside,

Starting point is 00:31:02 after relaying this message to Penelope, Eumaeus spoke with Telemachus. He said that it was time he headed home, so he could watch over the pigs. Eumaeus patted the prince on the shoulder and told him to take care of himself. As Telemachus watched the swineherd walk through the door, he sighed wistfully. only the other men would also take their leave. For the rest of the evening, the suitors continued feasting, and the more they drank, the more they amused themselves by jeering at Odysseus. Sometimes Odysseus let his temper get the better of him. But for the most part, he tried to remain

Starting point is 00:32:15 stoic, biding his time. Towards the end of the evening, however, the atmosphere was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Enough, said Telemachus. The suitors had finished their dinner, and it was high time they went home, hearing Telemachus speak, in his calm, confident manner, the suitors were taken aback. The young man had a new air of authority, and to the prince's relief, the men listened to him. After one more round of drinks and libations to the gods, the suitors filed out of the door, returning home to their own beds, now that they were alone in the hall, Odysseus and Telemachus could speak freely.

Starting point is 00:33:34 Odysseus gave his son instructions in preparation for the upcoming battle. He must make arrangements with the servants and keep the women safely locked up in their rooms. He should also put away all the weapons and make sure they were locked up too. So, Telemachus began to gather all the helmets, shields and spears that were on display throughout the palace. As he collected the weapons, the goddess Athena shone a hidden lamp, which filled the room with a golden light. Telemachus looked around in wonder. It was as though a fire had been lit from within. thin, illuminating the walls and columns, all the way up to the wooden crossbeams on the ceiling.

Starting point is 00:34:52 There was only one explanation. A god was in the palace. Once Telemachus had carried out his duties, he went to bed. Odysseus remained in the hall, resting by the fireside. Meanwhile, the female servants began to tidy up, clearing the table and sweeping the floor. The suitors had made quite a mess. Now that the men had gone, Penelope felt free to come down to the hall and sit in her usual place by the fire.

Starting point is 00:35:45 It was the most luxurious chair. covered with a cozy fleece. Penelope made herself comfortable, propping up her feet on the nearby footstool. Then she turned her attention to the stranger sitting opposite and began to question him. Where did he come from? Who were his family? Odysseus answered carefully. Penelope had every right to question him. He was a guest in her house, after all, but he could not speak about his family. It was too painful. Penelope then spoke of her own suffering.

Starting point is 00:36:49 How she missed her husband, who had left so long ago. She had remained loyal all these years. but the suitors were relentless, pressuring her to pick one of them. Somehow, Penelope felt comfortable with this stranger. She opened up and told him about one of her schemes. Once in desperation, she had played a trick on the suitors. She began to weave a shroud, telling the men that once it was finished, she would choose one of them for her husband.

Starting point is 00:37:45 During the day, she worked at her loom. But at night, by the light of the torch, she unraveled it. The shroud would never be finished. She kept up this trick for three years, until she was caught in the act. Now she was running out of time and ideas. she didn't want to marry, but she didn't know what else to do. Penelope let out a heavy sigh. Perhaps it was better not to dwell on such things. She preferred to hear other people's stories, rather than talk of her own troubles. Once again, she asked the stranger to tell her about himself.

Starting point is 00:38:52 Where did he come from? He must have been born somewhere. He didn't spring from a rock or a tree, like some character in a myth. Odysseus launched into the same story he'd told Yumeus. He explained that he came from Crete, where he once encountered Odysseus. As Penelope listened to the story, tears came to. to her eyes, she wept for her husband. Not knowing that he was right beside her, Odiscius was also deeply moved. But he did not want to reveal himself just yet. Even as Penelope cried, he did his best

Starting point is 00:39:57 to control his emotions. Once she was calmer, Penelope began to ask questions. She wanted to believe the stranger's story, but she didn't know if she could trust him. What did Odysseus look like? And what about his clothes? At first, Odysseus pretended that he couldn't remember. It was so long ago. But now it was slowly coming back to him. He recalled that Odysseus had worn a purple cloak, fastened by a golden brooch.

Starting point is 00:40:56 Engraved on the brooch was the image of a dog wrestling with a fawn. He also remembered Odysseus's tunic, as soft and white as the skin of a dried onion. And now that he thought about it, he recalled something else. Odysseus had been accompanied by his herald, a dark-skinned, curly-haired man named Euribetys. When Penelope heard these details, she began to weep once more. Now she knew that the stranger was telling the truth. She remembered Euribates. She could picture the purple cloak too.

Starting point is 00:42:02 and the brooch that she had once fastened with her own hands, but she would never see her husband again. She was sure of that. Odysseus tried to comfort her. He told her of rumours he had heard, that her husband was still travelling. The only reason he had not yet returned was that he was trying to acquire more wealth,

Starting point is 00:42:39 He wanted to come back to Ithaca as a rich man, looking Penelope in the eye. Odysseus made a promise. He swore by Zeus, the greatest of all gods, that her husband was safe and would soon be home by the waxing of the new moon. Odysseus would return, while Penhiscence. Penelope had her doubts, she was grateful to the stranger. She could see that he was a good man. And as her guest, she would ensure that he was treated well. Life was short after all. The only thing that truly mattered was kindness. Penelope began to summon her servants and give orders.

Starting point is 00:43:55 They should prepare a bath for this guest and a soft bed with crisp, clean sheets. But Odysseus shook his head. There was no need, he said. He could sleep anywhere, and he didn't feel like bathing. Still, a footbath would be much appreciated. Perhaps there was a servant as old and weird. as himself. Someone he could relate to, Penelope nodded. She knew just the person. Euryclair, this faithful servant had nursed Odysseus as a newborn. After summoning Euryclair,

Starting point is 00:45:01 Penelope left the hall. Odysseus was alone with his old nurse, who greeted him as those he were a stranger. And yet, he bore a strange resemblance to her master. More than any man she'd met, having filled a basin with warm water, Euriclayer bent down and began to wash his feet. As her hands moved up towards his ankles, Odysseus realized what was about to happen. Any moment now, her fingers would brush against his scar. When Odysseus was a child, he had gone hunting on Mount Parnassus, where he was wounded by a boar. The animal's tusk pierced his skin, leaving a lasting scar. Euryclair continued to massage Odysseus's leg, until she reached that large distinctive scar. She gasped, and in her astonishment, she let go of his leg. As the basin

Starting point is 00:46:41 tipped over, water pooled across the floor. My dear child, said Euryclair. Is it really you? There was no way to convince her otherwise. The secret was out. Odysseus warned Euryclair. that she must not tell anyone that he had returned. Not even Penelope, after swearing to secrecy, Euriclair went to fetch more water, as she bathed and oiled his feet. They continued their conversation in a whisper, in case anyone should overhear,

Starting point is 00:47:38 but after Euraclair left, the hall was silent. Odysseus shuffled his chair closer to the fire, basking in its warmth. At long last, he could relax, resting his feet on the nearby stall and covering himself with the soft fleece. Odysseus sank back into the chair, and then, lulled by the crackling of the fire, He drifted into sleep.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Odyssey: Part 8 - Odysseus at the Palace

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