Guided Sleep Meditation & Sleep Hypnosis from Sleep Cove - The Odyssey and The Tales of Troy - Part 2 - The Goddesses’ Contest That Began the Trojan War

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Hulu original series Furious is coming to Disney Plus, starring Emmy Rossum. Furious follows FBI agent Alice Black on the hunt for a mysterious and calculating serial killer. Both walk their own paths toward justice, and as their lives start to intertwine, the line between right and wrong begins to blur. Don't miss the three-episode premiere of the Hulu original series Furious on July 27th, only on Hulu on Disney Plus. I'm Christopher Fitton, and please subscribe to the show. This is part two of the adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy. Please check out the description to find a playlist of all parts of this story.

Starting point is 00:00:52 Let's do a catch-up of part one. Long ago, Odysseus was forced to leave Ithaca and join the Greek war against Troy, leaving behind his wife Penelope and his infant son, Telemachus. Twenty years later, Odysseus has still not returned, and Telemachus has grown into a young man while his father's fate remains unknown. A group of powerful suitors has taken over Odysseus's home, wasting his wealth as they pressure Penelope to choose one of them as her new husband. The goddess Athena visits Telemachus in disguise and encourages him to stand up to the suitors and search for news of his father. Inspired by her words, Telemachus speaks boldly to

Starting point is 00:01:55 Penelope and the suitors, showing for the first time that he is ready to act like the son of a king. He calls the council of Ithaca's leaders, where he condemns the suitors, that most of the men are too frightened or unwilling to help him. During the council, two fighting eagles are taken as a sign that Odysseus may soon return. and punish those who have dishonoured his house. With Athena's help, Telemachus secretly gathers supplies and a crew, then sails through the night towards Pylos and Sparta to seek information about his missing father. Chapter 5

Starting point is 00:02:50 Telemachus went apart and going by himself. came to the shore of the sea. He dipped his hands into the seawater and prayed, saying, O goddess Athena, You who did not come to my father's hall yesterday, I have tried to do as you bade me, but still the wooers of my mother hinder me from taking ship to seek tidings of my father.

Starting point is 00:03:27 father. He spoke in prayer, and then he saw one who had the likeness of the old man mentor coming toward him. But by the grey, clear, wonderfully shining eyes, he knew that the figure was none other than the goddess Athena. Telemachus said she, If you have indeed one drop of your father's blood in you, or one portion of his spirit, if you are, as he was, one ready to fulfil both word and work, your voyage shall not be in vain. If you were different from what he was, I have no hope that you, will accomplish your desire. But I have seen in you

Starting point is 00:04:33 something of the wisdom and courage of Odysseus. Hear my counsel then, and do as I direct. Go back to your father's house and be with the wooers for a time and get together corn and barley flour and wine in jars. And while you were doing all this, I will gather together a crew for your ship. There are many ships in Singert, Ethica, and I shall choose the best for you, and we will rick her quickly and launch her on the wide deep.

Starting point is 00:05:20 When Telemachus heard her counsel, he tarried no more, but went back. to the house and stood amongst the wooers, and when he had spoken with them, he went down into the treasure vault. It was a spacious room, filled with gold and bronze, and chests of arraignment and casks of wine. The doors of that vault were closed day and night, and to Eureclia, the dame who had be the nurse of Telemachus, when he was little, guarded the place. She came to him, and he spoke to her. My nurse, said he, None but yourself must know what I would do now,

Starting point is 00:06:17 and you must swear not to speak of it to my lady mother until twelve days, from this. Fill 12 jars with wine for me now and pour 12 measures of Barney Meal into well-sown skins. Leave them all together for me, and when my mother goes into the upper chambers, I shall have carried away. Hello, Nurse, I go to Pylos and to Sparta to seek tidings from Nestor and Manilaeus of Odysseus my father. And when she heard him say this, the nurse Eurakia lamented. Ah, wherefore, dear child, she cried, has such a thought risen in your mind. How could you fare over wide sea? and through strange lands.

Starting point is 00:07:21 You, who were never from your home, stay here, where you are well beloved. As for your father, he has long since perished amongst strangers. Why should you put yourself in danger to find out that he is no more? nay do not go Telemachus my fostering but stay in your own house and in your own well-beloved country Telemachus said dear nurse it has been shown to me that I should go by a goddess it is not that enough for you and me now make all ready for me as I have asked you, and swear to me that you will say nothing of it to my mother until twelve days from this, or until she shall miss me herself.

Starting point is 00:08:28 Having sworn, as he asked her, the nurse Euryklia drew the wine into jars and put the barley meal into the well-sown skins. Telemachus left the vault and went back again into the hall. He sat with the wooers and listened to the minstrel Femius, seeing about the going forth of Odysseus to the walls of Troy. And while these things were happening, the goddess Athena went through the town in the likeness of Telemachus. She went to this youth and that youth and told them of the voyage and asked them to make ready and go down to the beach where the boat would be.

Starting point is 00:09:27 And then she went to a man called No-Men and begged him for a swift ship. And no-man gave it to her. When the sun sank and when the ways were darkened Athena dragged the ship to where it should be launched and brought the tackling to it The youths whom Athena had summoned were all the age of Telemachus

Starting point is 00:09:56 They came and Athena aroused them With a talk of voyage And when the ship was ready She went to the house of Odysseus upon the wooers who were still in the hall she caused sleep to fall they laid their heads upon the tables and slumbered beside the wine cups

Starting point is 00:10:21 but Athena sent a whisper through the hall and telemachus heard and he rose up and came to where she stood now she had on the likeness of old mental the friend of his father, Odysseus. Come, said she, your friends are already at the oars. You must not delay them. But some of the youths had come with one whom they thought was old mentor.

Starting point is 00:10:57 They carried with Telemachus, the skins of corn and the casks of wine. They came to the ship. and Telemachus, with a cheer, climbed into it. Then the youths loosened the ropes and sat down at the benches to pull the oars, and Athena, in the likeness of Old Mentor, sat at the helm. And now they set up the mast of pine, and they made it fast with false days, and they hauled up the sails with ropes of twisted oxide and a wind came and filled out the sails

Starting point is 00:11:41 and the youths pulled at the oars and the ship dashed away all night long telemachus and his friends sat at the oars and under the sails and felt the ship bearing them swiftly onward through the dark water Femius, the minstrel was with them, and as the night went by, he sang to them of Troy and of the heroes who had waged war against it. Chapter 6. Troy

Starting point is 00:12:20 The minstrel sang was the greatest of the cities of men. It had been built when the demigards walked the earth. Its walls were so strong and so high that enemies could not break nor scale them. Troy had high towers and great gates. In its citadales, there were strong men well armed, and in its treasuries there were stalls of gold and silver, and the king of Troy was Priam. He was old now

Starting point is 00:13:02 But he had sons That were good captains The chief of them all was Hector Hector The minstrel sang Was a match for any warrior The nations could send Against Troy

Starting point is 00:13:19 Because he was noble and generous As well as brave The people were devoted to him and Hector Priam's son was commander in the city. But Priam had another son, who was not counted amongst the captains. Paris was his name. Now when Paris was in his infancy, a soothsayer told King Priam that he would bring trouble upon Troy.

Starting point is 00:13:56 Then King Priam At the child Sent away from the city Paris was reared Amongst country people And when he was a youth He herded sheep The minstrel sang of Panias

Starting point is 00:14:16 The king of Pithia And of his marriage To the River Nith. Vetus All the gods and goddesses Came to their wedding feast only one of the emultals was not invited. Eris, who is discord.

Starting point is 00:14:37 She came, however. Other games that followed the wedding feast, she threw a golden apple amongst the guests, and on the apple was written for the fairest. Each of the three goddesses, who was there wished to be known as the fairest, and each claimed the golden apple, Aphrodite who inspired love, Athena who gave wisdom, and Hera, who was the wife of Zeus, the greatest of the gods.

Starting point is 00:15:14 But no one at the wedding would judge between the goddesses and say which was the fairest. And then the shepherd Paris came by. and him the guests asked to give judgment. Said Herod to Paris, award the apple to me, and I will give you a great kingship. Said Athena, award the gold apple to me, and I will make you the wisest of men. And Aphrodite came to him and whispered, Paris, dear Paris, let me be called the fairest, and I will make you beautiful, and the fairest and the fairest woman in the world will be your wife.

Starting point is 00:16:09 Paris looked at Aphrodite, and in his eyes she was the fairest. To her, he gave the golden apple, and ever afterwards she was his friend. Butera and Athena departed from the company in wrath. The minstrel sang how Paris went back to his father's city and was made a prince of Troy. Through the favour of Aphrodite

Starting point is 00:16:40 he was the most beautiful of youths. Then Paris went out of the city again. Sent by his father he went to Tyre and coming back to Troy from Tyre he went through Greece Now the fairest woman in the world was in Greece

Starting point is 00:17:04 She was Helen And she was married To King Manoleus Paris saw her And loved her for her beauty And Aphrodite Inspired Helen To fall in love with Paris

Starting point is 00:17:20 He stole her from the house of Menelaus and brought her into Troy. King Menelaus sent to Troy and demanded that his wife be given back to him, but the people of Troy, thinking no king in the world, could shake them, and wanting to boast that the fairest woman in the world was in their city, were not willing that Menelaus be given back his wife. Priam and his son Hector knew that a wrong had been done, and knew that Helen and all that she had brought with her should be given back. But in the council, there were vain men who went against the word of Priam and Hector,

Starting point is 00:18:14 declaring that for no little king of Greece would they give up Hanon, the fairest woman in the world. Then the minstrel sang of Agamemnon. He was king of rich Mycini, and his name was so high, and his deeds were so renowned that all the kings of Greece looked to him. Now Agamon, see King Melanchini. Melaleus, his brother, flouted by the Trojans, vowed to injure Troy, and he spoke to the kings and princes of Greece, saying that if they all united their strength, they would be able to take the city of Troy and avenge the slight put upon Melaleus and win great glory and riches for themselves. And when they had come together and had taken note of their strength, the kings and princes of Greece thought well of the word of Agamendom and were eager to make war upon Troy.

Starting point is 00:19:30 They bound themselves by a vow to take the city. Then Agamon sent messages to the heroes whose lands. were far away to Odysseus and to Achilles, who was the son of Pellius and Thetis, bidding them also enter the war. In two years, the ships of all the kings and princes were gathered into Ornus, and the Greeks were their leaders, Agamennon, Ajax, Diomedes, Nester, Achilles, idomenius, and Odysseus sailed for the coast of Troy. One hero after another subdued the cities and nations. That were the allies of the Trojans. But Troy they did not take, and the minstrels sang to Telemachus and his fellow voyages,

Starting point is 00:20:38 how year after year went by, and how the host of Greeks still remained between their ships and the walls of the city, and how in the ninth year there came a plague that smote with death, more men than the Trojans killed. So the ship went on through the dark water, very swiftly with the goddess Athena, in the likeness of old mentor, guiding it with the youths listening to the song that Femius the minstrel sang. Chapter 7, the sun rose and Telemachus and his fellow voyages drew near to the shore of Pylos and to the steep citadel built by Neelius. the father of Nestor, the famous king.

Starting point is 00:21:42 They saw on the shore men in the companies making sacrifice to Poseidon, the dark-haired god of the sea. There were nine companies there, and each company had nine black oxen for the sacrifice, and the number of men in each company was 500. They slew the oxen, and they laid parts to burn on the altars of the god, and the men sat down to feast. The voyages brought their ships to the shore, and Telemachus sprang from it, but before them when the goddess grey-eyed Athena, in the likeness of the old man, Mentor, And the goddess told Telemachus that Nestor, the king whom he had come to seek, was on the shore. She made him go forward with a good heart and ask Nestor for tidings of his father and Isseus. But Telemachus said to her,

Starting point is 00:23:00 mental, how can I bring myself to speak to one who was so reverence? How should I greet him? And how can I, a young man, question such a one as Nesta, the old king? The goddess, great-eyed Athena, encouraged him. The right words, she said, would come. so Telemachus went forward with his divine companion. Nesta was seated on the shore with his sons around him, and when they saw the two strangers approach,

Starting point is 00:23:45 the sons of Nesta rose up to greet them. One, Pysistratus took the hand of Telemachus and the hand of the goddess, and then them both. to where Nestor was. A golden cup was put into the hand of each, and wine was poured into the cups. And Nestus son, Pisistratus, asked Telemachus and the goddess

Starting point is 00:24:16 to pray that the sacrifice they were making to Poseidon, the god of the sea, would bring good to them and to their people, Then the goddess Athena, in the likeness of old Menthol, held the cup in our hand and prayed. Hear me, Poseidon, shaker of the earth. First to Nestor and his sons Grant renown. Then grant to the people of Pylos, recompense, for the sacrifice of Oxen they have made. grant too that Telemachus and I may return safely when what we have come in our swift ship to seek has been won.

Starting point is 00:25:08 Telemachus prayed in the words of the goddess, and then the sons of Nestor made them both sit on the fleeces that were spread on the shore, and dishes of meat were brought to them and cups of wine. And when they had eaten and drunk, the old king Nesta spoke to them. Until they have partaken of food and drink, it is not courteous, he said, to ask of strangers, who they are, and whither they go. But now my guests, I will ask of you what your land is, and what your quest, and what names you bear. Then Telemachus said, Nestor, renowned king,

Starting point is 00:26:02 glory of the Greeks, we have come out of Ithaca, and we seek tidings of my father, of Odysseus, who long ago fought by your side in the war of Troy. With you men say, he sacked the great city of the Trojans, But no further story about him has been told, but I have come to your knees, O King, to beg you to give me tidings of him, whether he died and you saw his death, or whether you heard of his death from another.

Starting point is 00:26:45 And if you should answer me, speak not, I pray you. in pity for me, but tell me all you know, all have heard. Er, if ever my father helped you in the land of the Trojans, by the memory of what help he gave, I pray you speak in truth to me, his son. Then said Nesta, the old king, verily my son, you bring sorrow to my mind Where are they who were with me in our war Against the mighty city of Troy

Starting point is 00:27:29 Where is Ayax and Achilles And Patricus And my own dear son Antilochus Antelicus Who is so noble And so strong And where is Agamendon now

Starting point is 00:27:48 He returned to his own land to be killed in his own hall by a most treacherous foeman. And now you ask me of Odysseus, the man who was dearer to me than any of the others, Odysseus, who was always of the one mind with me. Never did we two speak diversely in the assembly nor in the council. You say to me that you are the son of the son of, Odysseus. Surely you are. Amazement comes over me as I look on you and listen to you,

Starting point is 00:28:28 for you look as he looked, and you speak as he spoke. But I would have you speak further to me and tell me of your homeland and how things fair in Ithaca. Then he told me the old king of the evil deeds. I had worked by the wooers of his mother, and when he told me of them, Telemachus cried out, O that the gods would give me strength, that I might take vengeance on them, for their many transgressions. Then said old Nesta, who knows but Odysseus, will win home and requite the violence of these suitors and the insults they have offered to your house. The goddess Athena might bring this to pass while she was inclined to your father and never did the gods show such favour to a mortal as the grey-eyed goddess showed to Odysseus your father. But Telemachus

Starting point is 00:29:40 answered, In no wise can your word be accomplished. King. The Latina, in the likeness of old Mentor, spoke to him and said, What word has crossed your lips, Telemachus? If it should please them, any one of the gods can bring a man home from afar. Only this the gods may not do, avert death from a man who has been doomed to it. Telemachus answered her and said, mental, no longer let us talk of these things. Nester the renowned king has been very gracious to me, but he is nothing to tell me of my father.

Starting point is 00:30:28 I deem now that Odysseus will never return. Go to Menelaus, said Nester. Go to Menelaus in Sparta. Lately, he has come from a far and strange country, and it may be that he has heard of Odysseus in his wanderings. You can go to Sparta in your ship, but if you have a mind to fare by land, then will I give you a chariot and horses,

Starting point is 00:31:02 and my son will go with you to be a guide for you into Sparta. Then Telemachus, with Athena, the grey-eyed goddess in the likeness of old Mentor would have gone back to their ship. But Nestor the king said, Zeus forbid that you two should go back to the ship to take your rest while there is guestroom in my hall. Come with me to a place where you can lie softly.

Starting point is 00:31:33 Never shall it be that a son of Odysseus, my dear friend, will lay on the hard neck of a ship while I am alive and while children of mine are left in my hall. Come with me now. Then the goddess Athena in the likeness of old Mentor said, You have spoken as becomes you renowned king. Telemachus should hearken to your word and go with you,

Starting point is 00:32:07 but it is neat that the young man who came for the love of him should have an elder with them on the ship tonight, I shall abide with them. So speaking, the goddess grey-eyed Athena

Starting point is 00:32:24 in the likeness of old Mentor went from the shore and Telemachus went with Nestor and his sons to the high citadel of Neelius and there he was given a bath and the maiden Pollycar the youngest daughter of King Nesta attended him. She gave him new raiment to wear, a goodly mantle and doublet.

Starting point is 00:32:51 He slept in a room with Pysistratus, the youngest of Nester's sons. In the morning they feasted and did sacrifice, and when he had given judgments to the people, the old King Nester spoke to his sons. Lo now my sons, yoke for Telemachus, the horses to the chariot, that he may go on his way to Sparta. The sons of Nesta gave heed and they yoked the swift horses to the chariot, and the house dame came from the hall and placed within the chariot wine and dainties. Telemachus went into the chariot and Pisistratus sat before him. Then Pisistratus touched the horses with a whip and they sprang forward and the chariot went swiftly over the plain.

Starting point is 00:33:50 Soon they left behind them the steep citadel of Neelius and the land of Pylos. And when the sun sank and the waves were darkened, they came to Furi and in the house of Diocles and there they rested for the night. In the morning, as soon as the sun rose, then they yoked the houses and they mounted the chariot and for another day they journeyed across the plain, they had gone far and the ways were again darkened around them. Chapter 8. They came to Sparta to a country lying low against the hills, and they stayed the chariot outside the gate of the king's dwelling.

Starting point is 00:34:42 Now upon that day, Manilaus was sending his daughter into Pithia, with horses and chariots as a bride for Achilles' son. And for Magipanthes, his own son, a bride was brought into the house. Because of these two marriages, there were feasting in the palace, and kingsmen and neighbours were gathered there, a minstrel were singing to the guests, and two tumblers were whirling round the high hall to divert them. To the king in his high hall came Etienneus, the steward. Renowned Manilaeus, said Etienneas,

Starting point is 00:35:29 there are two strangers outside. Men with the looks of heroes. What would you have me do with them? Shall I have their horses unyoped, bidding the men to the palace, or shall I let them fare onto another dwelling? Why do you ask such a question, at Ioneus, said Melaleus in anger.

Starting point is 00:35:54 I have not eaten the bread of other men, on our wanderings, and we have not rested ourselves in other men's houses. Knowing this, you have no right to ask whether you should bid strangers enter or let them go past the gate of my dwelling. Go now, and bid them enter and feast with us. Then at Ianeus went from the hall and while he had servants and yoke of the horses from their chariot, he led Telemachus and Pisistratus into the palace. First they were brought to the bath, and when they had come from the bath refreshed, they were given new cloaks and mantles. When they had dressed themselves, they were led to the king's high hall. They seated themselves there, and a maid brought water in a golden ower and poured it over their hands into a silver basin.

Starting point is 00:37:08 Then a polished table was put beside them, and the house dame placed bread and meat and wine upon it so they might eat. Menelaus came to where they sat and said to Peslemachus and Pysistratus, By your looks, I know you to be of the line of kings. Eat now, and when you have refreshed yourselves, I will ask who you are and from what place you come. But before they had finished their meal, and while yet Melaleus the king was showing them the treasures that were near, the Lady Helen, came into the high hall.

Starting point is 00:37:56 Helen for whom the kings and princes of Greece had gone to wall. Her maids were with her, and they set a chair for her, near where Melaleus was, and they put a rug of soft wool under her feet. Then one brought to her a silver basket, filled with coloured yarn, and Helen sat in her high chair and took the distaff in her hands and worked the yarn. She questioned Menelaus about the things that had happened during the day, and as she did, she watched Telemachus. Then the Lady Helen left the distaff down and said, Menelaus, I am minded to tell you who one of the strangers is. No one was ever more like another than this youth is like great-hearted Odysseus.

Starting point is 00:39:04 I know that he is no other than Telemachus, whom Odysseus left as a child, when for my sake, the Greeks began their war against Troy. Then said Melaleus, I too mark his likeness, of Odysseus, the shape of his head, the glance of his eye, remind me of Odysseus. But can it indeed be that Telemachus has come into my house? Renowned Manilaeus, said Pysistratus, This is indeed the son of Odysseus, and I avow myself to be the son of another comrade of yours, of Nestor, who was with you at the war of Troy, I had been sent with Telemachus to be as guide to your house.

Starting point is 00:40:05 Melaleus rose up and clasped the hand of Telemachus. Never did there come to my house, said he, a youth, more welcome. For my sake, did Odysseus endure much toil and many adventures. Had he come to my country, I would have given him a city to rule over, and I think that nothing would have parted us, one from the other. But Odysseus, I know, has not returned to his own land of Ithaca. Van Telemachus, thinking upon his father, dead or wandering through the world, wept, had in two. She shed tears remembering things that had happened, and Melaleus, thinking upon Odysseus, and of all his toils were silent and sad. And sad and silent too was Pysistratus, thinking upon Antilochus his brother, who had perished in the war of Troy.

Starting point is 00:41:14 But Helen, wishing to turn their minds to other thoughts, cast into the wine a drug that lulled pain and brought forgetfulness, a drug which had been given to her in Egypt by Polly Damner, the wife of King Theon. And when they had drunk the wine, their sorrowful memories went from them, and they spoke to each other without regretfulness. Lethaw king Meneleus told of his adventure with the ancient world. of the sea, the adventure that had brought to him the last tidings of Odysseus.

Guided Sleep Meditation & Sleep Hypnosis from Sleep Cove - The Odyssey and The Tales of Troy - Part 2 - The Goddesses’ Contest That Began the Trojan War

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