Let's Find Out - The Odyssey (Complete Story, 3 HOURS) | ASMR Book Reading

Starting point is 00:00:01 Just so you know, the Odyssey is the ending. We're actually many, many, many more myths. Annably of goddess of wisdom, Zeus's daughter. Zeus, the god of gods. And we have Poseidon, the god, Zeus is probably, of Hermes, the sender of the gods, Hyperion, the sun god. New basic lit buffs out there, I guess. apparently the Cyclops is a very phallic representation.

Starting point is 00:06:48 Odysseus, our protagonist, the main guy, son of Laerti, is king, his wife, Penelope, his son, Delemachus. Laos, the instigator, former husband of Helen, instigator of the entire Trojan war, and successfully doing so, sacking Troy, Alcinus, Alcinus, king, king of the Fasians. The city of Troy was in flame. Odysseus looked back and laughed for ten bitter years. The Greek army had laid siege to steal away the beautiful.

Starting point is 00:09:46 Odysseus's home, Ithaca. A poor, bare, low-lying island far out of the setting sun. And there it is right there. The furthest west in all of Greece to Odysseusia. Zinithka, those years that the Greeks had warred against Troy, his heart had been yearning. What did he care if Paris had taken a fancy to Linalaus' wife, Helen, and Laos his brother, who led the Greek army against Troy, came to collect Odysseus to join the expedition. Odysseus swirved to avoid him.

Starting point is 00:12:06 they saw through the act, for so fine was Odysseus, who came up with the plan to deceive the Trojans into opening their city gates, so letting the finest Greek soldiers into the city concealed inside of Greeks. Odysseus was the most eager to be on his way, called as men, and they sat, and they set sail while the sky behind them still burned red. But bad luck was with them from the start. Great Zeus, who wheeled, sent such storms that their ships not tell sea. He set sail once more, only to be dragged, caught by the fierce current. Odysseus, just Odysseus himself, went in search of them. In a clearing, he found one of his men. He was laying on his back, humming. Ordecius recognized the melody. It was an old Ithacan

Starting point is 00:15:44 Lullaby seemed to recognize Odysseus. Instead, he held out some fruit, saying, Here, have some, because their only food was the honeyed lotus fruit. They had offered their fruit to Odysseus's men. Whoever tasted at once lived only his tribe to reason with the man, Don't you want to go home? He began to slip once more into his waking dream, and nothing Odysseus did or said could stir him.

Starting point is 00:17:06 Odysseus returned to the ships and fetched. They dragged their blank-eyed, smiling companions, back to the ship. One tied them up and fled from that deadly land, where the lotus fruit traps men in a trance of childhood. Wars dipped once more into the whitening sea. They tried to shut their ears from the pite. piteous cries of those men who had eaten remembers trying to get to yet Poseidon, Zeus's daughter, Zeus's Aeolus,

Starting point is 00:26:17 Circe, the goddess of enchantment, Calypso the goddess of silence. Poseidon maybe says very phallic symbol, has very focused, very versatile, extremely passionate, sailed on sad and weary until they reached else's laws as a consequence of that. Perhaps they don't work together very well. The crews beached their boats in a fine harbor. Close of dawn was in the sky. Odysseus picked 12 of his men in set. These cheeses we can carry drive the animals onto the boats and set sail before this shepherd returns. Said Palletes, one of us.

Starting point is 00:30:19 Odysseus' most trusted companion. The looks of it, he must be a giant. He settled down to milk the sheep and the goats. Something troubled the Cyclops at his work. A strange, began to sniff the air. In searching the cave, he soon discovered Odysseus, as they are. The less I may choose to spare you.

Starting point is 00:33:15 Tell me, how did you come here? Did my father Poseidon allow you to travel freely? Is your ship moored nearby? Panyans and I are the only survivors. He swung them by their ankles and dashed their brains out against the wall. He then told the others looked on in terror. Polyphemus washed his meal down with milk. Loves lay snoring of Odysseus and set out.

Starting point is 00:35:28 Odysseus and the remaining eight men were left to tremble in the cave. waiting for nightfall and the return. The last Odysseus spoke. It may be that this cyclops will eat us all and that our only choice is between a swift or a slow death. We can fool this giant. I have with me a goat skin full of dark

Starting point is 00:36:00 given me by the priest. This wine is so potent that it should be diluted with 20 parts spring water. I shall offer it to the cyclops. and if he drinks it, he will fall into a fuddled sleep. He then sat down to drink some milk, and Odysseus went up to him saying, Cyclops, you have caused my companions to drink the black wine of death. If you are to feast, if you are to feast on men's flesh,

Starting point is 00:38:00 you should at least send them on their way with honor. I have here. I have here a goat skin of fine wine, which I had brought to you as a gift. Let me pour you a bowlful. The cyclops drained the bowl in a single swallow, wiping his great, blubbery lips, he said, Tell me your name, little man, to make you a present in return for this wine. Pour me some more. lead you last. That is my gift to you, replied Polyphemus. As the wine overcame one, he sank to the floor.

Starting point is 00:39:23 His great head lolled to one side, and as sleep tugged him under, he belched forth a vile mouthful of wine and human flesh. Odysseus and his men took the stake that they had made out of the olive wood, and laid it into the fire until it was red-hot, begging courage of the gods. The stake and plunged it into the giant's single eye. Odysseus above twisted it to and fro to drill it home, and the eye bubbled and hissed with a sound like a smith, tempering iron. The stake, but Odysseus and his men could easily dodge the blind, blundering giants. giant, polyphemuses screams resounded through the hills, waking the other cyclops in their high

Starting point is 00:40:46 gaze. They all rushed to help him. When they arrived outside the cave, he called, What is the matter? Who is attacking you? They called. Nobody is attacking me. Nobody has tried to kill me. Nobody. Nobody. If nobody is attacking you, there's nothing we can do. You must ask your father Poseidon to help if you are suffering some torment of the gods. For Odysseus and his men, but he could not catch them. So he pushed his great.

Starting point is 00:42:14 The Odysseus had tied them together in groups of three so that a man could cling beneath the belly of the middle one and go undetected with six remaining odysseus his turn there was only one ram left a big fat with his face pressed as it passed polyphemus hugged it close to him the cave to-day you have lingered out of sadness for your master but i promise you nobody shall never escape gave Odysseus and his men drove the sheep down to the ships and made haste to put out for the sea, knowing that the Cyclops made no boats and could not follow them into the salt waves. Over the length of a man's shout from the shore, Odysseus cried, Cycloths, are you listening? It is I, nobody. You scoffed at Zeus, and the hospitality drew.

Starting point is 00:44:26 to a guest, now you must suffer for your evil ways. At this the giant was so outraged that he hurled the massive boulder from the cave entrance at the ship. It landed in the sea with such a tremendous crash that the waves from it drove the ship back. Odysseus was too proud to remain silent. Cyclops, he shouted. If anyone asks, who blinded you, tell them it was Odysseus, Prince of Ithaca. It was my wits that breached the walls of Troy, though they were built by Poseidon himself, and it was I who made a fool of you lose my sight of Odysseus.

Starting point is 00:47:59 Thought Odysseus would be a great hero, strong and tall, not a puny weakling like you. Then he stretched down his arms towards the sea, calling the great, great beside an earth shaker, Lord of the waves, hear me. If I am your son or my father, grant me this, me Odysseus never see his home again, or if he does, let him come alone and friendless to a house of treasius. Trouble and sorrow. Modizia sacrificed the ram. He had escaped. Athena, God. Messenger, Hyperion is the goddess of enchantment.

Starting point is 00:55:37 Circe, Calypso, the goddess of silence. Poseidon. Hear me if I am your son, and if you are my father, never see his home again. Come alone. Sidon heard it. heard it. Odysseus, who is the warden, his island floats on the surface of the sea, and all around it is a wall of Aeolus lives there with his wife and twelve children, six sons and Odysseus and his men,

Starting point is 00:59:33 closely about the fall of Troy. At last Odysseus patiently asked Aeolus for his help. Without it, for the west wind, which Aeolus commanded to give Odysseus safe passage home. All went well. After nine days and nine nights, the shore of Ithaca came into sight. Odysseus, who had been keeping lookout all this time, fell asleep. Sure. Sure. The foolish and greedy men undid the silver cord around the oxide back and let out the winds.

Starting point is 01:02:25 Fierce tempest arose, buffeting the ships with merciless fury. One by one they foundered. They sank to the bottom of the sea and the waves closed over them. Soon only Odysseus' ship was left. The wearing winds, the warring winds, blew it all the way back to Aeolus Island, answered Odysseus, but my companions have betrayed me. They opened the oxide bag and then let loose, the tempest. I beg you, I beg you, gather the winds together again so I can go home. Odysseus, heavy apricency to fill the sails this time,

Starting point is 01:04:00 against both wind and all the time they knew no matter what course they steered that Poseidon was waiting. Odysseus and his men eventually made landfall off the island of Aesia. The ship, Odysseus climbed a nearby hill to see what he could. As he stood gazing over the island, a stag cry. his path on its way to drink from the river. Odysseus flung his spear and killed it. Men, he cried, our luck is with us once again. Come, let us feast.

Starting point is 01:05:14 We shall explore the island. Next day Odysseus divided his crew. Should go first in Eurylicus, one, so he and twenty-two men set off inland. is Circe's palace. It stood in a clearing in the woodland and was built of stone. Wild creatures such as lions and wolves roamed outside it, but Circe's power was so great that they did not attack the men,

Starting point is 01:06:52 but fond over them like dogs. When the party came to the doors of the palace, they could hear Circe inside, singing in in a lovely, lilting voice as she worked at her loom, weaving such dazzling gossamer cloth as goddesses make. mhm h'm mhm mhm mhm

Starting point is 01:07:42 Pallotiz said There is a woman in the house Singing as she weaves All building rings With the echoes of her voice Come in I made them forget Sirce

Starting point is 01:08:37 Then she touched each of them lightly with a rod And as she did They turned into bristly snuffling swine wine. Odysseus's palace, Odysseus met Hermes, the messenger god. With this golden wand, golden wing, he looked like a boy on the edge of manhood, with the first soft down still on his upper lip. Nevertheless, Odysseus bowed low, knowing that he was in the presence of a god. Seerce welcomed him, ushered him to a chair, and handed. Be off to the pig's thigh, and lie down with your friends.

Starting point is 01:11:51 We seized it high as if to strike her dead. And Seerce fell to her knees, in pleading, to Odysseus answered, Trust you. To swine as to free them, and to do me no further on. And I will lie with you willingly. Odysseus went back to the ship to tell Eurylicas, and the others the news. I would not believe him and wanted to put straight out to sea. But Odysseus told them, I have given my word to a goddess, and I cannot break it.

Starting point is 01:13:49 When Odysseus and his men reached the palace, Circe welcomed them. Put aside your care, she said, eat, drink, and be merry. For a year, Odysseus' men feasted, while Odysseus kept loving company with the goddess, who bore him a son, to Laganus. At last, however, they grew homesick, and Odysseus begged Circe to help them go back to Ithaca. You have offended one of the most powerful gods, said Circe, and I cannot help you. If you want to return home, you must ask advice from the wisest of all, the blind seer, Dyrsius. But Teryseus is dead, said Odysseus.

Starting point is 01:14:50 Yes, you must venture into Hades itself to speak with them. It will be worth the journey, for while the rest of the dead are mere fleeting shadows. Tricius keeps his wits about him still. He alone can tell you what your future holds. You'll pilot me on such a voyage? Asked Odysseus. No sailor has ever undertaken the dark journey to the house. Do not worry, she replied.

Starting point is 01:15:33 Hoist your white sail in the north wind will carry you where you wish to go. You have passed the river of the ocean, you will come to the coast of Hades, with its black and blighted trees. And there you must leave your ship and walk into the land of the dead. When you come to a rock where two rivers meet, dig a trench, and fill it with milk and honey. Add sweet wine, then water, and sprinkle barley meal upon them, and sacrifice them. Up the dead will swarm at the scent of blood, but you must hold them back with your sword until Tyrusius arrives. He will answer your questions.

Starting point is 01:17:25 Odysseus gathered his men and returned to the ship, but one did not come with them. young alpanor having drunk too much wine he was lying asleep on the palace roof his companions calling for him he leaped up lost his footing plummeted to the ground and broke his neck Odysseus meanwhile spoke to his men

Starting point is 01:17:55 no doubt you think we are heading for home but we are not our destination is Hades where the goddess has told me to seek the advice of the seer, Teresius. Odysseus and his crew did not have to touch the oars, as the ship carried them to the dreadland of the death. Circe's breeze filled the sail to speed them across the darkening sea

Starting point is 01:18:44 to the very spot she had described. There Odysseus poured out milk, honey, sweet wine, water, and barley meal for the dead and promised them a sacrifice when he should return to Ithaca. With many prayers and invocations, he slaughtered the ram and the yew, and dark blood filled the trench. Ghosts flocked to the place of sacrifice, drawn by the vital energy, still pulsing from the heart. Odysseus would not let any of the shades feast on the blood until Tricius came, leaning on his golden staff, said Tricius. Then I will reveal your future to you.

Starting point is 01:21:14 Odysseus put up his sword, and Tricius bent down to the streaming, steaming blood. Then he spoke. Prince Odysseus, you have a lot. I've come from the sunlight into the land of the shadow in order to learn of your fate. So listen. You seek a safe passage home, but this will not be easy, for you have offended the earth shaker Poseidon. First, your cunning brought down the walls of Troy. Poseidon himself had set up.

Starting point is 01:21:58 Second, you have blinded his son, the cyclop of the gods, completely. But if you are careful, you and your companions may yet come safely home. Now's the wrath of the gods once more, the reward will be death and misery. If you return home at all, it will be late and alone, you must hope it is not too late, for even now, suitors of many lands are arriving at your palace and wooing your wife, Penelope. Lemicis is still a boy, and he protect her. I will heed your words, whatever may be fall.

Starting point is 01:23:17 I shall not give up hope. My son, Telemachus, fell from a fisherman's boat into the third. salt sea, yet he was not lost. A dolphin carried him on its back safe to shore, and that is why the seal on my ring shows a leaping dolphin. In the same way, surely the gods that weave my fate will bring me safely home at last. After that Odysseus led each of the shades one by one for his sacrifice and as they did so they seemed to take on substance and remember themselves again Odysseus was stricken to see his mother and to Clea mother into this dim land it was my longing for you my son she replied Odysseus reached across the trench, he is questioned.

Starting point is 01:25:30 Some still hugged their envies and spites to them, like precious treasures. Some remembered golden days and tender words, but none had thought for the future, except the blind seer, to Rysius, having even better tomorrow. Information about where to go. Odysseus had voyaged to Hades to talk to. Tricius was a seer and even in death still had the guile and the wisdom to retain, to see into the future. Erysius replies, You seek a safe passage. Will not be offended the earth shaker?

Starting point is 01:30:43 Poseidon. First, your cunning brought down the walls of Troy, which Poseidon himself had set up. In second, you have blighted his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. He is very in spite, despite his guile in cunning. He says, be warned if you arouse the wrath of the talk to the other souls, because Odysseus is pretty intelligent. Once they got him drunk and stabbed his eye out, they stole the sheep and sailed the god of the wind.

Starting point is 01:34:10 Aolas, that given Odysseus, he was sleeping and had his guard down. So this wind blew them all the way west yet again to Circe's enchanted Isle. Wentz, his men were turned into, she greeted them. You have faced death. Most it is enough to meet death once in a lifetime. You are fated to do so twice. But now forget murky Hades. Eat, drink, and in the morning you shall set sail.

Starting point is 01:37:29 Odysseus and his men were glad to be back in the world of light. That evening celebrating. You must sail past the island of the Sirens. If you sail too close to them, you will fall under. Though they seem in the sea like lovely maidens, once they have lured you ashore, they will turn into hag-like. Their island is littered with the bones of men. Safely pass the sirens, more dangers await you. You must choose between two terrible routes.

Starting point is 01:38:56 The first is overshadowed by great rocks, known as the what stay still, For past that way safely. Brought is bounded on one side by cliffs so high. You cannot see the sky above them. Way up these cliffs is a dingy cave in which the monster Skyla lives. It is no more worrying than a pup's yelp. She fishes in the morning. You see below, scooping out dolphins and sharks and other beasts.

Starting point is 01:40:20 She feasts greedily with all her heads. from the deck of any passing ship, glutting herself on its shady boughs, for there the charbedus lurks. She sucks the dark waters down, then jets them back in a hideous fountain. Asked Odysseus, don't be a fool, replied Sirsay.

Starting point is 01:41:27 These are deadless creatures, beyond your strength and understanding. Odysseus set sail once again. As they neared, the island of the Sirens. He told his men of the dangers facing them. Listen to the Sirens songs. We shall be lost.

Starting point is 01:42:02 You must block your ears with a soft wax so that you cannot hear. Again heeding Sierce's words, he told his men to lash him to the mast and made them promise not to release him, even if he was both a rapture. Odysseus begged him. Odysseus begged and pleaded with his crew to set him free so that he could follow the majestic song to its source crash in the spray of the waters it was a frightening sight of the sea beneath the scalyze cave be brave this is no worse than in the cyclops cave row row for your lives charmed his cult and vomited the salt waters the sea swirled in a deadly whirlpool

Starting point is 01:45:09 which would drag any ship to the bottom. There was no choice but to hug the cliffs. Suddenly above, Skyless six fearsome heads swung down, and she seized six of the strongest. Odysseus could do nothing as the monster lifted the screaming men. So as they sailed past, Odysseus, and as Odysseus listens with a face of melancholy of a... of excellent delight, serene. Perhaps it's another part of the story that was left out on the chapter of the Council of the Gods.

Starting point is 01:47:06 After watching powerless while the monster Skyla devour six of his men, Odysseus was thankful to arrive at the island of Sicily, where he anchored in a beautiful curving bay. now on that island were the herds of the sun god these animals alone said odysseus trouble will surely follow and his men agreed as diresius in the adies mentioned he warned him not to toy in metal with the gods south wind the end of which their supplies were definitely exhausted Odysseus fretted and worried. He begged Great Zeus to guide. While Odysseus slept, his men lay awake with hunger gnawing at their stomachs. At last, Eurylicus said, Starvation is the worst of his feast when we get back to Ithaca and his forgiveness and slaughtered them. When Odysseus awoke and smelled the roasting meats, Tyreseus had foretold that a fearful end awaited those. who offended one of the gods. Indeed, at that moment, Hyperion was standing before. Odysseus' crew have slaughtered my cattle. Every day, as I took my path across the sky,

Starting point is 01:50:14 I looked shivered to pieces. The Odysseus survived. He drifted helpless on the Salt Sea, until at last he came to the island of Ogesia. Calypso-alike, Circe, fell in love. with Odysseus, who had travelled so far across the world and had proved his courage and ingenuity so many, you deserve to be a god, she said, marry me and I will make you immortal. But Odysseus would not marry her, for he knew in his heart he must return to Penelope and Delemachus. Yet how could he? He had no ship, and besides, Calypso was, had so bewitched him, that he could not leave the island. So Odysseus spent seven long, lonely years,

Starting point is 01:52:11 sitting on the clifops, staring out to sea, and weeping at his fate. And Poseidon, the earth shaker, kept Odysseus in the glare that was terrible. Suiters from many lands came to Odysseus' palace, hoping to win her hand. Odysseus is surely dead. they would say as they lounged at his table eating his food and drinking his wine

Starting point is 01:52:53 then they would call for music and dancing odysius's son telemachus was now a young man handsome and strong but there was little he could do against the arrogance of the suitors as for penelope she could only fight for time i will make my choice among you she told them I have finished this tapestry showing my husband Odysseus' great feats against the Trojans. This much I owe to his memory. Each day she worked hard at the tapestry, but each night, while the drunken suitors caroused and sang, she unpicked the work she had done. So the tapestry...

Starting point is 01:53:54 That would happen that Poseidon was absent from Mount Olympus, having gone to Ethiopia to receive a great... sacrifice of the other gods gathered together in the palace of Zeus, Athena the wisest of them all. Often it is true, these foolish mortals bring their troubles on themselves, while blaming the gods for all their misfortunes. But my heart is wrong for Odysseus, who has been kept so long from his home and family. Even now, he is prison. of Calypso, daughter of Atlas, who knows the depths of the sea, and on his shoulders supports the great pillars that keep the earth and sky apart.

Starting point is 01:54:56 It is not I, but Poseidon, who cannot forgive Otisius for blinding his son, Polypilipus. As Poseidon is not here, let us see if we can help this unfortunate man. Let us send bright Hermes, our messenger, to instruct Calypso to let Odysseus go. I shall proceed to Ithaca to rouse the spirit of young Telemachus, Odysseus, his son, who has had to endure so many insults from his mother's suitors. And with that, Athena is strapped on her sandals of gleaming gold, which carried her like the wind over land and water, and sped down to Ithaca. where she took the form of Mentees, an old friend of Odysseus.

Starting point is 01:55:53 When she arrived at Odysseus's palace, the suitors roistering in the courtyard, playing games, swilling wine, and making jokes. Jokes at the expense of Delemachus. He was pale and tense, but when he saw Mentees, he rose and courteously beckoned him to sit down. The news of your father, noble Odysseus, asked the guest, no news answered telemachus his bones are bleached in the sun on some far island or rotting at the bottom of the sea do you think if these louts thought there was any chance of his return they would be lolling here no they would be running up to their ships as fast as their legs could carry them if so great a man as odysseus has died the world would know of it tell these these suitors they are not welcome here and if they choose to stay they must suffer the

Starting point is 01:57:04 consequence then take the ship with me and we will sail in search of news Lemachus did as Mentis advised and they sailed the next day for Sparta to ask King Menelaus for news of Odysseus and all the time Athena in the guise of Mentees was at the side of young Delemachus, shaping the boy into a man and strengthening his resolve to find his father and defy the suitors. We're just going to go ahead and leave it here for today and pick it up next time with Odysseus being cast ashore a mastermind behind the conception. But as with all great effort Sometimes there are great consequences.

Starting point is 02:01:49 In the great sea god, the earth shaker, Poseid, was one of the gods that built the walls of Troy and he was angered by Odysseus. So he flung him off to a faraway aisle, where he had to dodge the lotus eaters, outwit the cyclops. He had to, as humans tend to be full of, serious. Searsay's enchanted aisle, the Silla and Chartes dwell. Silla is a great who picks that pass too close to the shoreline, but they were forced to pass close because the Charbedus sucks great swaths of water making whirlpools that would suck entire ships down to the bottom. So Odysseus chose to save all his men by sacrificing

Starting point is 02:04:20 to save some of his men rather by sacrifice. Odysseus being the brave and curious and cunning man he is before they went there he knew they would have to pass the sirens and they're beautiful, alluring a chance because of Circe's, he himself up to the mast of the ship, as of the former victim. But due to the warnings of Tyresius who he consulted with in the Aides,

Starting point is 02:06:01 he knew not to meddle with any more. As they watched over, tried their best to go hungry after a month and the supplies dwindling down to near nothing. Was responsible, but only because his loyalty to the gods before the men, despite pitying Odysseus that Zeus created, eating the gods' cattle. Now all Odysseus has is himself clinging, floating for nine days in nights in the salt sea, until he came upon the Isle of Calypso, whereupon she essentially held him captive for seven years as a man, worthy of becoming a god and being the husband of a goddess. But he wasn't happy. Odysseus spent seven long, lonely years, sitting on top of cliffs to see it.

Starting point is 02:07:49 while beside him was down in Africa, accepting sacrifices. Athena thought, Otisius has been through enough and been honorable the whole time. He's been a truthful, honest, brave, courageous, witty, clever man. And he's done his best to keep his men safe, despite them all drowning. So she took it upon herself to ask Zeus for some of the same. for some vouchsafing of Odysseus and now has guided young telemachus Athena in the guise of Mentees one of Odysseus's old friends was at the side of young telemachus shaping the boy into a man and strengthening his resolve

Starting point is 02:08:58 witty such as promising them every night while they get drunk and lose their wits discreetly undoes most of the work she had done that day, buying her much time. And by this time, Telemachus is old and older, rather, and has grown almost into a man, at least in physical appearance. And that's where Athena comes in. With the help of Athena and the Geysmete's young Telemachus, drawn for interaction to defy the suitors. and take back what is rightfully his and his fathers.

Starting point is 02:10:22 So, Lewis now is going to help Odysseus by sending a messenger Hermes. Hermes sped across the waves with his golden wand that brings sweet sleep or dispels it in his golden sandals that carried him like Athena swiftly through the air. He dipped and soared. He found Calypso in her cave, singing softly and weaving at her. with that golden shuttle. Was it growl? What brings you here, Hermes? I am commanded by the all-powerful Zeus to tell you to release Luchless Odysseus. It is not his destiny to remain with you. He must build himself a raft to take him to the land of the Fasians. Furnish him with a ship. Rescued this man from the sea when Zeus had shattered his ship with a thunderbolt. I offered him immortality to live with me in love with me and live.

Starting point is 02:12:57 love me in this enchanted place, and now I must let him go? Who? Who will I find then to be my companion? Nevertheless, Calypso had to obey the command of Zeus. She went in search of Odysseus and found him, as usual, sitting by the shore. The deathless gods have taken pity on you, Odysseus, she said. I am to let you go. So if you wish you may go.

Starting point is 02:13:34 down trees and I will give you tools to make a raft to carry yourself across the sea. I will provide you with food and water and wine, but think I beg you of the sorrows and the hardships that must lie ahead. You have a choice. Only forget your family and you can live here with me in eternal bliss. You have a heart to pity me, said Odysseus, but I have not one to love you. My love is already pledged. I will endure any hardship if I can return to Ithaca. So Odysseus started work at once, building his raft. He fell 20 trees and shook them with a bronze axe.

Starting point is 02:14:28 He pinned the timbers together to make a raft and built half a deck. on it. He then raised a mast and fitted a steering oar and fenced at the sides with plated willows back, backed with brushwood. After four days the raft was ready, so at dawn the next day, Calypso obeyed him. She gave him provisions for his journey, not the only god to hear Odysseus singing, Earthshaker Poseidon, who spans the earth, also heard that may very voice as he returned from Ethiopia. Who has dared to do this? He bellowed.

Starting point is 02:16:27 This man has not yet paid for his crimes against me, and Poseidon summoned a raging tempest to stir up. But there was one to take pity on him. Now lives in the sea. It's like a gull and settled on the raft. Poor man, she said. Poseidon's anger will destroy you if you. you try to fight them, you must strip off your clothes and trust yourself to the sea,

Starting point is 02:17:14 leaving this unlucky raft to its fate. Here, take this scarf. You can swim from here to the island of the Fasians, and the scarf will keep you safe from drowning. But once you reach the shore, cast it into the sea, so that it will return to Odysseus grasp the scarf and flung himself into the waves with only a single plank. Two days and nights. Odysseus rode the waves until exhausted and near the end of his strength. He reached the rocky shore of the land of the Phacians. With his last strength, he flung Ainos, precious scarf back into the sea. Then a wave caught him and threw him onto the beach. He lay there a broken man with salty brine pouring from his mouth and nostrils. And as Odysseus lay bruised and battered on the fashian shore, Athena sealed his

Starting point is 02:19:38 eyes with the sleep. The bedside of his daughter, Nossica, a lovely girl in the first flush of Psy's edge with the olive oil. And afterwards they played at catch, tossing a ball from one to the other to the rhythm of Nossica's singing. M. In a signal, she caused Odysseus to wake. He staggered out from behind the bush, then had hidden him, with only a bow wrenched from the underground to cover his nakedness. To the girls he seemed like some wild creature and they fled from him. Only Nassica stood her ground, for Athena had filled her with courage.

Starting point is 02:22:14 Odysseus said, fair lady If you are a lady and not a goddess Have pity What land is this where I've been cast ashore This is the country of the Facians I am Nassica Daughter of the king

Starting point is 02:22:36 Alcinas You are welcome stranger For though you look rough Your words are gentle Bath, dress And come with me to my father's palace And he will give you all that is due to a guest for Zeus himself.

Starting point is 02:22:55 Zeus himself is the patron of the wayfaring stranger. Alcinas welcomed the castaway with great kindness. He could see that this was no ordinary man. Indeed, Athena cast such a glow about Odysseus that he seemed like one of them, said the king. Give me a ship to take me home, answered Odysseus. It shall be done, said Alcinas. But first you must recover from your ordeal. Go and rest now and tomorrow I will prepare a ship to take you wherever you wish.

Starting point is 02:25:26 In your honor I will hold a great banquet and games in which our younger men can show you what we fashions are made of. Next day of Dysius, who had still not told Alcinas his name, sat in the place of honor at the feast. When everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Nina inspired him to sing of heroes, and the story he chose told of the quarrel between Odysseus and Achilles, outside the walls of Troy. Odysseus drew his cloak over his face so that no one should see the tears that ran down his cheeks.

Starting point is 02:26:13 Then Alcinas announced the start of the games. The young fashions vied with one another running, wrestling, jumping, and throwing the discus, each hoping to impress the noble stranger with their strength, saying, now it is your turn to show us what you are made of, for no one can be called a man unless he excels at some sport or of the known taste for such things today, Odysseus said. My heart is aching to be home. Eurel is sneered.

Starting point is 02:27:11 You speak like some penny-pinching merchant. whose only pleasure is to count the goods in and out of his warehouse, not like a man of spirit, Odysseus said, the gods do not give all their blessings to one man. You have the body of a young hero but an empty head. Once I too was young and strong, but I have suffered much through the malice of the gods. Yet even now I will accept your challenge at any sport, even running, though I have been sorely battered by the waves. So Euralas picked up a discus and threw it as far as he could.

Starting point is 02:27:55 Odysseus rose and took it. As he swung back his cloak, the crowd gasped. At the corded muscles of his upper arm, he threw and the discus sailed powerfully through the air, far outstripping Euralis's throat. I'm afraid my strength is not what it was, said Odysseus. The Nelcena is called for dancing in the moment was forgotten. When the dancing was over, Odysseus asked if the barred Demodocus would sing again,

Starting point is 02:28:34 and Domonicus sang of the deeds of Odysseus and men allowus at the sack of Troy. Once more, glittering tears welled up from Odysseus's eyes. When the story had come to an end, he said, "'Hasinus, you have done me every honor, and given me many gifts, and have not so much.'" has asked my name. So now I will tell you I am Odysseus, son of Laertes. Since the fall of Troy, I have been wandering the seas buffeted by fate in the gods, from one horror to the next, but now with your help I hope to reach my own. Your ship is ready, replied Alcinas, and you need have no fear of shipwreck.

Starting point is 02:29:33 We phacians use no sense. steering oars, for our ships respond to the very thoughts, our very thoughts, and skim across the waves with ease and grace. Your long journey is coming to its end. Farewell, Odysseus. Phillips of Isle, to Nosca, to the island of Aeolus, Circeus enchanted Isle. He's avoiding the sirens, the sila, and the charredice, the fate of death. He's been to the underworld. And now with the help, Circe, to bed with for a very, very long time. He's been away for a total of 20 years at this point.

Starting point is 02:33:18 Odysseus had him to this beautiful, beautiful island where King Alcinas was actually a very gracious host, even before learning. He was Odysseus, son of Layertes. But once he defeated Euralas a contest and showed that he was pretty much a badass, he revealed himself as the great Odysseus and Alcinas said, Hey man, your ship is ready. We fashions use no steering wars for our ships respond to our very very, thoughts and skim across the water with ease. Your long journey is coming to it. To Ithaca. The efficient ship carried Odysseus swiftly and safely to.

Starting point is 02:34:59 D'Rived Odysseus himself was in a sound slumber sent by the goddess Athena and the sailors could not wake him. So they carried him ashore, still wrapped in his blanket and laid him gently down together with the rich gifts that he had received from King Alcinas. But the generous spirit of the Fasians did not please beside it. As a lesson to King Alcinas, Poseidon waited until the ship had reached the shore. The Fasian harbor on its homeward journey, stirring from his spellbound sleep. It was a thick mist of these fashions betrayed me. Athena, with her gleaming eyes, stepped out of the murk.

Starting point is 02:36:25 In the guise of a simple shepherd, she said, You ask where this is. She said, It is an aisle whose fame has traveled far. You are in Ithaca. Odysseus could have shouted. She laughed.

Starting point is 02:37:04 You think to hide your identity, but clever as you are you cannot deceive me, for you are speaking to a god. You cannot keep anything from me. If this is Ithaca, said Odysseus, then I beg you, show it to me. So Athena dispelled the mist, and Odysseus fell to his knees to kiss the soul of his homeland.

Starting point is 02:37:35 Then Athena told him of Penelope's plight. Be set by so many bullying suitors, I will go to Sparta to fetch your son. Telemachus. At the court of King Manalawas, he has earned men's respect, and he has matured into a fine man. He must go to the hut, swineherd, humanus. He has remained loyal to Penelope and Telemachus, and will help us in our plans. but first I will make sure that no one here will recognize you and with that Athena touched Odysseus with her wand

Starting point is 02:38:28 the goddess gave him the staff of a beggar's bag and he looked every inch like an aged vagabond in this guy's Odysseus made his way to Humaneus's hut my nerds dog leapt out at him barking and slavering and nearly knocked them to the ground. But when they stopped at Huminus' command, welcome, stranger, the swineherd said. If I can offer you any food or service, I will be happy to, in the hope that some other man will do the same for my noble master, Odysseus.

Starting point is 02:39:34 Should he, by chance, be traveling poor and friendless, through some strange land? that he would come loutch saving him the garb of a vacant outside Eumaeus' hut. These little dogs barking. Athenno really has a penchant for Odysseus. My friend, said Odysseus, may the gods reward you with kindness

Starting point is 02:40:22 and grant you your desire and the pair settled down around the swineer. The goddess Athena left Odysseus. sleeping in the swineherd's hut and went swiftly to Sparta to the bedside of Telemachus she found him tossing and turning tormented her eyes flashed with sympathy she told him it is time to take your leave of King Menelaus in return to Ithaca waste when you reach the shore go straight to the hut of the swineherd Eumaeus Telemachus roused himself.

Starting point is 02:41:24 By Doloress were already harnessed to his chariot. He stayed only long not to say farewell to his host before setting out for his. He stood at the prow, urging the ship across the waves, longing to be home. Meanwhile, Odysseus spent the day with Eumaeus, questioning him closely about the events. Eumaeus told him everything. never dreaming that the old beggar to whom he spoke was Odysseus himself.

Starting point is 02:42:06 Odysseus already knew of his mother's death, for he had spoken to her in the shade in the land of the dead. But now he heard firsthand from the loyal swineherd about the loudish behavior of the suitors and Telemachus' journey in the quest of his father. That night, Odysseus slept once more in the swineher and said, and as dawn lit up the sky, he was awakened by the sound of dogs, whimpering. They were not barking as they would at a stranger, but greeting some long, lost friend. It was a tall young man fit and strong. He carried the spear-tipped with bronze. It is some fine young warrior, said Odysseus.

Starting point is 02:43:01 Umayas, wiping the sleep from his bleary eyes, replied, It's to Lemachus, come home at last, and he embraced. Therudisius laid eyes for the first time on the grown son, whom he had left as a baby. Lemachus felt the old wanderer's eyes on him and met his glance. Welcome, stranger. Though it is a poor welcome, I can offer, who dare not. not even go to my own home for fear of the treachery in murder. I read in the suitor's eyes. Then he turned to Eumaeus, old friend, please go and tell my mother that I am home and find out

Starting point is 02:44:00 how the land lies before I return to my father's place. As soon as Eumaeus had gone, the goddess Athena approached the hut. Only Odysseus could seer for the immortals, or when they so choose. But the dogs must have sensed her, for they slunk away whining and trembling with her. And Athena beckons Odysseus to come. There, she told him, the time has come to act. She touched him with her wand, and he changed back to his own appearance, if anything, stronger and younger and more handsome than before. He returned to Lemachus, already unsettled by the dogs, started back in terror. Are you a God? He asked. I am no God, said Odysseus. I am Odysseus. I am Odysseus, Prince. What is mine? It was the goddess Athena, who disguised me as an old man, for just as the

Starting point is 02:45:24 gods themselves seem now old, now young, now man, now woman. They have the power to transform us mortals as they choose. And with that, father and son fell into each other's arms, we with joy. After Odysseus' long 20-year journey home, in Telemachus' long search, they had found each other at last. United, they could face the suitors. Together, said Odysseus, we shall scour the place clean of those vermin. But how can that be? asked Telemachus. There are only two of us. and over one hundred of them, all spoiling forth.

Starting point is 02:46:18 With Asena and Zeus on our side, we do not need any further allies, replied Odysseus. Telemachus, you must go to the palace. I will follow, once more disguised as an old man. The suitors will mock me and even threaten me. Don't let your anger show. The time will soon come when they will be. bitterly regret every cruel word and unkind blow. The goddess sends me a sign I will nod to you.

Starting point is 02:46:56 Then you must take down every weapon, every piece of armor in the hall and hide them away upstairs. Tell the suitors that you do not want the weapons tarnished by the smoke from the fire. And also that you wish to prevent any quarrel among them from getting too, out of hand. Leave just two swords, two spears, and two shields. Those are for us. A beggar. Lemachus arrived at the palace. He was greeted by his old nurse Euryclea and by his mother, Penelope. Then the suitors thronged around him, bidding him welcome with their lips. Things might have turned ugly, had not meet on one of the few faithful servants. Called the men to the table, to celebrate Telemachus' return.

Starting point is 02:48:14 None of the Sooners had any qualms about enjoying yet another feast at Odysseus' as they were dining Odysseus came to the palace, disguised as an old beggar. Outside the doors to the courtyard, he saw an old dog lying neglected on a heap of dung. It was Argus, his faithful hound. who'd been waiting patiently all the long years for his master's return. No disguise could have prevented Argus from knowing Odysseus. The old dog, too crippled and starved to move, wagged his mangy tail. He had lived beyond his time, hoping against hope for his master's return. Now Argus's faithfulness was repaid, and he died.

Starting point is 02:49:16 content. So it was when Odysseus stumbled across the threshold of his palace. Like a failing old man dressed in rags, leaning on a stick, his head was swimming with sadness. He had to sit down and rest against a pillar. Athena reappeared to him saying, Go to each of the suitors. And in turn beg from them. That way you may test. if any are worthy to be spared.

Starting point is 02:49:52 Odysseus wandered to man with outstretched hands, in whining voice, begging for alms. Some of the men grudgingly gave him crust of bread, but none spared him a kind word. Antinus, Antonus, was one of the meanest and most cruel of them. Go away, old men, he said. Don't slobber over the table. You're putting me off my me.

Starting point is 02:50:21 A fine man like you should have pity on an old wretch like me, replied Odysseus. Once I was rich, and then I never turned a beggar from my door. Then it's your own fault that you're poor now, retorted Antenus, and all the suitors laughed. Odysseus felt his anger rising. You begrudge me a pinch of salt or a crust of bread, yet you sit there gorging on another's and he turned and walked away at being spoken to in such tones by a mere beggar lashed out with a stool catching Odysseus a terrible blow on the back below his right shoulder but Odysseus did not stagger he took the force of the blow and walked on shaking his head at that moment another beggar came into the

Starting point is 02:51:28 hall this was a young man named Iris who though young and strong and strong had never worked, preferring to live by begging. Seeing Odysseus, he cried, Get out, old man, where I will throw you out. There is no place for you here. I have no quarrel with you, said Odysseus. These men have enough to spare for both of us. For no man dare refuse a beggar,

Starting point is 02:52:01 knowing that the gods who have given him health and riches can also take the moment in this eager to see the insulin beggar beaten and driven out shouted let the two beggars make a match of it the winner shall eat his fill the suitors rose from the table and made a circle around eras and odysseus their jeers and mockery died in the mouths. When Odysseus hitched up his rags and they saw his strong thighs, this old man is not as feeble as he looks, they muttered. Euris, who had thought to win an easy victory, began to shake with fear, lashed out, striking Odysseus on the shoulder. Then Odysseus swung his mighty arm and crunched his fist into Yus' neck.

Starting point is 02:53:05 Yurus fell heavily to the floor. Blood. Odysseus took hold of yours by the leg and dragged him from the room. You can sit out here among the dogs and swine, he said. dumping Eres in the courtyard. Odysseus returned to join the feast. The suitors made Mary till nightfall,

Starting point is 02:53:47 and Odysseus tended the fire. but at last they retired to their beds and then Odysseus nodded. It's time to take down the weapons from the wall. And while Telemachus saw to this, Odysseus waited by the fire. But he came into the hall to see if this beggar had any news of Odysseus. He comforted her with words, telling her that he had heard Odysseus and was even then returning to his home. her serving maids, and told them to wash the beggars hands and feet, and to find him a place to rest,

Starting point is 02:54:41 and to treat him as an honored guest, for he had spoken of her husband with such gentleness. Now the serving maids were lazy creatures, more often to be found in some dark corner with one of the suitors than by Penelope's side. They shrank from the old beggar, but Eureclia, The old nurse who had cared for Odysseus when he was a baby, willingly fetched a bronze basin, and filled it with water to bathe the beggar's weary feet. While she was bathing his leg, she felt an old scar above his knee and knew her master at once.

Starting point is 02:55:36 But he put his finger to her lips, do not betray me. So Euryclia did not say a word, though her heart was filled, with a trembling joy. Stranger, said Penelope, I have one more question. I dreamed last night that a great eagle came down from the mountains

Starting point is 02:55:57 and slaughtered all my white geese. What can it mean? Surely, replied Odysseus, your dream meant that the eagle was Odysseus, come to take his vengeance on the suitors. Dreams are of two kinds, said Penelope. Some come to us through the gate of ivory,

Starting point is 02:56:21 and these dreams are false. But others, Morpheus, the god of sleep, sends to us through the gate of horn. These are true visions. I wish your interpretation were true, she went on. For now the suitors have discovered the trick,

Starting point is 02:56:43 by which I have kept them at bay, and my tapestry, is finished. Tomorrow I must choose among them. As a test, I will set up 12 axes in a line. Odysseus used to do this and shoot an arrow through the rings

Starting point is 02:57:00 in their handles. A feat no other man could match. If anyone tomorrow can manage it, I will be as bright. And that night, Penelope lay weeping on her bed, dreading the morning. but at last Athena granted her the blessing of sleep.

Starting point is 02:57:24 Odysseus lay down in a fleece by the dying embers of the fire. As he thought of the Sooners, his heart growled for vengeance like a wild beast, ravening its prey. Vysius' revenge. The next day was a feast in honor of Apollo, the god of archery, who fires the golden arrows of the sun. Penelope went to the storeroom where Odysseus had left his most precious treasures before setting off to Troy and fetched down his carved and crafted bow in its quiver full of deadly arrows she asked telemachus to bury the twelve axes with their heads in the ground and the ringed handles sticking up and then departed

Starting point is 02:58:26 Meadon, the steward summoned the suitors. Whoever could string Odysseus' bow and shoot an arrow through all twelve axes would win his mother's hand. Antinus laughed. This is too easy, he said. Even Laotis here, Antinus pointed at the weakest of them all. Could do it. And cheered as Leotis picked up the bow, but he could not bend it. it to fit the string, nor get any of the others. They all strained with all their might.

Starting point is 02:59:21 Finally, Antonus himself tried, but he was no more successful. Then Odysseus rose. Let me try, he said. I once was a fine bowman. Let me see if I still have any strength left. Are you mad? asked Antonis. Do you think a nameless wanderer could succeed, where we princes have failed, you must be drunk. Odysseus took the bow, and he caressed it, feeling carefully, for any weakness. But the bow was sound as ever. He took the string and attached it with little effort as a master musician, replacing the string on his lyre. It twanged beneath his fingers with a low, pure, menacing tone that drained the color from the suitor's cheeks.

Starting point is 03:00:16 Then Zeus let his thunder rumble across the sky. Nodosius laughed at the sign of the gods' great favor. He took an arrow and fired it straight and true through the axe handles. He took a second and loosed the bow again. Antonus fell gurgling onto the table through his neck. At first the suitors thought the old beggar had fired in error, but then they saw Talemica step to his side. sword appeared in spear in hand.

Starting point is 03:01:04 Odysseus' voice boomed through the hall. You curse. You thought that Odysseus would never return. You made yourselves at home in his palace, eating his food, drinking his drink, wooing his wife, and corrupting his servants. But I am back, and you all are doomed.

Starting point is 03:01:36 Odysseus and Telemachus, aided by the god of us, Athena who watched in the shape of a swallow perched on the roof beam, sat on the suitors, and slaughtered every one. The last was cowardly Liodes, who threw his arms around Odysseus's legs to beg for mercy. But Odysseus, Odysseus, Oedius severed his head before the words had left his mouth. However, Odysseus spared the bard of the female. who had sung for the suitors, for he would not kill one who was inspired by the gods. After the battle, the faithful steward, Medan, crawled out on a hurt from beneath a chair, where he had hidden from Odysseus' whirlwind of revenge.

Starting point is 03:02:54 All about them, the bodies of the suitors lay heaped, like a silver harvest that fishermen pour out from their nets onto the white sand. Odysseus ordered Medon to see that the court. corpses were moved, and the room cleaned and a new fire kindled. Then he unlocked the door to the women's quarters and called for Euryclea. When the old nurse saw the suitors lying dead, she could have shouted for joy, but Odysseus told her it is wrong to rejoice over any man's death, even your enemies. It is the will of the gods, whether we live or live. die. Now go tell your mistress that I have returned and what has happened here. But Penelope, who

Starting point is 03:03:50 had been sitting with her maids, listening to the blood curdling cries from the hall, would not believe that her savior was Odysseus. It must be some God who has done this thing, she said. And besides, I could not fail to know my own husband. whatever suffering he had endured, Odysseus is dead. No, said Euryclia, this is Odysseus. When I washed his feet, I saw the scar on his leg. So Penelope went down to the hall. Odysseus was sitting against a pillar on one side of the great fire.

Starting point is 03:05:11 Penelope did not go to embrace him, but instead sat on the other side of the fire. in there in silence gazing at the old beggar man in his filthy rags. Sometimes as the firelight flickered across his face, he did look like Odysseus. Sometimes he looked like a complete stranger. He must be tired. She said to him. She turned to Euryclea.

Starting point is 03:05:45 Half the maids fetch the bend from our bridal chamber and make it up. What do you mean, Odysseus? said angrily, it's not possible to move my bed. I built it myself. Around an old, unless someone has cut through the trunk, the bed cannot be taken out of the room. And then Penelope knew that this was indeed Odysseus, and she ran into his arms. Outside, the night air echoed with the twittering of the suitors' souls, as they journeyed. down to Hades. Wise Athena gave Odysseus back his own appearance, and Penelope's happiness was complete, and Odysseus embraced in the fires glow, and their troubles

Starting point is 03:06:50 Odysseus's long wanderings were over, and he was at peace with the gods at last.

Let's Find Out - The Odyssey (Complete Story, 3 HOURS) | ASMR Book Reading

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