Circe's Island and the Underworld

Odysseus's encounter with the enchantress Circe and his journey to the Underworld to consult Tiresias.

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Circe Turns Men to Pigs

The Enchantress Eurylochus's Report Odysseus sends a scouting party led by Eurylochus. They find Circe's house, and she invites them in. She drugs their wine and turns them into pigs. Eurylochus Escapes Eurylochus, suspecting treachery, does not enter and returns to warn Odysseus. Odysseus Confronts Circe Odysseus goes to rescue his men. Hermes gives him the herb moly to protect him from Circe's magic.

Odysseus and Circe

Odysseus Overpowers Circe Drawing His Sword When Circe's spell fails, Odysseus draws his sword. Circe recognizes him and invites him to her bed. The Oath Odysseus makes Circe swear not to harm him. She agrees and restores his men to human form. A Year on Aeaea Odysseus and his men stay with Circe for a year, feasting and recovering. Circe becomes a helpful ally.

Journey to the Underworld

Circe's Instructions The Need for Tiresias Circe tells Odysseus he must consult the prophet Tiresias in the Underworld before he can return home. The Nekyia Odysseus and his men sail to the edge of the world and perform a ritual to summon the dead. They dig a trench and offer blood. Meeting the Dead Odysseus speaks with Elpenor, his mother Anticlea, and Tiresias. Tiresias warns him about the cattle of the Sun and tells him how to appease Poseidon.

Conversations with Heroes

Encounters with the Dead Agamemnon's Ghost Agamemnon tells Odysseus about his murder by Aegisthus and Clytemnestra, warning him to be cautious with women. Achilles' Ghost Achilles laments his death but is pleased to hear of his son Neoptolemus's bravery. Ajax's Anger Ajax, still angry over the armor dispute, refuses to speak to Odysseus. Other Ghosts Odysseus sees many famous women and sinners being punished, including Tantalus and Sisyphus.

After leaving the Laestrygonians

After the confrontation

After a year on Aeaea

During the Nekyia