The Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis

Odysseus's passage past the deadly Sirens and the twin monsters Scylla and Charybdis.

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The Sirens' Song

Resisting the Sirens Circe's Warning Circe warns Odysseus about the Sirens, whose song lures sailors to their death. She advises him to plug his men's ears with wax and have himself tied to the mast. The Passage Odysseus follows her advice. He hears the Sirens' enchanting song and begs to be released, but his men bind him tighter. Safe Passage They pass the Sirens safely. Odysseus is relieved but shaken.

Scylla and Charybdis

The Strait of Monsters Choosing the Lesser Evil Odysseus must choose between Scylla, a six-headed monster, and Charybdis, a whirlpool. He decides to sail closer to Scylla, losing six men rather than the whole ship. The Attack Scylla snatches six of Odysseus's best men, who scream as they are devoured. Odysseus continues on, grieving. Charybdis They pass Charybdis safely, but the experience is terrifying.

After leaving Circe's island

After the Sirens