Johnson Odyssey

Aeolus- bag of wind

1200 BCE

Summary: They stay on the island of Aeolus for 1 month. When they leave Aeolus gives Odysseus two gifts, a wind that will push them to Ithaca and a bag of wind that will push them back to Aeolus. While they were almost at Ithaca the men opened the bag thinking it was gold and they were pushed back. Aeolus refused to help thinking they were cursed.
Analysis: By the men opening the bag of bad winds it shows that they didn’t trust Odysseus. This caused them to have to start back at Aeolus’ island.

Trojan War

1200 BCE

Summary: Odysseus and his crew form during the Trojan War. This is when they fought together for 10 years to get back Helen from the Spartans. This was also the start of Odysseus acting as the leader for the crew. Their leadership and corporation contributed to the success for them.
Analyze: In this event Odysseus gains friends, experience, leadership skills, and cleverness. This comes in handy later on. Unfortunately he loses his life ever being the same.

Lotus Eaters

1200 BCE

Summary: They landed on the land of the Lotus Eaters. A few men were sent to explore the land and when they found the Lotus Eaters, who offered them Lotus. Next they were under the spell like effect of the plant. They soon left after they saw what happened to the men who ate the Lotus.

Lotus Eaters pt.2

1200 BCE

Analyze: Because the men ate the Lotus plant, they lost their desire to leave. This is why they decided to leave because they did not want to stay there forever. They wanted to keep the determination to return to Ithaca. The Lotus Eaters were lazy compared to the Odysseus and his men.

The Cyclopes

1200 BCE

Summary: The men go to the land of the Cyclopes. They find many resources there. When they decide they want to leave Odysseus wants to see the Cyclopes. They end up trapped in the Cyclops cave and have to escape on the belly of the giant sheep. While sailing away Odysseus revels his identity. This is when the Cyclops curses the men.

The Cyclopes pt.2

1200 BCE

Analyse: By Odysseus revealing his identity, he shows that he can let pride take control of his actions. By him exploring the Cyclopes for himself it shows that he is willing to risk everything to get joy. His ability to think on his feet and save everyone does help the men to not be as mad with his risky decision. This is what Odysseus gains and loses from his actions.

Aeolus- bag of wind pt.2

1200 BCE

Analysis: By the men opening the bag of bad winds it shows that they didn’t trust Odysseus. This caused them to have to start back at Aeolus’ island. Aeolus is also very kind to them by letting them stay a month. Then after that giving them wind to go home.

Circe

1200 BCE

Summary: They reach the land of Aiaia. When they see Circe the group of men go, except Eurylochus. The men who went were turned into pigs and when Eurylochus went to go tell Odysseus he begged for them to leave right way. Odysseus went back and asked Circe to turn them back and later she did. They feasted for awhile and then in order to leave Odysseus was told to visit the underworld.

Circe pt.2

1200 BCE

Analysis: By Eurylochus wanting to leave as soon as possible and leaving behind some of his crewmates it shows how much he was willing to risk. It also shows how in a time of pressure he wanted to take the easy way out. For Odysseus this gains him the image of a good leader because he went and tried to change them back instead of leaving them as pigs on the island. This is what we learn about the two characters’ characteristics.

Sirens

1200 BCE

summary: Circe gives advice to help with the obstacles the men will face while passing the sirens. Odysseus takes the advice. When they pass by the island he has put beeswax in the men’s ears so they could not hear the singing. Odysseus is tied up and when he hears the singing he wants to be released, but the men don’t. Soon they are on their way.

Sirens pt. 2

1200 BCE

Analysis: It was a risk, but Odysseus takes Circe’s advice. This shows the continuous leaps of faith he takes. He was tempted to go to the singers. This is where his men’s loyalty come in handy.

Scylla and Charybdis

1200 BCE

Summary: Next Odysseus had to choose between going near Scylla or Charybdis. Scylla was a 6 headed monster who would kill 6 men. Charybdis was a whirlpool that whole kill them all. Only Odysseus knew 6 would die so they choose to take on Scylla.

Scylla and Charybdis pt. 2

1200 BCE

Analysis: Odysseus had to sacrifice his men. This shows that even in tough decisions he uses his critical thinking to survive. This also shows that he trusted Circe and her advice. It highlights the bravery of not only Odysseus, but the crew too.

Helios’ cattle

1200 BCE

The reach the land of Helios’ cattle. They recover from the lose of men and even after being warned multiple times the man kill the cow. Odysseus sees what has happened and is shook. On the journey back to Ithaca the gods take revenge and everyone dies, except Odysseus.

Suiters/ Home

1200 BCE

When Odysseus returns home, he comes to see that the suitors have occupied his house. He sees that there’s a competition for the next husband of Penelope, who hasn’t gotten over him. He stays disguised until he and his son reunite to kill all the suitors. Then, his wife tested him to see if it was really her husband with a request of moving their bed. His reaction proved it was really him and they celebrate the return of Odysseus.

Helios’ cattle pt.2

1200 BCE

Analysis: This shows the stubbornness of the man. Also how Eurylochus pushed for a revolt, again. We see the interference of gods when the ship is destroyed. Also how Odysseus goes through a great loss.

Suiters/ Home pt.2

1200 BCE

Analysis: This scene of Odysseus and his son shows that loyalty runs in the family. The reunion of Penelope and Odysseus as well. She keeps everyone, besides her slave/ maid, from their bed which represents their never ending love. His reaction of getting angry when she told her maid to move the unmovable rooted bed show that Odysseus was indeed Odysseus.