Greek Mythology and Ulysses' Journey

Greek Mythology Ruling Gods

• Zeus governs the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order, and justice; he is the chief deity among gods.
• Poseidon is the god of the sea, ruling over all aquatic realms.
• Hades oversees the underworld, dealing with matters of death and the deceased.

The Golden Apple and the Trojan War

• Aphrodite promised Paris the opportunity to have any woman he desired in exchange for the golden apple.
• The Greeks attacked Troy to retrieve Helen, who was taken by Paris, igniting the Trojan War.

Ulysses’ Family

• Penelope is Ulysses' loyal wife, remaining faithful during his 20-year absence in war.
• Telemachus, Ulysses' son, was an infant when Ulysses left for the war.

Ulysses’ Journey and Men

• Ulysses commenced his voyage from Troy with three ships, totaling 150 men (50 per ship).

Ship Characteristics

• The ships are elongated rowboats with twenty oars on each side and a ram at the bow, featuring a polished shaft with a sharp brass tip.
• Square sails limit their ability to navigate; they can only be raised in favorable winds, making ships vulnerable to weather conditions and difficult to provision for long journeys.

Encounter with the Ciconians

• Greed drove Ulysses' men to attack the Ciconians for more treasures despite already having ample booty, resulting in significant losses including treasures, damage to the ships, and the deaths of 18 men.

Eurylochus' Dilemma

• Eurylochus suggested that Ulysses kill him as an offering to appease the gods after realizing he may have led the crew astray.

Effects of the Lotus Flower

• Consuming the lotus flower induces sleepiness and dreamy states, endangering men who partake.
• Ulysses dreams disturbingly of monsters, bloodshed, and shipwrecks.

Ulysses' Strength and Leadership

• Demonstrating his strength, Ulysses secured all his men in three ships, tying them together for a coordinated escape.

The Cyclopes Encounter

• Ulysses feared mutiny due to his men’s hunger and growing discontent.
• The Cyclopes, described as gigantic and one-eyed, presents a formidable challenge.
• Ulysses uses wine to intoxicate the Cyclopes, allowing escape while hiding under goats' stomachs.

Losses and Consequences in the Cave

• Three of Ulysses' men are killed by the Cyclopes during the encounter.
• Ulysses’ pride leads him to taunt the Cyclopes, prompting the Cyclopes to pray to Poseidon for retribution against Ulysses, condemning him to wander for years and return home in shame.

Keeper of the Winds

• Aeolus serves as the keeper of the winds, able to summon and direct them.
• He helps Ulysses after being entertained by tales of Ulysses’ adventures and cunning.

Aeolus' Gift

• Aeolus provides Ulysses a sack containing all winds and offers a favorable westerly wind to expedite his return to Ithaca.
• Greed affects Ulysses and his men when they suspect treasure within the sack, leading them to open it while Ulysses sleeps, releasing chaotic winds that hinder their journey and force them back to Aeolus for assistance.