The Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis

By: Sophia Bastedo, and Sophia Rojas

Background

• Circe: a goddess who is initially conquered by Odysseus and is willing to do anything to help him out. Not only does Circe help Odysseus out but she swines some of Odysseus’ men and she becomes Odysseus’ lover for a year.

• Scylla: 12 feet tall with six heads each with three rows of canine teeth- can seize and eat people

• Charybdis: A whirlpool

• The Sirens- Have the power to lure sailors into death through the sound of their songs.

• Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis=Obstacles Odysseus & crew face while on the ship

Summary

Odysseus has now returned to Circe’s island where the goddess guides him through his next exploration, explaining how to avoid the dangers of the Sirens. The Sirens are sea creatures who have the power to lure sailors through the songs they sing. Once Odysseus and his men are on their ship, he gives his men wax to block the sounds of the Sirens who plan to lure the sailors into a cruel death.

Now Odysseus has to navigate his ship through the narrow passageway between the sea monster Scylla and the giant whirlpool Charybdis. It was said that to avoid one was to encounter the other. Avoiding Charybdis meant that the ship would be swallowed by the giant sea monster Scylla, and vice versa. Odysseus has his men try to avoid Charybdis, and leads them to Scylla, he then loses many men. Later, when he is on a raft by himself, he comes back and faces the two monsters again, this time being sucked in by Charybdis he survives though, just by holding a tight grip on to a fig tree.

<--The Sirens

<-- Scylla

^Charybdis

CharactersOdysseus- First man to hear the song of the Sirens without dying. This is

because he begged his men to tie him to the mast of the ship and pleaded to not untie him no matter what. The crew and Odysseus were successful at getting past the Sirens. As Odysseus reaches closer to both Scylla and Charybdis he realizes if he takes the ship any closer he might risk losing everyone on the ship, by being sucked into the Charybdis and/or being seized and eaten by the Scylla monsters. Instead of letting that happen, he chooses to lose only 6 of his men.

• Has good leadership qualities

• Calm, encouraging, patient, determined- reminded of past victories

• Confident that him and crew will be successful and in triumph again-takes action

Odysseus’ crew- Obey Odysseus’ orders and tie him to the mast of the ship not releasing him while having wax put in their ears to avoid the Sirens. Odysseus doesn't tell the crew about the Scylla and Charybdis because he feels that that will be scared, alarmed, and wouldn't be able to do anything.

• Always panic, very weak

Main Conflicts

• Odysseus vs. Nature (Charybdis and Scylla)

• Odysseus vs. Sirens screams (is tempted to fall in)

• Odysseus vs. Crew (takes risk to lose 6 of his men instead of all of them)

Motivation

What holds Odysseus from falling into the traps at sea are his family meaning his son(Telemachus)and his wife, the lands he owns, and everything he has accomplished (previous triumphs).

Theme/Lesson

Perseverance is a prominent theme throughout The Odyssey. During this specific episode, Odysseus endures the seductive singing of the sirens which required much diligence . However,temptation is portrayed when Odysseus ties himself to the mast representing that no one no matter how strong no one is immune.

Along with temptation comes along the understanding of apprehension and overcoming fear. Odysseus purposely didn't tell his men about future obstacles (the Charybdis and Scylla) aware of the fact his men wouldn't have put in such a great effort out of becoming defenseless from panic.

Odysseus and his crew had learned much about self control and how it takes much stability in order to resist temptation. The Sirens, seductive enough to win any soul over isn't powerful enough to overcome Odysseus or his strategy of tying himself to the mast, and filling ears with wax. He and the others are able to pass through the island. They all discovered that in order to prevail, not only must you require physical strength, but will power as well.

Important Passages

“Did I not keep my nerve, and use my wits to find a way out for us?"

The words of Odysseus were heartening, informing his men of the hardships which they had already overcome. He reassured their confidence In order to triumph over their next crossing.

“The rocks were now behind: Charybdis too, and Scylla dropped astern…”

The ending quote of the episode provided a dynamic finish to an extensive battle, portraying defeat and a taste of triumph.

Discussion Questions

• How will this event affect the rest of their journey?

• After defeating both conquests will Odysseus and his men let their guard down or work harder?

• What are the internal conflicts in which they face?

• Would fewer men have died, should Odysseus have told them about what was ahead?