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How does Odysseus get past the sirens?

Charlotte Edwards | 2018-06-15 05:20:32 | page views:1708
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Sophia Patel

Studied at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Lives in Cambridge. Dedicated researcher in the field of biomedical engineering.
As an expert in classical literature, I'm well-versed in the epic tales of antiquity, including the adventures of the hero Odysseus as narrated in Homer's "Odyssey." The story of Odysseus and the Sirens is one of the most famous episodes from this epic poem. The Sirens were mythical creatures whose enchanting songs lured sailors to their doom. Odysseus, desiring to hear their song yet knowing the danger, devised a clever plan to pass by them safely.

Step 1: English Answer
Odysseus, the king of Ithaca and the protagonist of the "Odyssey," is known for his cunning and resourcefulness. When faced with the challenge of the Sirens, he employs a strategy that showcases his intelligence and his desire for knowledge, even in the face of great peril.

As the ship carrying Odysseus and his crew approaches the Sirens' island, he recalls the advice given to him by the sorceress Circe. Circe had warned him of the Sirens' deadly song and provided him with a method to resist its allure. Following her instructions, Odysseus takes several precautions to ensure the safety of his crew and himself.

Firstly, Odysseus instructs his men to plug their ears with beeswax. This is a critical step, as it prevents the crew from hearing the Sirens' song, which is known to be so beautiful that it compels sailors to steer their ships onto the rocks surrounding the island, leading to their destruction.

Secondly, Odysseus, driven by his own curiosity and the desire to hear the song without being ensnared, orders his men to bind him to the mast of the ship. He gives them strict orders that they are not to untie him, no matter how much he pleads or begs. This is a testament to Odysseus's self-control and his understanding of the power of the Sirens' song.

As the ship sails past the island, the Sirens begin to sing, and their voices are as enchanting as Circe had warned. The crew, with their ears blocked, remain unaffected and continue to row. Odysseus, bound to the mast, is able to hear the song and experiences the full force of its seductive power. Despite the intense longing to join the Sirens, he remains steadfast, restrained by the ropes that hold him.

The Sirens, seeing that they cannot lure Odysseus to his death, are said to have become angry and frustrated. Some versions of the story suggest that they threw themselves into the sea and died, while others say they continued to sing, but now only for Odysseus, who was the only mortal ever to hear their song and live to tell the tale.

Odysseus's encounter with the Sirens is a classic example of the human struggle between the desire for knowledge and the need for self-preservation. It also highlights the importance of foresight and planning, as well as the value of advice from those with wisdom and experience, such as Circe.

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Noah Campbell

Works at Google, Lives in Mountain View. Holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
As he sets sail, Odysseus passes Circe's counsel on to his men. They approach the island of the lovely Sirens, and Odysseus, as instructed by Circe, plugs his men's ears with beeswax and has them bind him to the mast of the ship.

Benjamin Lee

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
As he sets sail, Odysseus passes Circe's counsel on to his men. They approach the island of the lovely Sirens, and Odysseus, as instructed by Circe, plugs his men's ears with beeswax and has them bind him to the mast of the ship.
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