The Sirens,
Scylla and
Charybdis
By: Sophia Bastedo, and
Sophia Rojas
Background
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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
Characters
Odysseus- 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.
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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.
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Always panic, very weak
Main Conflicts
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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
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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?