Odyssey: Ulysses and the Sirens By Katie Duffield

Odyssey by Homer Epic Poem by Homer Takes place after the Homer’s epic poem Iliad about the Trojan War. Main character, Ulysses or Odysseus, travels home to Ithaca after the fall of Troy. He over comes a lot of obstacles to make it back to his homeland. Homer

The Sirens Greek Mythology depicts them as being winged women. They would sing songs to lure men onto the shores and away from their due course. This would usually lead to something tragic or death. They symbolize temptation.

Plot Homer’s poem tells how Ulysses was able to defeat the tempting Sirens. He tied himself to the mast of his boat so he could stay his course to his homeland. In addition, he plugged the ears of his shipmates so they could not hear the songs and be tempted to release Ulysses.

Greek Pottery Depicting Ulysses and the Sirens

“Ulysses and the Sirens” by J.W. Waterhouse 1891

Thoreau Evokes Ulysses “With unrelaxed nerves, with morning vigor, sail by it, looking another way, tied to the mast like Ulysses.” (1761) Thoreau compares the Sirens to any outside influence that would tear someone out of nature. You have to be diligent in ignoring possessions and influences.

Thoreau Compared to Ulysses Although he never says it, Thoreau is a lot like Ulysses. Thoreau may not be sailing on a boat but he does picture himself embarking on a quest back to home, or nature in his case. He has left behind friends to embark on what he feels is a heroic mission.

Websites http://www.theearthlyparadise.com/2008/06/greek- vase-from-british-museum.html http://www.threadsofrohan.com/J.W.%20Waterhouse. html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirens http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/odyssey/section7.rhtm l