By Brian Shapiro and Kyle Fuller Land of the Dead By Brian Shapiro and Kyle Fuller

Background Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag of wind. Odysseus’ men open the bag, and they are blown back to Aeolus’ island. Aeolus casts them out deciding that the gods are not in favor of them. Odysseus lands on an island filled with cannibals and destroy all but one of his ships. He then sails to the island of Circe where his men are held captive but they then escape. Before they left, Circe told Odysseus that he must travel to the land of the Dead to get back home.

Summary When Odysseus leaves Circe’s island, she tells him he needs to talk to the prophet Tiresias in the underworld. In the Underworld Odysseus sacrifices a lamb to attract the souls. Talks to a man on his crew, Elpenor, who asks him to give his body a proper burial Sees his mother, finds out she died while he was gone Tiresias tells him he will return home safely, as long as him and his men don’t touch the flock of the sun god.

Characters Odysseus- confident, smart Elpenor- part of Odysseus’ crew, died on Circe’s island Tiresias- prophet in the Underworld, tells Odysseus Poseidon is punishing him but he will get home safely Circe- enchantress, tricks men, loves Odysseus

Conflict Odysseus vs. himself Odysseus vs. gods Odysseus vs. obstacles

Motivation His motivation is to get home to his wife despite the obstacles in his way. He also must overcome the depression of having such a hard life for such a long time and what helps him is that wanting to be with his family again.

What He Learns He must bury Elpenor He will get home, he now has more hope then ever Watch out for the flocks of the sun god

Significant Passages “Avoid these kine, hold fast to your intent, and hard seafaring brings you all to Ithaca.”-Tiresias “I promise you the barrow and the burial.”-Odysseus “…when you are wearied out with rich old age, your country folk in blessed peace around you.”

Questions What does the burial of Elpenor reveal about Greek culture? What does Odysseus need to go home and what brings him that? Which god is mad with him and why?