Book 12: The Sirens; Scylla and Charybdis

Odysseus is back from the land of the dead and they return to Circe’s island. Circe advises Odysseus on what he must do to survive the Sirens and Scylla and Charybdis. Finally, they come to Thrinacia, where Odysseus’ starving men steal Helios’ cattle, despite Circe’s warning. As a result, all but Odysseus are lost at sea. He drifts to Calypso’s island.

“People” to know… The Sirens Dangerous, singing, flying women whose song will bewitch sailors, keeping them from thoughts of home or children

Scylla Female sea-monster Has 12 legs, like tentacles 6 heads, with 3 rows of teeth in each mouth Ships cannot pass her without harm She takes one man for every gullet

Charybdis Female whirlpool that swallows the sea A ship cannot make it past If Odysseus goes past Charybdis he will loose his ship and all of his men Therefore, he goes past Scylla, knowing he will only have to sacrifice 6 men