Introduction

     The 10th book of ‘The Odyssey’ focuses on the accidental journey to the Island of Aeaea, where the witch, Circe, lives. From her palace, she turns Odysseus’ men into pigs and locks them in cages, where they wait to be eaten by Circe. In steadfast defiance, Odysseus insists on confronting Circe, which is where Hermes meets with Odysseus to give him a unique drug, Moly, that will prevent Odysseus from falling victim to Circe and her magic. It is in the passage on page 268 where great detail is given to Odysseus by Hermes on what to do, and why he should take the drug. Hermes also goes into the process of how to stop Circe and her charades, and even what he should do to make sure she doesn’t continue to harm Odysseus and his men, utilizing his power as a god, as well as the other gods’ power. The way the passage is written and the way the diction is laid out, makes it seem that the gods truly aren’t apathetic, but genuinely want to see Odysseus succeed. It is this scenario that highlights the ever-present theme that the gods have a vested interest in Odysseus, and that much of his journey can be attributed to divine intervention.

Analysis

     In line 298, Hermes says, “Tell her to swear an oath by all the gods that she will not plot further harm for you–or while you have your clothes off, she may hurt you, unmanning you.” Hermes is aware of the power of the gods, and the way their power is all-encompassing. It lays out this power dynamic, that the gods are so powerful, that the mere ability to make someone swear by their authority is enough to settle any conflict. The situation on the island also plays into the dynamic that the vast majority of antagonists in Odysseus’ journey are women who are tricksters. The entire passage portrays Circe as someone who is a cunning, villainous person, who seeks nothing but to kill Odysseus, and rid the island of his presence. This idea is laid forth in line 287, where Hermes says, “Now I will tell you all her lethal spells and tricks. She will make you a potion mixed with poison.” This not only reinforces the image and power that the gods maintain with their helping of Odysseus, but also the archetype that the female antagonists in the Odyssey are often tricksters who seek Odysseus’ downfall.

Conclusion

     The 10th book reinforces the ideas and themes of the story wisely and concisely. Whether it be in Hermes’ steadfast support of Odysseus’ journey and his men, where he lays out his plan for taking Circe out, utilizing the drug and making her swear the oath of promise, so she no longer harms the men or Odysseus, or the archetype that the antagonists in the story are female tricksters who knowingly seek the downfall of Odysseus, painting a petty and absurd picture that women are an evil people, who seek the demise of men.