Book X · Episode 4 of 6
Moly Breaks the Spell
Moly lets Odysseus break the spell
Scenes
- Hermes and the Moly — Hermes warns Odysseus, gives him moly
- Hermes appears disguised as a youth
- Comrades are already penned as swine
- The herb is black-rooted, white-blossomed
- Drink without fear, he’s told
- Force her to swear an oath
- The Charm Fails — Moly shields Odysseus, he draws sword
- His heart pounds as he enters
- She hands him a drugged cup
- Circè shrieks and drops to her knees
- She guesses his true identity
- Circè invites him to her bed
- The Goddess’s Oath — Circè swears no harm, feasts him
- He refuses her bed until she swears
- Four nymphs attend, daughters of springs
- They heat water and mix wine
- Circè bathes and anoints him
- He sits gloomy, thoughts elsewhere
- Odysseus Holds Out — Odysseus refuses food until swine restored
- Circè asks why he won’t eat
- No faithful man eats while comrades wait
- Men rise younger and taller than before
- They crowd him weeping tears of joy
- Even Circè herself is moved
- Reunion at the Ship — Odysseus beaches ship, fetches crew
- Circè says to stow goods in caves
- He finds men still weeping for comrades
- They greet him like calves round cows
- He offers comfort and hides their gear
- Friends already feast in the halls