Book X · Episode 5 of 6
A Year at Circè’s Table
A year of feasting ends in departure
Scenes
- Eurylochus Balks Again — Eurylochus balks, Odysseus nearly kills him
- He fears becoming lions, wolves, or swine
- He recalls the Cyclops’ disaster
- The crew holds Odysseus back
- A compromise lets Eurylochus guard the ship
- Others go on with Odysseus
- Welcomed by Circè — Circè bids crew shed grief
- Eurylochus is cowed, not persuaded
- Comrades are bathed and freshly dressed
- Both groups weep with joy together
- The palace echoes with their sobs
- Their ordeal has left them joyless
- A Year of Feasting — Odysseus begs Circè’s leave to sail
- Men linger a full year on Aeaea
- They feast daily on meat and wine
- Friends remind him of his native land
- Fates may allow his safe return
- He kneels as a suppliant that night