On his long journey home to Ithaca, Odysseus was instructed by the sorceress Circe to seek the counsel of the blind prophet Tiresias. Sailing to the dark edge of the world, Odysseus reached the realm of the Cimmerians and dug a trench at the entrance to the Underworld. He poured libations of honey, wine, and water, then sacrificed a black ram so the shades of the dead might drink the blood and speak the truth. First, the ghost of his unburied crewman Elpenor appeared, begging for a proper funeral. Then came the prophet Tiresias, who warned Odysseus that he must restrain his crew's hunger when they reached the island of the Sun God, or his ship would be destroyed. Odysseus was heartbroken to see the spirit of his mother, Anticleia, who had died of grief during his long absence. He attempted to embrace her three times, but her form slipped through his arms like smoke. He also encountered fallen comrades like Agamemnon and Achilles, who spoke of the hollow nature of death. Fortified by the prophet's words and humbled by the sight of his ancestors, Odysseus departed the land of shadows, now knowing the steep price and the narrow path that led back to his kingdom.
To navigate the future successfully, one must confront the ghosts of the past and accept the heavy reality of mortality.
Questions about this story
Why did Odysseus have to visit the Underworld?
He was instructed by Circe to consult the blind prophet Tiresias, who held the knowledge of how Odysseus could safely navigate the dangers ahead and return home to Ithaca.
Who is Tiresias in Greek mythology?
Tiresias was a famous blind prophet of Thebes known for his wisdom and for having lived as both a man and a woman; even in death, he retained his prophetic powers.
What warning did Tiresias give Odysseus?
Tiresias warned Odysseus and his men not to harm the sacred cattle of Helios on the island of Thrinacia, stating that doing so would lead to the destruction of the ship and crew.
How did Odysseus summon the spirits of the dead?
He performed a ritual called a 'Nekyia,' which involved digging a trench and offering libations of milk, honey, wine, and the blood of a sacrificed black ram to allow the shades to speak.
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Good night.
