Odysseus

1. Odysseus

Following Odysseus’ attack on Polyphemos, instead of continuing on his journey, Odysseus goes on to anger him more by stating, “Kyklops, if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes’ son, whose home’s on Ithaka!” (Chapter 9; Loc: 1809 digital).

During his journey home Odysseus stops at Ismaros on the coast of the Kikones where he “…stormed that place and killed the men who fought. Plunder we took, and we enslaved the women…” (Chapter 9; Loc: 1621 digital).

As he encounters Skylla, rather than abiding to Kirke’s “bidding against arms” he ties up his cuirass, picks up two spears, and prepares to fight ( Chapter 12; Loc: 2446)

Odysseus thinking he can successfully survive passing by the two courses (the Drifters, Kharybdis and Skylla) described by Kirke instead of choosing one as she had instructed (Chapter 12; Loc: 2471)

Odysseus agrees to stop at the island of Thrinakia, where the cattle of Helios graze, knowing that the possibility of him and his men eating the cattle can cause destruction for them (Chapter 12; Loc: 2484).

2. Ares and Aphrodite (Chapter 8; Loc: 1493)

The goddess Aphrodite, who was married to Hephaistos, had an affair with Ares in Hephaistos’ own bed.

Helios, who had seen the Ares and Aphrodite embrace, told Hephaistos of this affair.

Hephaistos who was greatly hurt by this news planned to get revenge on them with a net of chain he created.

Hephaistos lays this net of chain around the bedposts, so when the two go to lay they will be captured.

Aphrodite and Ares do get trapped in his snare, and Helios who was spying for Hephaistos,