Summary
With little food and maddening crew, Ulysses decides to make landfall on a nearby island to search for game. Going alone at first, he manages to bring down a regal-appearing stag, almost as if it were once a proud man. After returning to camp, Ulysses decides to further investigate the island, sending Eurylochus and a small group of men further into the woods. The party discover a massive castle, home to affectionate lions and wolves, gazing at them as if they had the eyes of sailors themselves. Howeer, before entering the castle, the sailors hear a maiden's song, a beautiful song, however suspicious it might be. Eurylochus, the leader of the scouting party, decides to wait outside the doors should some danger befall the men. The song belonged to Circe, a sorceress known to transfigure men into animals. The sailors had no way of knowing this, however, and were offered a meal. Unfortunately for them, however, the magic of their meal soon took effect, and the adventurers had been turned into swine. Eurylochus, meanwhile, had waited long enough, and returned to Ulysses in distress. The Captain, vowing not to lose another man, went alone once again in search of his crew. Along the way, he was met by a golden youth, none other than the messenger god Hermes. He informs Ulysses of the status atop Mount Olympus, and that he was not entirely hated; only Poseidon desired to have him irradiated. Hermes proceeded to give Ulysses a magical plant to counteract Circe's magic, to be used in order to rescue his men. When confronting the sorceress, Ulysses drew his sword and threatened her at sword-point to release his crew. He succeeds, however ends up living with Circe as her husband. Eventually, Ulysses is reminded of home, and asks to depart, of which Circe finally allows. However, Ulysses had given up an opportunity of eternal life as an animal on her island.
Notable Quotations
"I shall go ashore myself - alone - to see what there is to see." - Ulysses to his crew, page 48
This shows that he is taking more responsibility for the lives of his crew and is changing as a character.
"I have decided I must go." - Ulysses to Circe, page 69
This shows that he doesn't jump to conclusions and automatically assume that living forever would be great and he needs to go home.
"A fox, undoubtedly." - Circe to Ulysses, page 67
This is a good analogy of Ulysses' character.
"I have come to help you." - Hermes to Ulysses, page 59
This shows that Ulysses does have some allies that are gods, and maybe that Hermes is against the other gods or with Ulysses.
"The Land of the Dead, dark Tartus, the realm of torment from which no mortal returns." - Circe to Ulysses, page 69
This acceptance of where he must go show that he is adventurous and brave enough, truly an epic hero.
This shows that he is taking more responsibility for the lives of his crew and is changing as a character.
"I have decided I must go." - Ulysses to Circe, page 69
This shows that he doesn't jump to conclusions and automatically assume that living forever would be great and he needs to go home.
"A fox, undoubtedly." - Circe to Ulysses, page 67
This is a good analogy of Ulysses' character.
"I have come to help you." - Hermes to Ulysses, page 59
This shows that Ulysses does have some allies that are gods, and maybe that Hermes is against the other gods or with Ulysses.
"The Land of the Dead, dark Tartus, the realm of torment from which no mortal returns." - Circe to Ulysses, page 69
This acceptance of where he must go show that he is adventurous and brave enough, truly an epic hero.
Figurative Language
Similie, page 49
"The great stag had a bearing as proud as a king."
Similie, page 54
"The bright flax leaped through her fingers as if it were dancing to the music in her voice."
Metaphor, page 56
"Their eyes glittered with cold moonlight, but none of them uttered a sound."
Similie, page 60
"The golden youth disappeared just as a ray of sunlight does when a cloud crosses the face of the sun."
"The great stag had a bearing as proud as a king."
Similie, page 54
"The bright flax leaped through her fingers as if it were dancing to the music in her voice."
Metaphor, page 56
"Their eyes glittered with cold moonlight, but none of them uttered a sound."
Similie, page 60
"The golden youth disappeared just as a ray of sunlight does when a cloud crosses the face of the sun."