Sea Perils And Defeat

So we buried Elpenor on the island of Kirke and finally had to say goodbye. Kirke left us with some final warnings of what were going to face ahead. She warned us of the Seirenes and their song, she warned us of the two beasts lurking in the ocean, and of the sacred cattle on the island of Aiaia.

When we came upon the Seirenes, I instructed my men to cover their ears with beeswax in order to block out the singing. I figured I could handle whatever was coming, but I guess not. I got lashed to the mast and was almost driven crazy by the singing, the calling, of the Seirenes.
The next obstacle we were to face was the 6 headed beast, Kharybodis. I ended up loosing 6 of my precious crew to the sea monster.

My crew was getting wary and irritable and they begged me to stop on the island of Aiaia. I finally gave in to their plea, but forbid them from slaughtering the sacred cattle Kirke had warned of. As I was lured into a deep sleep, my crew revolted once more. Only this time it proved to be a fatal mistake.

They had their share of beef, but as we left to sea a week later, a storm hit and the gods punished us for what my crew had done. The storm wiped out not only my ship, but also my crew. The only survivor was myself. I, me, myself… alone…I drifted for nine days until I hit Kalypso’s island.

There was never a time in my life when I had felt so alone… I hated it. I longed to thrive around people and move about. But, in the end, I’m sure the gods had this happen to me for a legit reason. I guess that it was a time for me to think and reflect… And, I guess I did.

P.S.- I found a song that relates to what went down and how I felt in those long 10 days.
It is called "Beautiful Letdown" by: Switchfoot

A Gathering Of Shades

Off to the land of the dead we sailed… just and Kirke has suggested. We sacrificed the two animals and summoned the spirits. Many came. There was an encounter with our poor friend Elpenor who called to us only for a proper burial. Next, Teiresias… he told us exactly what we had to do in order to find our way home.

Then, an encounter with my mother… O how I wept another day! For she, I now knew to be dead… I attempted to hold her in my arms but it was impossible. Many other souls came, but above all, I remember my melancholy mother. I remember Penelope. I remember my mother… I remember my Penelope.

I sincerely hope that my Penelope is okay… I am ashamed of myself. I should’ve thought to have come home as soon as possible. I let my family down. I let myself down. But enough of that negative talk, for now, I must try to work from my place here. For the saying goes, "Messing up sometimes has an imperfect result, but only you can make it possible to change the outcome."

After these encounters with the spirits, we finally set sail for Kirke’s island.

P.S. - Haunting island, I tell you, picture that.

The Grace Of The Witch

So we finally reached landfall at Aiolia Island where Aiolos hosted me and my crew. He sent me with a bag of winds, only to open a crack if the winds were to light. Of course my crew, they thought I had received treasure from this all-powerful king. And they wanted some for themselves so they opened up the bag. O the worst of storms we sailed through another day! Until we found ourselves washed up by the familiar land from that which we had just come.
But this time Aiolos wasn’t welcoming at all… in fact he chased us off of his island faster than Kyklops.

I really don’t know what to think of my crew anymore… I’m not sure that I can trust them to follow my order. It is getting to the point where it isn’t just annoying. It is causing damage. I am aging and am wary. Maybe I should forgive them and give them another chance, but what if something worse happens next time? Should I be to blame for their actions? For now, I think I will just disregard these careless actions… and like the gods have always taught of forgiveness, I need to lead by example. If I made a mistake I know that I would like to be forgiven.
The next time we hit solid land, we met the Lady Kirke. It was a rocky start in a love-hate relationship… but in the end, we left with a valuable lead—we must go to the land of the dead before we could continue any farther with our journey.

P.S.- There is a song that I found… it seems to relate to my situation right now very well…
Sometimes I feel like I am mistaken for a stranger among my crew. Check it out… it is called Mistaken for Stangers by: The National

New Coasts And Poseidon's Son

So today, was a long day of story-telling. The people wanted to hear about my journey throughout my time away from my home. I told of how my men and I defeated the mighty and gruesome Kyklopes. How we outwitted him with our canny senses and then sailed away unharmed.

Besides that, I'm missing my home dearly. I remember how I used to have a court congregated like this in my own dining room. I miss my Penelope and my dear son as well. It has been, what feels like eons since I last saw my people and I cannot wait to go home. But I know that explaining myself is a more than necessary step towards getting home, for if they know my story than they will act more hospitable. "One good turn for another" as my father always used to say to me *sigh*.

Well, I'd best be off to bed... I shall have to save my voice for to marrow... I shall continue my story then.

P.S.- This is what Kyklopes looked like...

The Songs Of The Harper

The next morning, I was awakened by a magnificant sun... The whole town gathered at assembly just to welcome me into their town. I was amazed at how open they were to my stay...

They even challenged me to participate in their games... some track and field ninny. I would have no part in such foolishness. But Laódamas would hear none of it; he insisted that I join them... even went as far as to question my skill and strength! It is unwise for one to destroy his outward image by being exceptionally rude and headstrong about physicality in the presence of others. I am close about what I say... I think long and hard about anything before I say what I need to say. I think that it is appropriate and important for premeditation... it saves many a foolish man from blurting out something they don't mean. Vexed and taken aback, I had had just about enough... I shut him up by taking the discus and proving my strength.



The evening was marvellous. The dinner was delicious and the music euphonious. For the most part. Until the last tune of the night... Alkinoös stopped Demódokos before he could finish his meloncholy song. And then the questions seriously started coming...



P.S.- Check out Alkinoös's castle... it is an incredible sight.

Gardens And Firelight

And so I set out for the grand castle Nausikaa had spoke of... trailing behind a young girl kind enough to show me to it. When I arrived at the castle, I wasn't warmly welcomed right away... but when I explained my story to the company, they took me in kindly arms. Their hospitality was more than adequate and the services I recieved were irreputable.

I was only questioned and approached by one: Alkinoos. I knew that before I took to wonderful rest, I would have to share my story. So as I told my tale of adventure from one land to the open sea, to another land and now back to where my homeland is.

Telling my tale, as it were, I realized how far I had come... What I did, what I've been through... some may have considered to be heroic. But really, when it comes down to it... what is the definition of a hero? Can it be a very large dog who saves a woman from falling? Or could it be a very small boy who clever enough to know what to do? But, me... I had never thought of it until now... maybe a hero can just simply be a leader, a leader who does what he/she thinks is right for not only the good of him(her)self, but moreover for the good of his/her community. I thought of the work I had done in Ithaca as a ruler. I miss my palace, family, townsfolk, and even the decision-making. All the more worth fighting for...

This is Odysseus signing off for tonight...

P.S.-My New Trier buddy was talking about the upcoming election and it looks really close. Both candidates look like they could be the next 'hero' in our country's eyes. There is a really great video about one of them attached... it made me think about the different journeys we all have...
"Yes We Can" Barack Obama '08

The Princess At The River

Exhausted, I lay on my bed of leaves until the next afternoon. I was awakened by the shouting of a group of maidens just down the way a little. Finally, maybe they can direct me to a place where I can wash and dress… maybe take a meal. Only one didn’t flee when I approached. We talked and I, as kindly as I could, described my position. She just happened to be the more than generous daughter of Alkínoös.

She and her maids offered me oil and a fresh tunic and as I washed up in the clear steam I considered just how fortunate I was to have come across these girls. A piece of fortune not to be taken lightly either… for bad luck had been on my heels for many a day thus far and I should need some of this new luck to get me through the hardships ahead of me. Though there is a saying that no man should ever depend on luck for anything… but should work under the rod of their taskmaster for the good of one’s self and community. I needed to remember what I was really working for… and who. My son awaits in Ithaca as does my beloved wife. The city needs me to be their leader… and I need to be there for them.

After I was done bathing, they fed me bread and wine. Then, as the maids left… they gave me directions to their father’s great castle. I thanked her and said my farewells.

P.S.- Check out the land where I stay for now amoung the Phaiákians!!!

Sweet Nymph And Open Sea

After being stranded on this dreaded island with Kalypso for more than 7 years, --I just now got my first oppertunity to head home.

I was talking with Kalypso in her cave... and she offered to help me build a raft to sail home on. This was new...hmm. Too bad she didn't think of that a long time ago...

Either way, we worked dilligently on the craft and after 5 days, she finally let me go.

Unfortunately for me, I found my trip not to be all that simple... A storm hit and took me down... for 2 days I floated in the unbearable sea. I swear the gods have something against me... why, why must they be so cruel?! Sometimes I wish that I had the power to reason with the gods. That maybe their power wouldn't be as great... But they believe in challenge and adventure and the way one faces these things is a sign of character...

It wasn't until dawnbreak that I came upon a grove... and there I stayed and rested in a leaf bed.

P.S- It wasn't easy to go... we had a thing going for a while (Kalypso and I)... but I knew that it would be the right thing in the end... this is my farewell song...
Let Me Go by: 3 Doors Down

The Red Haired King And His Lady-- Guest Blogger: Telémakhos (my son)

Once we arrived at Lakedaimon, we were warmly greeted by the great Meneláos. There he offered us his hospitality and a place to rest for the night

The following morn, we started up a conversation again. The ever-wise Meneláos told us personal accounts of stories of far away lands and wondrous gods. I wondered how anyone one could be so brave as to face the great powers of the land and sea... My father was probably just as brave... As I listened... I wondered wether I was in for such adventures. Was it my duty to face the challenges of both land and sea in order to find my father? It sounded intimidating... as for myself... I don't know if I should like to face dragons and deamons in the open sea. But of all of the men I had known, the greatest and most awesome, had been the ones who had embarked on such adventures.

As with Nestor, Meneláos offered to be a place I was welcome for as long as I needed (wanted). Only this time, I knew what I had to do... I politely refused his more than generous home-stay. Instead, I was moved by the courage that I heard of in his stories... I would've liked to have a keepsake to remember what it truely means to be a king. The wise Meneláos offered me a silver and gold wine bowl that he recieved through his own travels...

I also left with some information... my father, I now know, to be stranded on an island with Kalypso...

This is Telémakhos signing off for now...

P.S.- Check out this cool song I found... it makes me think of my father... and even though he is far away... I'm growing up to be like him (or what I've heard of him). It is entitled "Life Of A Salesman" by:Yellowcard

On To Pylos-- Guest Blogger: Telémakhos

After sailing for days, we came upon an island; first destination, the island of Pylos. There they were having a sacrificial feast in regards to the god Poseidon. I figured in order to find out anything, I would fisrt have to approach their leader; Nestor. When I inquired about the where-abouts of my father, Nestor replied in great length. With the help of my friend Mentor, I ended the conversation with a couple of leads: A name... the red-haired Menelaos... I recieved a noble steed from Nestor hisself and I was offered a meal and a stay at his palace for up to 12 nights!

Of course Mentor had to refuse this before I could accept... =(. I would've rather spent some time here... it is a nice place, Nestor maintained. I felt safe there. My friend Mentor really pushes me along on this journey... I'm still not totally sure what I'm getting myself into. But I've learned through my elders that one needs to approach challenges in order for them to grow as a person.

Sure enough, the next morn, we were off to Lakedaimon.

This is Telémakhos signing off...

P.S- While I was at the castle, I drew some of the plans for this grand estate... it was amazing!!!

On My Way- Guest Blogger: Telémakhos (my son)

Today, was a trying day at best.

I am writing to you now, by moonlight from my ship’s stronghold. Early this morning, I called an assembly to order. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as well as I had planned.

I fought for the right to re-claim the palace… (trying to rid the Great King Odysseus’s palace of the suitors) and also tried to seek assistance in trying to find my father and King, Odysseus so that Ithaka may be ruled with justice once more. But I didn’t get a desired response. Many of the townspeople and suitors blamed my mother for not choosing one to marry and expressed their annoyance for the ‘commotion’ I had caused. Even through my valiant efforts, I was not able to sway the stubborn jury of men. Now, I was starting to wonder if I was a fool to stand up here… did they have a point? Was my beloved mother really to blame for all of this?

I had already taken a stand…and to back down would show weakness. I stood as I was, unconvinced. I didn’t need them. I could do without their bad morality… and they would be ashamed of themselves when I came back with Odysseus!!! With those thoughts, I left, Mentor by my side, to hand pick a few decent men for my crew and a ship fit to sail.

Now, as I look back on the events of the day, I believe that the suitors were wrong to accuse my mother. The right thing to do in a situation like this, isn’t to find an innocent person to put the blame on but to own up to your own faults and than learn from them. They ate through all I had and stayed in my house… and then they did not want to face the consequences of their actions. I do not stand corrected… but they will when King Odysseus hears of their behavior. I made the right decision today… and I am proud to say that I didn’t back down.

This is Telémakhos signing off for the night...

P.S- Check out my ship!!! This is what it looks like right now... the waters aren't steady. Hopefully I'll manage some sleep for the journey ahead.

Message From A Seafarer— Guest Blogger: Telémakhos (my son)

Last night, I had an unexpected visitor: Mentês from the port of Taphos, an old family/friend. He originally came to see my father but, seeing as though he wasn’t here with me, he figured that Odysseus must’ve gotten held up somewhere in the ocean’s realms. It was at this point, that I thought longingly of my father. Mentês only then inquired about my relations with Odysseus; "I am his son," I replied. If only he was here with me now...

Mentês made it clear to me that he didn’t like the looks of this old palace. Due to the absence of my father, this place had just become a home for the suitors… and a shelter to my mother morning, weeping and awaiting the return of her faithful husband. O, how I wish that Odysseus was here! On his way out the door, wise, sage Mentês advised me to get the suitors out in order to regain control, and told me that my true destiny lied in finding my father out at sea.

I knew that those were two very daunting tasks. The first of the two, could be done presently, and in my heart of hearts, I knew that the suitors had to go… they didn’t belong here. "Meanwhile they eat their way through all we have, and when they will, they can demolish me." I felt the powers within the palace become hazy and clouded. So I finally summoned up the courage to stand up for what I thought was right. And I guess it was about time as well, for I had been trampled on my whole life up until now. Like a man with a strong head, I took Mentês’ words of wisdom, and reclaimed the palace for our own.

Now, my mind and heart were set on the other task: the journey to find my lost father, Odysseus.

Until next time, this is Telémakhos signing off…

P.S.- While I was with my "New Trier" buddy/helper, they showed me all sorts of odd mechanics and ‘new age’ gadgets. One of my favorites was the iPod. One of the songs in particular caught my attention; it seemed to relate with my situation…
Check out this song entitled:
"Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot. http://www.last.fm/music/Switchfoot/_/Dare+You+to+Move

Odysseus's Blog

How queer is the 21 century!
If this be the 21st,
what be the 23rd?!