Odyssey Book 10

Ulysses and his men journey to the home of The God of Wind, Aeolus. Aeolus appears to be an ally of Ulysses. He captures all of the winds that had been working against Ulysses (leaving only the wind blowing him westward, towards Ithaca), and seals them in a leather sack. Ulysses is then able to safely sail close enough to Ithaca that he can see it. Unfortunately, his men become greedy, and believing that Ulysses has hidden treasure in the sack, they open the sack while Ulysses sleeps. The winds escape and blow the flotilla back to where Aeolus is. Aeolus then abandons Ulysses and his men, believing that they must be cursed by other gods. 

The fleet continues but is unexpectedly attacked by Laestrygonians. These cannibals sink all of the ships except for the one that Ulysses is aboard. This remaining ship continues to Aeaea, where Circe the Enchantress cast a spell, turning many of the crew into swine. Ulysses, however, receives advice from Hermes, the son of Zeus and Messenger of the Gods, and can overpower Circe. She then lifts the spell, and for the next year, Ulysses and his crew live very comfortably, even enjoyably, as captives of Circe. 

Ulysses is forced to become Circe's lover during this time. 

At the end of this year, Circe helps all, including Ulysses, in their departure. She tells Ulysses, however, that he MUST go to Hades, the Land of the Dead. Ulysses heeds her instruction. 

Analysis

We see the failures of other men leading to the downfalls of Ulysses' journey. The implication, however, is in a failure by Ulysses to lead with authority. The crewmen fail to heed Ulysses' commands, and a stiff price is paid. 

Later, however, it is only through the skilled leadership of Ulysses that his ship can survive the attack by the Laestrygonians. 

While Ulysses' strength, talent, bravery, and skill are highlighted frequently, we also see the human side of the great hero, as not everything he does is perfect. As a human, he occasionally makes errors in judgment (like trusting his men, when they may not be completely trustworthy). We do see, though, his bravery (and loyalty to his crew) showcased as he sets out single-handedly to rescue his scouting crew from the grip of Circe's spell.