Odyssey Book 9
The reader is now being taken back ten years, just after the end of the war, as Ulysses relates his tale to the Phaeacians. We learn that after the end of the Trojan War, Ulysses' flotilla had raided and plundered the Cicones, but, failing to heed the guidance of Ulysses and leave promptly, were ultimately outmatched. When Ulysses and his army retreat, with the plan of returning directly home, a great storm arises.
The winds from the storm blow them off course, and they make landfall in the land of the Lotus-Eaters.
Lotus-eaters are peaceful people, but eating the lotus plant creates memory loss and listlessness. The crew, however, consumes the lotus plant, as its effects are pleasant. They become nearly catatonic before Ulysses can pull them away to resume the journey.
Next, the crew encounters the land of the Cyclops (one-eyed giants). This intrigues Ulysses, and mostly out of curiosity, the men decide to explore. While there, Ulysses faces Polyphemus, who eats some of them, and traps the rest to eat later. However, Ulysses comes up with a clever plan, and when the Cyclops falls asleep after feasting, the men use a lance to stab him in his only eye.
The men escape the next morning, and even though Polyphemus does not know who blinded him, Ulysses arrogantly identifies himself as he sails away. This taunt will come back to haunt Ulysses, as Polyphemus is the beloved son of Poseidon. Poseidon consequently vows revenge upon Ulysses.
Analysis
Many themes are explored in this single chapter, but most tend to center on tests and trials. Throughout the story, testing and trials showcase Ulysses' strength and nobility, but also continue to make him stronger. As a man, he makes errors in judgment, but with his wisdom and integrity, and sometimes assistance from Athena or other gods, he can overcome the obstacles he faces.
Each of the "tests" faced by Ulysses must be overcome in different ways. Whether through the capable leadership of his men, through overcoming the effects of the lotus, or through clever strategy and brutal combat, Ulysses overcomes.
