The Underworld

Book XI

Rouse, Pages 124-137

Many epic heroes (but I can't think of many heroines!) visit the "other side," only to return to the world with their knowledge of what lies ahead; Gilgamesh is one hero whom we've already met who journeys beyond the world of the living, and in a few weeks, we'll go with Dante as he takes us into the many levels of hell. Odysseus has a specific purpose when he goes to Hades: he seeks information from Teiresias, the prophet, in order to make it back to Ithaca..

Following Circe's careful instructions, Odysseus and his crew (or what's left of the crew!) make the journey by ship to the House of Hades. Odysseus prays and makes offerings to the dead, finally sacrificing a black ram and a black ewe, which summons a crowd of dead folks, including his late comrade Elpenor. Keeping the others at bay until Teiresias, the prophet, arrives and drinks from the sheeps' blood, Odysseus awaits instructions that will finally bring an end to his arduous journey home.

As you read, think about...

• Setting, details that create a certain atmosphere. What kind of a place is this?
• The instructions given to Odysseus by Elpenor, Teiresias, and Agamemnon.
• The narrative interruption: Alcinoos (remember, we're sitting in his palace in Phaiacia listening to Odysseus tell this story!) requests that Odysseus tell them if he saw any of his fallen comrades in the Underworld. He also promises to let Odysseus (our weary hero!) go to bed after he finishes his compelling story, and adds that he will supply him with safe passage back to Ithaca the next day.
• The parade of notable characters from Greek mythology. Why include them in Odysseus's story? Once he's gotten the information he seeks from Teiresias, why does he hang around?

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