Literary Analysis Essay on Danger for Odysseus

Introduction

In this paper, I will argue that the sirens pose a danger to Odysseus and his men with their songs of knowledge and praise. The sirens are believed to be mythical creatures that are extremely beautiful and lure men to their death. The sirens have beautiful voices and are aware that Odysseus is olbios in battle (Hesiod, Theogony, 1:95-100). They sing about his victories and promise to provide knowledge to Odysseus which is their tactic to leading men to their death. The sirens are known to live in the waters. In the past, men have listened to their songs that are alluring with praise and knowledge. The sirens are cunning and lead men into the rough waters of the sea. At these regions, the seas were rough that navigating them was a challenge. It causes boats to capsize and sink thus the death of men.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

First, we have to mention the reasons why men are captivated by the sirens. The sirens are beautiful creatures of the seas. In addition to their mythical beauty, these creatures have beautiful voices. Like all songs of battle, the sirens comprehend that koros with knowledge and praise is a common weakness for victorious men (Homeric Hymn To Aphrodite, 1: 260:265). Besides, the songs of freedom capture their innermost desires. For instance, Odysseus was a man who had led many men into battle and emerged victoriously. The battle of Troy and the idea of the Trojan horse is one that had gained popularity in the land (Epic Cycle, 102: 13-14). However, Odysseus was a man in despair and pain and wished to be free. The sirens, therefore, were a threat to him as they recognized his victories and needed to be free. He was a potential prey for the sirens and would lead to his death and that of his men if he did not escape the danger posed by the sirens.

Next, the sirens were a danger to many people, and the tales of the misfortune they caused were known. For Odysseus, he is fortunate as the goddess Circe provides him with information before his potential demise. The goddess advises Odysseus to order his men to block their ears with beeswax which would prevent them from hearing the sirens' alluring voices (Homeric Odyssey, 12:25-50). Though Odysseus does not follow the advice of the goddess personally, his men prevented him from falling into the trap of the sirens. Odysseus pothos freedom and curiosity make him prey for the sirens (Kosmos Society, p.1). He listens to their songs of knowledge and desires to be freed from his pain and desperation. Hence, the misfortunes caused by the sirens depict the danger they pose to Odysseus and his men.

Conclusion

It is because of the information provided by the goddess Circe that Odysseus survives the danger of the sirens. These mythical creatures are beautiful and luring to men who seek freedom form their despair. During Odysseus nostos, he had to sail through the rough waters. He was curious about the sirens and their songs of knowledge. His curiosity would have prevented him from getting home and endangered his life.

Work Cited

"Epic Cycle - SB". Chs.Harvard.Edu, 2016, https://chs.harvard.edu/CHS/article/display/5288. Accessed 7 Mar 2018.

"Hesiod, Theogony -SB". Chs.Harvard.Edu, 2017, https://chs.harvard.edu/CHS/article/display/5289. Accessed 7 Mar 2018.

"Homeric Hymn To Aphrodite - SB". Chs.Harvard.Edu, 2016, https://chs.harvard.edu/CHS/article/display/5293. Accessed 7 Mar 2018.

"Homeric Odyssey - SB". Chs.Harvard.Edu, 2017, https://chs.harvard.edu/CHS/article/display/5287#12t. Accessed 7 Mar 2018.

Kosmos Society. "Core Vocab With Greek". The Kosmos Society, 2014, https://kosmossociety.chs.harvard.edu/?p=2636. Accessed 7 Mar 2018.