More obstacles

I have just finished hearing the possible dangers of my long journey home and it does not sound pleasant. I must first instruct my men to put wax in their ears so that the Sirens do not influence them to abandon our ship. However, I really want to know what all the commotion is about so maybe I’ll have my men bound me to the oars of the ship so that I can still listen to them without jumping off. Next, we will be encountering Scylla and Charybdis, which sounds like a terrible combination, a multi-headed monster and a giant whirlpool. Anyway, I see no hope to prevail against these sea creatures, as Poseidon, the god of the seas is already furious that I blinded his psychotic son, Polyphemus. I must also warn my men to not kill any sacred animals of the gods as I was warned that they would retaliate and that is the last thing I would want to experience. 

I have already accepted the fact the most of the gods want to see my downfall. Why you ask?? I have had the first luck than any other Greek hero, and yes my list includes Heracles. It wasn't bad enough that my men and I reach the land of the lotus eaters but we have to face the Laestrygonians. Did I forget to mention Cyclops? Well they are not exactly a delightful group of species to spend time with considering they are uncivilised monsters.

--Odysseus

550 BC Laconian Black Figure Kylix

Odysseus described the Cyclops as uncivilised as they lacked finesse and fine living. Looking at the image, one of these traits is a result of their unruly behaviour, the abuse of wine. Mortals have never taken advantage of wine as its effects can be disastrous but for beings that are uncivilised, the consequences are not considered when consuming it. They do not know when to stop and as a result they falter. If you consume wine on a regular basis it will lessen one's senses and as a result it is the ideal time for someone to strike. If you don’t believe me please look at the figure and tell me that wine is not harmful. So what is the message here? DO NOT ABUSE THE CONSUMPTION OF WINE!!!

Uncivilized Cyclops

I cannot believe that I’m being held prisoner by a Cyclops. These creatures have no sense of civilisation at all. You would expect a man to treat his guests with hospitality if their ship was destroyed but these creatures are something else. They have already killed a number of my men and the rest are too scared to do anything. But I have a plan, with the help of my guardian Athena; she has provided me with wisdom in order to defeat these uncivil beings. I just hope that these Cyclops are easily manipulated. Thus, wine shall be my answer. 

--Odysseus

A quick stop at Ismarus, land of the Cicones

I am shocked at the behaviour of my men. It is as if they behave like savage pirates killing all the men and abducting the women. I tried to reason with them but they would not listen. I sense that the gods will not accept this kind of behaviour, I just hope they don't make our voyage impossible.

--Odysseus

End of a long war

Finally!!

Could it be true that this meaningless war is finally over? Thank the gods!! I have only dreamt of sailing home but know that the city of Troy has fallen (I'm being modest when I say fallen I mean burnt to the ground) I can finally see my wife and child again. I can only pray that Penelope has not forgotten me or found another man who holds a special place in her heart. Ahh!! What am I thinking of course she still loves me it has been only 10 years since I last saw her, if I was stuck fighting a 20 year war then I would be worried as a woman cannot remain faithful for so long. I must put these thoughts out of my head and just focus on my voyage back home.