Sylla And Chrybdis In The Odyssey

Formal Paper: Scylla and Charybdis

Once Odysseus and his men have passed Sirens’ island, they have to navigate their ship through the path of the sea monster Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis. Odysseus must use his strength and knowledge to overcome his fear, and lead his men back home.

Research

One of the important Greek values that is reflected in Scylla and Charybdis, is leadership. Leadership is important to the Greeks because it establishes order in society, and without it, people would be living in fear, and there would be much chaos. In Scylla and Charybdis, Odysseus uses his leadership to reassure his men so that they don't give up, and to tell them what needs to get done in order to navigate between the narrow strait between the vicious sea monster and the whirlpool. Another Greek is courage, and it is the ability to face a challenge without cowardice, and you need it on and off the battle field. Odysseus realizes that to get past Scylla and Charybdis, he must overcome his fears, and be strong for his men. In line 784-786 of the Odyssey, Odysseus states, "I told them nothing, as they could do nothing. They

would have dropped their oars again, in panic, to roll for cover under the decking". His courage shows through because he is afraid inside, but he doesn't show it. He lies to his men for the greater good, because he knows that they will give up and not even try to fight.
Epic Hero Characteristics
One of the many characteristics of an epic hero that is displayed in Scylla and Charybdis is the vast setting. Odysseus' journey home is very far, and he has to pass through Scylla and Charybdis in the ocean, which is huge and very immense. Another characteristic that is shown in this story is the supernatural and otherworldly forces acting upon Odysseus as he continues his journey home. Scylla is the 6 headed monster that ate 6 of Odysseus' men, and she is a supernatural force. Charybdis is the whirlpool that Odysseus and his crew manage to avoid, and she is also a supernatural force. Odysseus also exceeds in strength, courage, and skill, which allows him to make it past Scylla and Charybdis. Odysseus also comes across Circe, who tells him that he is going to encounter an obstacle that will make his journey harder. Circe is a woman (goddess), and another characteristic of an epic hero is encountering women who tempt and give you advice.
Character Language
There are many instances where Odysseus uses different types of language based on what message he is trying to convey.

He is really the only one in the story besides Circe that talks because neither his men nor Scylla and Charybdis say a work in the text. For example, on lines 798-801 of Scylla and Charybdis, Odysseus says, "By heaven! when she vomited, all the sea was like a cauldron seething over intense fire, when the mixture suddenly heaves and rises". Odysseus feels necessary to compare Charybdis to a cauldron over intense fire, which means that she was probably very vicious and frightening. Also, Circe gives Odysseus advice on how to escape from Scylla and Charybdis instead of thwarting his attempts to get home. This reveals that even though Circe and Odysseus have a conflicting relationship, she decides to do the right thing and help

him.
Predictions
Overcoming Scylla and Charybdis has given Odysseus hope that he can face other obstacles and get past them. It has also opened his eyes, and now he knows that it is going to be a long and hard journey back to Ithaca. This story represents two different fates or paths that one must choose in order to succeed and pass. He will soon find his limits and strengths, and they will both work for and against him. Odysseus sacrificed a lot to help save his men, and that shows that he is somewhat selfless. The battle of Scylla and Charybdis was not easy, and it is something that him and all of his men will remember forever.