The Odyssey, Book 10 summary
Book 10 of 24 · 22 min to read the book
In Book 10, Ulysses nearly reaches home, but his men release Aeolus’s winds, and the Laestrygonians destroy every ship except his own before he reaches Circe’s island. With Mercury’s help, he frees his enchanted companions, stays a year, and learns that he must consult the dead prophet Teiresias before returning home.
What happens
- Aeolus supplies favorable wind, but the crew opens his sack near home, releases the trapped winds, and loses his help.
- The Laestrygonians eat men and smash the ships inside their harbor; Ulysses escapes with his ship.
- On Circe’s island, Eurylochus leads a scouting party, and Circe transforms those who enter her house into pigs.
- Mercury gives Ulysses a protective herb; Ulysses resists Circe, secures her oath, and demands his companions’ release.
- The reunited men remain with Circe for a year before urging Ulysses to resume their journey home.
- Circe directs Ulysses to consult Teiresias among the dead; Elpenor falls from her roof and dies during preparations.
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In this book
What to notice
Ulysses refuses to abandon the missing men despite Eurylochus’s warning. His sense of obligation drives him toward Circe.
Quick check
Why does Circe tell Ulysses to visit the dead?
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