Circe and Aeolus — The bag of winds and the enchantress

Book 10 of The Odyssey by Homer

'Then we came to the isle of Aeolia, where dwelt Aeolus, son of Hippotas, dear to the deathless gods. It is a floating island, and all around it is a wall of bronze unbroken, and the cliff runs up sheer from the sea. Aeolus had twelve children in his halls, six daughters and six lusty sons, and he gave his daughters to his sons to be their wives. They feast evermore with their dear father and their gracious mother. Aeolus entertained me for a whole month and questioned me of all things, of Ilion and the ships of the Argives and the return of the Achaeans. I told him all the tale in order duly. And when I asked him for convoy and besought him to send me on my way, he did not refuse, but furnished me with means of passage. He gave me a wallet made of the hide of an ox of nine seasons, and therein he bound the courses of all the blustering winds. For the son of Cronos had made him warden of the winds, to still them or rouse them as he pleased. And he tied the wallet in the hold of the ship with a shining cord of silver, that not the faintest breath might escape. Then he sent forth the west wind to blow for me, to bear our ships and ourselves upon our way. But this he was not to bring about, for we were undone by our own folly.'

'Nine days we sailed by night and day, and on the tenth our native land came in sight. We were so near that we could see men tending the beacon fires. Then sweet sleep fell upon me, for I was utterly foredone, having handled the sheet of the ship myself the whole time without giving it to any of my company, that so we might come the faster to our own country. But my men began to speak among themselves, saying that I was bringing home gold and silver, gifts from Aeolus the great-hearted son of Hippotas. And one would glance at his neighbour and say: "See now, how this man is beloved and honoured among all men to whose city and land he comes. Much fine treasure he is carrying with him from the spoil of Troy, while we who have journeyed with him and accomplished the same voyage return with empty hands. And now Aeolus hath given him these gifts in his kindness. Come quickly, let us see what is here and how much gold and silver is in the wallet." So they spoke, and the evil counsel of my fellows prevailed. They opened the wallet and all the winds rushed out, and a sudden tempest caught them up and bore them weeping out to sea, away from their own country. Then I awoke and debated in my blameless heart whether to fling myself from the ship and perish in the sea, or to bear it in silence and still abide among the living. I bore it and endured, and covering my face I lay down in the ship while my men groaned aloud.'

'The evil blast bore our ships back to the isle of Aeolus, and there we went ashore and drew water and my men took their meal by the swift ships. When we had tasted meat and drink, I took a herald and one of my company and went to the glorious house of Aeolus, where he sat feasting with his wife and children. We came to the house and sat down on the threshold by the door-posts. They marvelled at the sight of us and questioned us: "How hast thou come hither, Odysseus? What evil god assailed thee? Surely we sent thee on thy way with all diligence, that thou mightest reach thine own country and thy house and whatsoever place is dear to thee." So they spoke, but I answered with a sorrowing heart: "My evil companions brought me to ruin, they and sleep accursed. But heal my hurt, my friends, for the power is with you." So I spoke, beseeching them with gentle words, but they were silent. At last the father answered: "Begone from our island with all speed, thou vilest of living men! It is not lawful for me to give convoy or send on his way a man whom the blessed gods abhor. Begone, for thou comest hither as one hateful to the immortals." Thus he spoke and sent me from his house groaning heavily.'