Summary9


 * //Book IX New Coast and Poseidon's Son//**

In Chapter 9, Odysseus tells the Phaicians who he is and begins to tell the tale of his long journey home. He begins his tale in Ismarus or the Island of the Kikones. Here Odysseus isn't the most gracious of guest, for he kills those who fight and enslaves the women. His men abuse the islands resources and therefore the Kikones attack Odysseus and his crew. In that small battle his crew lost six men per ship. Zeus, as the source of their disgrace, sent a storm which landed them in the land of the Lotus-Eaters. These Lotus- Eaters fed intoxicating fruits of the Lotus to the crew. Those who ate this fruit wished to never go back home but rather stay in this beautiful place nad enjoy the delicious food. Odysseus is forced to tie the men down in theri seats in order to bring them back home.

After he escapes this intoxicating island, his crew, sailed at night to the island of the Kyklopes. The Kyklopes are a one eyed-savage race of giants. Since his men and Odysseus are extremely hungry, they hunt a herd of sheep and later in the mainland steal some cheese and milk. The crew suggests taking as much as they can and run off with it. Odysseus rejects this idea which he soon learns he should have done the opposite. When Polyphemos, a Kyklope and Poseidon’s Son returns, he sees Odysseus and his man and blocks the entrance of the cave with a huge boulder that only he can move. Aftter a little talking hi dismembers two men of the cre wnad eats them. Odysseus and four other men are turned into prisoners. As a very intelligent man, Odysseus comes up with a plan. The next day while Polyphemos is out, Odysseus takes piece of wood and with the help of his crew, makes a spear out of a wooden staff that he has made strong with fire. Odysseus gets Polyphemos drunk and jovial with the wine that Marion gave him. he offers this wine to Polyphemos as a gift in order for him to accept it. As soon as Polyphemos is asleep on the ground, his men and Odysseus stick a the hot spear into Polyphemos eye. As morning comes, the men escape unseen by the giant one-eyed monster. They escape by tying themselves to the bottom of the rams bellies so that when Polyphemos lets them out of the cave they will escape also. Odysseus and his men aboard their ship safely. Polyphemos, in a complete range, calls to his father, Poseidon god of the sea, to avenge him by making Odysseus's journey home eternal and impossible

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