Book 12, as in the preceding books describing Odysseus's travels, explores themes of temptation, leadership choices, relationships with the divine and moral dilemmas that are universal throughout the history of the written word. In my mind, there is a straight line between the temptation of acquiring hidden knowledge from the Sirens and the Garden of Eden. Homer has Odysseus and his men avoid the damnation of the Sirens through mutual assistance. Odysseus plugs his men's ears and his men lash Odysseus to the mast and follow his commands not to release him even if ordered to do so. We avoid "damnation" only through overt acts of mutual aid.
The dilemma that Odysseus faces in sacrificing 6 of his men to save the rest is the most anguished and difficult imaginable. It is a stark reminder of the burdens of leadership. Few who aspire to it truly understand what is sometimes required. Ironically, the sacrifice of 6 men to get through the straits between Scylla and Charybdis turns out not to be such great sacrifice after all, considering what happens when the crew eats Helios's cattle.
The fact that only Odysseus survives the trials and tribulations of his travels is Homer's way of setting Odysseus apart. He has evolved into a person of uncommon courage, leadership and moral resolve, i.e., a true hero.
Book 12, as in the preceding books describing Odysseus's travels, explores themes of temptation, leadership choices, relationships with the divine and moral dilemmas that are universal throughout the history of the written word. In my mind, there is a straight line between the temptation of acquiring hidden knowledge from the Sirens and the Garden of Eden. Homer has Odysseus and his men avoid the damnation of the Sirens through mutual assistance. Odysseus plugs his men's ears and his men lash Odysseus to the mast and follow his commands not to release him even if ordered to do so. We avoid "damnation" only through overt acts of mutual aid.
The dilemma that Odysseus faces in sacrificing 6 of his men to save the rest is the most anguished and difficult imaginable. It is a stark reminder of the burdens of leadership. Few who aspire to it truly understand what is sometimes required. Ironically, the sacrifice of 6 men to get through the straits between Scylla and Charybdis turns out not to be such great sacrifice after all, considering what happens when the crew eats Helios's cattle.
The fact that only Odysseus survives the trials and tribulations of his travels is Homer's way of setting Odysseus apart. He has evolved into a person of uncommon courage, leadership and moral resolve, i.e., a true hero.