An investigation into the nine primary pitfalls of the human condition as revealed in Odysseus' story within the Odyssey, and how they are answered by the nine attributes of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
Introduction:
Coming Soon: “The Way Home” – A Nine-Part Journey Through the Odyssey and the Soul
You sailed from Troy with blood upon your hands,
Part 1:
The Way Home Part 1: Calypso’s Island – The Beautiful Prison
Sing, Muse, of faithfulness—the steadfast heart that pines for home amid immortal ease, of caves where vanity in beauty dressed detains the soul with lies designed to please.Sing of the hero weeping on the shore, refusing ageless splendor for the truth of mortal vows, of Ithaca’s rough soil, of love that ages yet endures from youth.
Part 2:
The Way Home Part 2: the Phaeacians of Scheria
Behold the storm-tossed man flung to the shore, salt-stung and broken, as a lion brought down low; where righteous rage could roar at his own fate— he chooses meekness, and the olive branch to show.Behold the maids who scatter, terrified, and Nausicaa, her heart both bold and shy; the words he speaks are honeyed, free of pride, transforming fear to pity…
Part 3:
The Way Home Part 3: The Cicones and the Lotus-eaters
Remember the bard whose songs of glory ring, praising the war and Troy’s resounding fall; the hero’s sobs and tears are hidden things, he weeps from memories the songs do not recall—A woman clings to husband gasping, dying, is dragged away, as his men beat her down;
Part 4:
The Way Home Part 4: The One-Eyed Giant's Cave
Observe the weary fleet that reaches shore, and comes upon the Cyclops’ hearty land; though stores are full and home calls evermore, they chase the vain ambitions of one man.Observe the wine he pours into a skin; his chosen men who cross the narrow strait; the giant’s cave unguarded, cheese within, but he will not give way, “greatness awaits.”
Part 5:
Part 6:
The Way Home Part 6: The Laestrygonian Disaster
Beware the isle where sunlight gleams, the harbor calm, embraced by cliffs; where days extend in endless dreams, and night retreats as fleeting myths. Beware the promise of that place, the plume of smoke that evokes bread; the strapping daughter’s smiling face, the high-roofed halls where men are led. Beware the queen, a horrid sight, who summons f…
Part 7:
The Way Home Part 7: A Year in Circe's Halls
Heed the shattered fleet that limps to shore, away from giants’ wrath and comrades lost; one crew remains, hearts aching, spirits sore, they seek a haven, without further cost.Heed the smoke that curls from palace halls, where Circe sings while weaving on her loom;
Part 8:
The Way Home Part 8: the House of Death— the Sirens' Song
Mark the trench dug where the rivers meet, where blood is poured to converse with the dead; the seer speaks and warns them not to eat the grazing cattle on the voyage ahead. Mark the mother’s shade who speaks of pain, her life cut short by longing for her son; three times he reaches out his arms in vain— she slips away like mist when day is done…
Part 9:
The Way Home Part 9: Scylla, Charybdis, and the Sacred Cows
Discern the straits where beetling cliffs arise, and roaring breakers pound the jagged stone; no crew can clear the clashing rocks alive— the choice is Scylla’s maw or Charybdis’ moan. Discern the captain bent on safe command, who weighs his words and boasts about the past; he arms himself in silence, spears in hand, and makes his men row on, their h…
