King Aeolus, a mortal, gives hospitality to Odysseus on his floating island of Aeolia. He was the controller of the winds. He gives Odysseuas a bag with all the winds when he sets sail. It is tied with a silver string and can be dangerous.
Nine days Odysseus sails without sleep before the wind. Then, exhausted, he sleeps and his crew, curious and thinking the bag had something for them, opemed it and all were blown back to Aeolia.
The king, whose name may mean "earth destroyer", "whirlwind" or "cunning" (there is no total agreement) is indignant of their folly and they have to row away.
They arrive at the land of the Laestrygonians. The vesels crowd into the apparently safe harbour, which is entirely land locked. Only Ulysses stays outside. Once the ships are there they are attacked.
The ships are destroyed with great rocks and the struggling sailors killed with spears as they try to escape the water.
Saddened only Odysseus and his crew escape. They sail to the isle of Aeaea (translated as woe). Climbing a hill Odysseus sees the only habitation is a palace in the centre of the island. He send half his crew under the command of Eurylochus (wide ambush); they are surrounded by great beasts, lions, tigers, wolves who have been tamed by Circe's arts. She is a goddess with magical arts and a great enchantress.
All follow her sweet music except for Eurylochus, who suspicious, returns to Odysseus. The crew partaking of her wine and sweetmeats, become at the touch of wand, transformed into swine and are led to sties where they eat.
Circe, the daughter of Helios and Perse (daughter of Oceanus and Tethys); She was an Oceanid. Her name relates to 'circle' and her island home is circular - as is the circling flight of her hawks who live in her trees (circos means hawk).
Odysseus sets out for the palace. On the way he meets Hermes, in the form of a youth.
Hermes warns Odysseus of Circe's wiles. Odysseus is not to be dissuaded and so Hermes gives him a sprig of Moly, which will protect him from enchantment.
Odysseus goes to the palace and is entertained by Circe; he eats and drinks but when she touches him with her wand he draws his sword and in anger rushes on her. She falls to her knees and he dictates a promise to her that his companions will be released. She agrees and is as good as her word. They are and all live a life of ease, including Odysseus until he is reminded of his home.
He is guided by Circe as to how to get passed the Sirens.
Before the story of The Odyssey starts we have had the little matter of the battle for Troy. Using his wiles, Odysseus finally wins the battle through the artifice of The Wooden Horse. He is avenging the honour of Menalaus, whose beautiful wife was stolen by Paris (with a little help from Aphrodite).
