# The Laestrygonians explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## What happens

Ulysses and his crew encounter the barbarous Laestrygonians, who destroy all but Ulysses' ship. They then arrive at Circe's island, where she transforms half the crew into swine. With Mercury's help, Ulysses resists Circe's magic, forces her to restore his men, and they are entertained before continuing their journey past the Sirens.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hospitality and Its Violation

The Laestrygonians violate hospitality by attacking the ships, while Circe initially offers false hospitality before Ulysses forces genuine hospitality.

### Heroism and the Quest

Ulysses demonstrates heroism by venturing alone to rescue his crew from Circe and by enduring the Sirens' song to continue his journey.

## Character check-ins

### Ulysses

Leads the crew, escapes the Laestrygonians, resists Circe's magic with Mercury's aid, and navigates past the Sirens.

### Circe

The enchantress who transforms Ulysses' crew into swine and later hosts them after being forced to release them.

### Mercury

Provides Ulysses with the plant Moly and instructs him on how to overcome Circe's sorcery.

## Key lines

> As they approached the Sirens’ island, the sea was calm, and over the waters came the notes of music so ravishing and attractive that Ulysses struggled to get loose, and by cries and signs to his people begged to be released; but they, obedient to his previous orders, sprang forward and bound him still faster.

As they neared the Sirens' island, the calm sea carried a mesmerizing melody that made Ulysses desperately struggle against his bonds, pleading with his crew to free him, but they followed his earlier command and tied him even tighter.

_Illustrates Ulysses' self-discipline and the crew's obedience in overcoming temptation._

> I sue not for my happy crown again; I sue not for my phalanx on the plain; I sue not for my lone, my widowed wife; I sue not for my ruddy drops of life, My children fair, my lovely girls and boys; I will forget them; I will pass these joys, Ask nought so heavenward; so too—too high; Only I pray, as fairest boon, to die; To be delivered from this cumbrous flesh, From this gross, detestable, filthy mesh, And merely given to the cold, bleak air. Have mercy, goddess! Circe, feel my prayer!

A transformed king, now an elephant, begs Circe not for his former glory, family, or life, but only for death to escape his monstrous form, pleading for mercy.

_Highlights the tragic fate of Circe's victims and the theme of transformation and loss of humanity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-laestrygonians
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters