The Odyssey: Symbolism and Making Predictions, Part 5
struction Active
Interpreting a Symbol
Now Zeus the lord of cloud roused in the north
a storm against the ships, and driving veils
of squall moved down like night on land and sea.
The bows went plunging at the gust; sails cracked and
lashed out strips in the big wind.
We saw death in that fury, dropped the yards, unshipped
the oars, and pulled for the nearest lee:
then two long days and nights we lay offshore worn out
and sick at heart, tasting our grief,
until a third Dawn came with ringlets shining. Then we
put up our masts, hauled sail, and rested,
letting the steersmen and the breeze take over.
I might have made it safely home, that time,
but as I came round Malea the current
took me out to sea, and from the north
a fresh gale drove me on, past Cythera.
Nine days I drifted on the teeming sea
before dangerous high winds.
What does the sea symbolize in this passage?
loyalty among shipmates
obstacles on life's journey
the knowledge of leaders
O hospitality among friends