The Odyssey (2004) starring Tim McInnerny, Amanda Redman, Benedict Cumberbatch and Janet McTeer

[Music] and the Odyssey of Homer dramatized by Simon Armitage [Music] [Music] what I say is this adicus must be punished Poseidon must have his revenge why father this man was a hero at Troy one of our favorites Fe that we owe him no special favor he's a human in the end a mortal there's no shame in Being Human they stumble from one tragedy to the next never improving never learning from their mistakes then blame us for their own frailties and faults their misfortunes are their own our words of warning fall on deaf ears and they turn a blind eye to our signs when we send Eagles to Signal our thoughts in the sky what do they do stand on point and stare like bird watchers after all these years you'd expect some change some progress some development some sense but their behavior gets worse their children squabbling brats and the world is their kindergarten there are always exceptions to the rule aren't there father and exceptions that prove it as well all I'm saying is we shouldn't be so quick to judge judge take each case on its own merits see the person not just the species as a whole consider the man considered adicus that's what you mean isn't it speak up child well yes he's an example of the kind of thing I'm talking about his predicament is a shadow on my heart and grows darker every day it's only yesterday you gods were cheering him on praising his cunning and skill toasting the way he conjured Victory out of defeat at Troy imagined a hollow horse made from a ship's beams his Savage men butchered and ate the cattle of the sun those beautiful lumbering bulls that never hurt anyone oh that's rich coming from you Hermes you the world's first Cattle Rustler 50 heers wasn't it stolen from Apollo I was only an infant it was a prank I gave 48 of them back I just thought you'd be more sympathetic IC you the god of Travelers the light in the dark I helped him once I pointed out the moly flower saved him from being transformed into a hog that was years ago he still needs help he's still lost is it my job to hold his hand all the way home do you have some more important task well don't expect fires to be lit or bulls to be slaughtered in your name if the prayers of a struggling traveler fall on deaf ears don't expect temples and Grotto my image appears by every path in every roadside Shrine roads and paths all to their course humans have fickle Hearts it isn't a popularity contest you'll be forgotten wiped from memory ridiculous you won't exist yes I suppose a little nudge in the right direction wouldn't hurt a Deus blinded the Cyclops see it his only eye with a burning branch the Cyclops Poseidon's son my nephew no less put yourself in aysus shoes and tell me how it feels 20 years away from his land 19 10 years fighting and winning the war at Troy 10 more making his journey home seven of those snared in Calypso's net Calypso who charms him with Voodoo words encircles him with her legs blows mumbo jumbo into his fears to make him forget but he doesn't forget he dreams of the fires of Ithaca scans The Horizon for smoke weeps for his people his wife and his son and after all the sacrifices he made in your name father I don't know how you sleep yes true he suffered more than most and his tired wife Penelope who Waits and waits and El oh yes she's patient to the L telemus his son a young man now who was only a babe in arms when his father's boat sailed out of the bay true crying and the loyal people of his H toown all right all right no one forgets proud odius stuck there on some forsaken Rock in Calypso's web but my brother Poseidon har is a deep Grudge he wants blood father father most Nobles use on the other hand no one would deny the man of Fighting Chance absolutely right he's been there for so long well here's your opportunity what do you suggest dispatch Hermes to that bewitching nymph Calypso tell her to untangle adus from her spell let him sail home under a stiff breeze acceptable Hermes fly off to that bewitching nymph Calypso tell her to untangle Odus from her spell let him sail home under a stiff breeze he can take his chances on the high sea all the gods shall unite and agree Zeus has spoken all the gods shall agree my father mightiest of the mighty highest among the high oh that's enough worming and weedling the one day and what part shall you play in all this I'll go to IA with a plan light a fire in the mind of telemus the son of adicus put fuel in his thoughts but why such haste after 20 years is there any need to rush or for us Immortals time is a circle that never ends but man has a fist full of sand and treasures every grain you are your father's daughter no doubt of that I'll take this spear disguise myself as mentes an old friend of adicus I'll appear as a man in the [Music] flesh you could do better than that more wine over here the good stuff from the far M yes not the piss you keep for The Unwanted gifts hey hey a more Pig succulent suckling pig with its cracking skin on a pig there's no need to go over the top let him and it's tender roll of ly and it Supple flags and it's virgin B spig witch Here Comes our host gicus a delicious feast again you're kitchen does you proud never let it be said that you starve no the wine is quite delicious Zeus himself would smile at The Taste if there's any left when you're finished I'll be glad to offer him a glass have to excuse me though another stranger stands in the door another stranger I'll make welcome in my father's house be my guest one more mouth to feed well don't stand in the porch not the most heartfelt welcome I've ever had we never turn our back on visitors but you sutors are eating us out of house and home don't expect to be welcomed with open arms I'm no sutor I'm menes the friend of your fathers from a long way back have news of my father where is he has he sent you ahead to announce his arrival no news like that I'm afraid I see but then what brings you to I I'm anchored in the bay with my men on route to tacy to trade metal and all I stopped in to pay my respects forgive me but this is a scandal what gives those men the right to behave like swine in the house of noble adio let's step outside for some pressure as we talk two decades ago my father sailed out of you and we haven't set eyes on him since for years and years I imagined him standing where you stood just moments ago filling the frame of the door back to throw his arms around his family and claim his house but now I fear the worst a man like adus wouldn't just disappear without Trace I have a nightmare Vision When I close my eyes my father dead and alone on some Stony plane or in a deep ocean trench he's water now or he's dust you sound like you've given up hope and there's more pain to Bear these men that Lounge on his rugs and loaf at his Hearth Gra ging and gulping their way through our wealth these sutors lay claim to my mother's heart but because my father has no two more grave she can't say no and she can't say yes so they Gorge themselves at our expense and we feed them on silver plates would ped from inside our own house cicus listen to me I'm no teller of Fortunes and I can't read the meaning of birds in the sky but the gods have put a thought in my mind for your own sake you should act on what I say I believe adus is alive I believe these sutors will shriek for forgiveness before they die it's a generous and polite thought if I were more of a man get a boat of 20 ores sail to pyos then Sparta seek news of your father from his friends they'll tell you of the Glorious victory at Troy they'll inspire you you'll grow with every word no they'll meet me on the pier awkward in grief like distant uncles consoling a the dead man's son saying how sorry they were to hear of my loss then I'll be crushed if you hear of his death then Heap stones on a plot of Earth and call it his grave then your mother Penelope must choose her groom but if you hear word that he lives sail back to Ithaca and hold yourself proud and straight you talk like a father speaking to his son you're no longer a child telemus it's time to prove that to yourself now go back inside I'll make myself scared wa my father had friends in high places friends of unusual nature otherworldly how manys and many tears toing [Music] [Applause] her oh man many lives for Helen of how many lives how many lives how many husbands and how many wives to bring her [Music] back H Penelope you grace us with your presence you honor us here's a seat by the fire and a cloak for your shoulders it was music that stirred me thank you my lady I mean it troubled me roused me out of the comfort of sleep have you only the one song no lady thousands then sing another not the song of Troy it climbed my stairs Rising like smoke seeping under the door and bringing me to tears let me sleep I'm tired she's an icy woman she'll melt I I know what I'd be like after 20 years with my legs crossed I'll be at Boiling Point beautiful though stood there at the head of the stairs against the evening light she takes her wedding vows too seriously she takes her Fidelity too far that's why we want her isn't it that's why we're curing up for her hand we want that faithfulness for ourselves and everything that comes with it property Weaponry legs of wine herds of cattle gold Fame my intentions are entirely honorable so are mine just that I've got some very big intentions it's like a Land of Plenty waiting behind a locked gate one day she'll say yes and give one man amongst us the key the key to Paradise oh when she stood there just now with the sun behind her illuminated the last rays of dusk making a filament of her body beneath her dress which of us didn't steal a glimpse of what lies ahead on the other side you s camped out at our expense Goring away like rats through our estate I'll keep you fed and watered for as long as you you stay it's what Society expects but if there were Justice in this world Zeus would punish you for your gluttony he put an end to your infinite appetites and I one would give him endless thanks what's the bed wetter whining about now tus what's got into you how dare you talk with such impertinence as if the gods are given you leave to speak for as long as my father adicus is away I'll be Lord and Master in this house I'll be the owner of his hardw fortunes and I'll speak as I please say what you will the outcome of all this lies in the lap of the Gods and there's nothing you can do to alter what they decide correct anyway who was the visitor who arrived unannounced and then vanished Into Thin Air another sutor joining the long and winding queue or just a tinker pushing some second right Goods he was a friend of my father's a Trader in metal and ore he stopped to pay his respects but when he set eyes on this vulgar scene he made his excuses and ran to catch the wind that tone of voice again telemus well let me say this if we have become debased there's only your mother to blame oh there's a name for people like her we could have been off in the wide world lying beside any woman who took our fancy oh but good Penelope keeps us hanging on for nearly four years we've dangled on a string while she sends us encouraging nods and Winks we've invested too much time to just walk away she is a faithful mother and wife she's a clever trickster as well what was it she said to us all you who flatter me and are eager for my hand let me first weave this shroud for Lees my father-in-law who is frail and old oh what will the women folk think of me if he dies without a sheep to wind his Royal body when the weaving's done when the shroud's complete then I'll choose a man so we let her weave season after season year after year we let her weave until one of her men Maids whispered in my ear that what she stitched by day she unpicked at night now that's the kind of devious mind we're up against she plays for time holding out hope for my father's return who could blame her for that she's a vixen cunning and slly telemus your mother is a prize worthy of any man burn this into your brain telemus we'll not give up the chase so the quicker you cut the Apron Strings and marry her off to whichever sutor she most deserves the better for everyone concerned a sign a sign in the sky who's this old bag of bats he has a KN for reading the flight of birds tell us what you saw two Eagles Soaring Over the town it happens every day they glided side by side then suddenly turned on each other in midair Ling out with their fearful Talons tearing feathers with their terrible be making an ungodly Den it spells disaster for you suitter it means bloody Misfortune is being plotted somewhere overhead that's crap someone take this coughing Dodger outside and leave him to rock It's not crap there'll be Rock You couldn't predict your way out your own hat he's right when he says that two Eagles mean trouble birds do peculiar things every day of the week they're just Birds it's it's oriology I predicted all kinds of things I'm good at it you're a [ __ ] stirer that's what you are oh adus is As Dead As Stone and everyone knows it right so why put ideas of Vengeance in his son's head telemus should be left to finish his grieving and then his mother could be married off yeah I have a proposition for you men you hardly in a position to bargain no no no no no let him be allow me a ship and 20 men to row I'll sail to pyos then onto Sparta and ask for hard news of my father if he lives grant me another year 12 months for him to find Ithaca if he has perished I'll build a tomb in his name and make offerings in his honor in keeping with his Fame then one man here shall marry his widow it's a trick he's plotting our murder it seems reasonable enough request he'll bring back an army or recipes for poison to mix with our supper he's as slippery as his mother maybe but he's young inexperienced and full of idiot ideas more likely he'll perish at Sea which will make our job here A whole lot smoother whoever marries the mother could keep the house the family's worldly Goods we'll split between between us there's nothing to lose he's played right into our hands very well B Voyage Telus we'll scan the waves for your safe [Music] return You Who Came to Me In My Father's House a goddess in the body of a man who set my pulse racing with a plan can you hear me now [Applause] your journey waits for you to L it's a test of your mind and your strength and a test of your birth prove to yourself that you are your father's son that his blood is in your blood and you'll journey into Joy pull yourself up to your full height you have a lot to live up to many sons are blocked out by their father's light the bigger and stronger the parent tree the weaker the stripping standing in in its shade but I think you'll grow tall and straight here's a fast ship fitted out ready to sail collect Provisions for the trip stuff satchels with meal and top up the jars with strong wine the Suites seem suspicious if I return to the house too busy roasting meat and swilling drink to bother with you don't lose confidence now screw your courage to a point now for my part I'll steal through the town recruiting the best men they won't say no when they see into my eyes start plotting a course telemus the Stars point the way tonight under clear open [Music] Skies come back through the window my lady there's a chill wind tonight my son stands on the beach looking for signs of his father hopeful to the last two sets of footprints on the sand but he stands alone now you'll be pacing up and down that's what I do when I'm nervous and the Wind Blows the wrong way for this time of night away from the shore it's a chill wind all ride straight off the mountains come away from the window now and take this CK do you hear what those young men say about me take no notice that I'm carved from Ice from standing at that window in a chill wind that I give them knowing looks feed them with hope oh what did they know about a woman's face that I'm the one making the situation worse oh it's the drink in them that talks the loud mouths louder still with a jar of wine in their gut it's true though isn't it what's true that I'm the corn that keeps the Locust fed don't torture yourself I'm right though aren't I I'm a brusher of hair and a hanger of clothes I'm not paid for my witch yes it's unfair of me but since you're asking I'll tell you how it is you live like a widow with no man at your side and you've lived like that for n on 20 years until you bury OD disuse you're still his wife it pays to be cold on the outside with that lot down there ruling at your feet and sniffing under the bedroom door oh but I know you I've known you for donkeys years and there's a flame somewhere inside right in your heart I shouldn't wonder and it won't go out shouldn't I extinguish it for everyone's sake no one can change what's in their own heart not even a queen and that's as much as I know on the topic maybe he's found a better pillow for his head next to a younger woman with silkier flesh oh she'd have to be made from silk itself to have skin any silkier than yours I known some skin in my time and yours is the silkiest of the lot oh their skin and their skin and let me tell you yours is pure silk you underestimate your powers of argument you should sit in the Council of the wise why do they need a brusher of hair no don't be going to that window again it's a chill wind from the mountain you'll get a ghost in your lungs oh no if that's everything I'll say good night would that be so bad to end it inhale a cold death to join my husband on the other side is that what the gods have in [Applause] mind Athena my daughter give me a progress report you were have visitation in itha overnight are the vultures still circling the house of adicus they are and what of his son young telemus has he formulated a plan has he hatched from the Egg of his inaction he has and his patient Penelope still faithfulness itself oh she is I hope you were discreet doesn't do to meddle too much makes them dependent makes them over Reliant Upon Our interventions I was subtle and tactful I've blown a gentle breeze into the sails of the situation is what was called for but things need a further push adicus was like a father to his people almost Godlike now it's shameful to hear his friends and neighbors speak so casually of him his name slips from memory he's like a great ship that sank on its return Journey lost and only half remembered under the surface at least they don't live forever like us my memory it's like a museum infinite rooms Covered In Dust We need to be active on all all fronts my brother Hermes when will he be leaving already flown just after Dawn he collected his spear pulled his laces tight and putting his best foot first went island hopping over the waves to Calypso's cave she's a crafty one though she won't give up her catch just like that let's hope our Messenger keeps his nerve she has a soft spot for Hermes he'll talk her around she has a soft spot for dissous too we might say and a slippery tongue here I'll blow a hole in the clouds let's watch like pillars of light light these meows of wild grown flows and wild h on the path to H cave landbirds nest in the beer of grasses and ferns at the Cave's mouth and down in the cave itself out of the cave throat a woman s a woman's voice woman's voice car light as a of [Music] floating [Music] on what do you want Calypso I've traveled over vast empty Plains of the sea and there's salt on my tongue before we speak won't you offer an old friend a drink it's true there's a common bond between us Hermes I'd go further than that even I'm fond of you but no one travels to this far flung Island just to Marvel at the violets in the fields or drink the fresh water pure as it is come into the light let me see your face I'll help if I can but I suspect the worst you're being straightforward with me I respect you for that and I'll be honest in return I speak to you as one God to another you might have chosen to live like a mortal Earthbound and modest but a God is what you are so you know that when word comes from Olympus it can't be ignored and when those words come from the mouth of zus himself they arrows of iron that can't be deflected or stopped and he fires his iron words in my direction does he I can guess why he says at night you sleep next to a man no crime in itself except that man is adus who fought and won the long battle for Troy and was Shipwrecked here on his voyage home he's been a prisoner in your keep for seven years now and I'm instructed to instruct you to let him go he's no prisoner he can leave when he likes and what would he say in a walnut shell he loves me why would you want to risk his neck well let's ask him shall we where is he now on his favorite Rock overlooking the bay looking East towards Ithaca no doubt he's happy he's never tried to escape that rock he sits on was visible from miles out at Sea bleached white and not by the dung of birds or the throw of the sea but by a man's tears you Gods on your Mountain perch you're a joke you're the high priest of hypocrisy when a male God swoops down on a woman or forces himself on some innocent young thing you call it fate when a female god Falls for a mortal or takes a man in her bed an earthquake of disapproval Blows Its Top you're confusing politics with matters of the heart he loves his wife Penelope he wasn't yours to take not mine not mine that the richest yet who found him clinging to the Keel of his boat at the height of the storm who plucked him out of the thrashing waves kissed breath back into his lungs pumped his heart with blood nursed him back to strength rolled him in love not mine without me there is no Odus you saved him from Death does that mean he owes you his life I saved him from Poseidon who clicked his fingers and smashed his boat to splinters and turned the ocean bed into a mass grave while Zeus looked the other way no doubt you should speak more quietly this cave amplifies an angry voice throws sounds upwards into the skies let it ring loud in the spirals of Zeus's air if it's decided what difference can it make you can't win why make it more difficult for yourself besides which his actions aren't yours to judge be glad you don't carry the burden of the world don't light a fuse Under The Temper of mighty's use this is a water locked land with no ships at anchor you'll think of something use your Ingenuity do you think I can just whistle and a boat appears you saved him one you can save him again well if he drowns don't lay the blame at my feet I don't want disfiguring with a thunderbolt if you care for uus as you say you do you'll see him safe and sound out of the bay and if he's as Keen to see his homeland as I think he is he'll take care of himself after that will you give adicus the news or shall I oh you fly off home erand boy leave me to say my own goodbye tearful Odus you could have been my God tears are human they make me a man you've wept an ocean from those eyes if I had I'd plunge into it here and now and swim for home boyed up by the salt but this island sucks up everything I am I am to give you up Odus well you've tormented me for too long for your jibes to hurt but have I ever told you lies look into my face it's a trick look into my eyes listen to my voice you're free to leave I'm to give you up give me up give me up to what feed me to the Sharks do you mean put me to sea on a log so the waves can snap my bones is that how you spit me out after chewing the best years out of my life the sharks aren't my pets I don't control the waves but I'll help you leave by whatever means I possess why I need to know why be happy to be heading home and don't ask Fate has decided it and no one can contradict fate fate lies in the flick of your wrist you're a goddess then don't dare interrogate me treat me with respect think of it a goddess indeed who offered herself to a mere man but that man Pines for his Earthly wife by I Dare You Weep at night I pull you onto my body and you only half resist but your thoughts are elsewhere and you close your eyes to see Penelope's face so ask me nothing else I might not have the human touch you seem to Crave Odus but I have my pride you should be grateful before I change my mind it's true then I'm free to go Calypso have I ever once compared you to her my wife's face fades in my memory each day and that's what I can't bear that's why I ache but your beauty will never dim because you never AG oh your tongue was always your sharpest weapon but it never cut you no matter how close you came take this axe choose the sturdiest trees for a rock and build a hold on the deck I'll stow it with water and food and wine to ease the passing of days I'll Stitch warm clothes onto your back and hang a full white sail from the Mast can all this be true are the gods smiling on me at last I'm giving you my word here give me your hand lie with me one more night and leave it Dawn feel for yourself the Compassionate Heart in my [Music] breast are bring me some horse go drunk we don't eat horse do we I'll eat anything when I'm hungry you'll eat anything when you're not stomach exp it hey have you ever seen the inside of a man in battle that there was a wounded I once tied a dead man's gut to a post and fastened the other end to a messenger boy and sent him off he walked for more than a mile and it still didn't snap it's elastic there's no limit to what you control and once you stretch your appetite like that it's no good just eating light snack your stomach demands more now bring me some hes we should have tied such a gut to ad deus's son kept a hold on him yeah well it was your idea to let him go so it was but now I'm troubled by second thoughts you said he was only a boy you said he' drowned I did then i' heard he' taken the swiftest boat in the land and a careful choice of supplies and handpick the best crew in town and something else what he was seen on the beach that night in deep talk with that shady visitor you you remember one the friend of his fathers who disappeared as mysteriously as he'd come that's what I was told maybe the old man was right about those Eagles grappling in midair I found a feather in the courtyard that night right under my foot so what I found a beetle in my shoe so what exactly so what on the other hand on the other hand we should put to sea oh you will be Out Of Reach B I will never catch him up not catch him up more subtle than that we should lie in wait I let s of this go on on his return leg telemus will sail that straight of water between the Cliffs of seamos and Ithaca Coast he might be planning a surprise for us but we'll have a bigger surprise for him yes yes we'll flag him down like a welcome party meaning to sail with him into his Home Port that's clever we'll come alongside uh and the the rest we could leave to our imaginations for now except to say he won't put so much as his little toe on home's soil again agreed agreed you're talking about murder murdering the son of the woman you hope to marry she'll marry no one if he comes sailing home from Sunny pyos bronze with his father's reputation swaggering and walking to size she'll think he drowned by accident then she'll need a shoulder to cry on a but keep it under your tongues we don't want loose talk Whispering through the vaults or echoing into the upstairs [Music] Chambers you're a clear yes it's me my lady I didn't call for you it's too early oh my lady my lady time has stuck its fingers in the old nurse's ears I said you're excused at least don't stand pouring at the door like a stray dog haven't we known each other long enough to my lady you're a clear I Lady forgive me forgive you for what are the suitors SC tring for more food are they screaming like baby birds can't we feed them quick enough well open the doors of The Granary and the vaults where the meats are kept cold let them Gorge till they burst oh I felt like they'd stuffed themselves silly and maybe I wouldn't be standing here like this standing like what like this thing that I am raggedy old woman with bad news what bad news but don't hate me for it spit it out it's dmus he's gone gone where sailed off in search of his father he was overheard on the beach making plans and seen at the front of a ship as it left the bay without telling me without saying that's worse my lady oh don't be hating me for this say all of it tell it in one piece those slaving Leches downstairs those drooling mongrels not fit to kiss the SS of your shoes they're planning to all of it planning his death they'll lie in weight between the rocks and cut him off on his way back meet his body with bronze Spears they say he'll never set foot on his homeland again oh my lady so either way he's lost Su down by the sea on his journey out or or slaughtered by cowards in Touching distance of his own Shore in front of his mother's eyes first my husband was blown out of reach now the wind carries my son off like a weightless seed why wasn't I told we were feared it was only me daed enough only me with a tongue that wasn't tied and anyway he made me swear an oath what oath to say nothing that's what I had to swear so I I was torn down the middle either to his loyalty or to yours and he looked at me with a face like metal and he made me swear didn't want your beautiful skin staining with tears that's what he said but oh if I did wrong then have me killed my lady and I'll not complain if I made the wrong choice I'll hang up this life on its Peg like an old coat and then you'll not be nuanced by me again you were given no choice there will be no more talk of death oh my lady no more talk of loss oh see how heavy my heart has swollen it sways in me and bundles me over steady me with your hand here's my hand my lady and your lovely hand in it take Str strong hold of me now let's wash with water and I'll find fresh clothes from the laundry we'll go to the upper house and pray to Athena my only son and Odus son there'll be God's watching over him you can bet on that this family hasn't fought its last fight not by a long measure come on my lady come Athena what are you gazing at now or need I ask look father our messenger did his work Calypso releases adus from her keep I find it doesn't do to look down too much like that gives one a bad neck Zeus prefers to turn a blind eye is that it Zeus prefers acquired life see how she dresses him in scented clothes for the trip oh I waste my breath and stows drink on his raft in animal skins one of pure water straight from the mountain spring one of heavy wine so he might sleep and dream well if he sleeps he should tie himself to the Mast there's trouble brewing and gives him a sack full of food and kisses him oh it's of no interest to me and he kisses her back really so he does then she lets him go lets go of his arms his fingers his fingertips watches him out of sight will he turn and wave it seems not no sails stiffens into shape he Digs at the water with his awee and keeps the rudder tight heading for Open Sea past the Headland and the jacked rocks to the west and Over The Reef an open sea and an Open Sky for the minute he'll be clocking the Stars tonight charting the Earth by the heavens watching the moon's curve heading for home except being mighty use it wouldn't do to watch right exactly so or at least we should say abing for when the action really starts what do you mean by that there's a rough ride ahead a killer whale Poseidon that's who I meant Poseidon indeed look at the troubled surface of the sea my brother stirs in the Deep brooding biting his time all the signs are [Music] there 17 days is it now or 18 a loose count should have exted a mark in the trunk of the Mast for every time it fell dark or at every Dawn but I've no knife or blade only these fingernails broken and black still I'll cling to this raft holding this crude Rudder tight and using Heaven's glittering chart I've sailed in a straight line I'm weary and my mind drifts but one thought the thought of Home keeps My Hope High keeps me afloat landfall [Music] Penelope but off to the West the waves seem to gallop and buck don't say they're stampeding this way I'll hunker down pray that they pass is this death is this it is this death what a dirty trick what a pitiful pathetic miserable side winding death this is for me help IUS the unkillable genius hero of Troy with a 100 Spears aimed at his chest and a thousand arrows bouncing off his helmet and breast now that would have been a glorious death oh but no it follows me over the waves waits till I'm half alive without armor all weapons and crashes the whole sea onto my head well bring on the murderer bring on death here I am here's a feather for your C should I wave my arms about you see me ah let it be no secret how miserable death needed the force of posidon to kill one man come on give me everything you've got he's a feisty one that's enough now call Poseidon off do something no need look the old sea stirer has turned tail he's had his say made his feelings known and left a disuse for dead no not dead well not yet anyway look he clings to a plank of wood and what chance has he cast a drift like that slim I wouldn't trade places with him that's for sure but now that man and God have locked horns and gone their separate ways maybe it wouldn't do any harm to how shall we say soothe the winds for example Usher them back to their quarters or tug at dsus with a gentle hand steer him towards land for 2 or 3 days keep the Sharks busy with some other scent the island of the fans lies ahead the Rocks there are barbarous like metal teeth not just above the waves but underneath so a little swell of the sea wouldn't go a miss some little upsurge at the right moment in time to land him safe on dry land he'll be cold of course and soak to the Bone and dazed he'll need a path to open up through the woods and a place to bed down between two olive trees grown from the same root for instance and a hugging of dry Dead Leaves for a blanket he might sleep then like a grain of fire buried underground where it can glow a secret spark unnoticed but ready to flare up something of that sort wouldn't be out of turn if you were minded that way Athena Athena she never did need telling twice that one excellent bedding Dead Leaves dry for one thing soft warm not too heavy make a good Nest that's how I choose to hold up if it were me what where have I crash landed now what nowhere is this what empty land have I dumped on this time like the Sea's litter oh you gut did you give me a heart like a lemon the r too thick to take on water bobbing endlessly from Island to Island what am I in your eyes just sea junk slewing from Shore to Shore with Flom and Driftwood what people live here Savages cannibals or not people at all but wild monsters a land of Claws and fangs and no doubt I'm already the scent of food in the nostrils of some Beast of hell already a taste on some rough animal's [Music] tongue or by some miracle of Fortune an allog together gentler creature uh uh don't jump or run away lady don't be appalled by me a person made out of mud and sticks and he speaks the storm made Smither Rines of my raft and the current dragged me here I I slept in a compost of insects and leaves I I must look like living filth in your eyes like someone who crawled from a grave on my own if Poseidon had his way you have worms in your hair the the sea rolled me in its jaws for 20 days you have beetles between your toes then spat me out here's where I crawled naked except for soil although as luck would have it you wear a sprig of leaves where men must wear clothes I I apologize especially to her whose arms spill like milk from her shoulders is it a goddess or woman I beg kindness from I'm Noak daughter of alcinous and arite king and queen of the fans I throw myself on your mercy most visitors to our Island come Laden with gifts I own nothing except the tongue in my head and most choose to approach via the harbor the Four Winds plotted my course I had nothing but two arms for OES and two feet for a Rudder would any visitor dare come with such a reckless story and wild manner unless his circumstances were true have me arrested and thrown in Chains if you wish but if there's some glimmer of light if you can see the man under this muddy suit I could follow you to the Palace but lag behind put some time and distance between your graceful footsteps on my own it wouldn't be right for a princess to have her brightness diminished by such a dark sight very well but first bathe in the water and rub yourself in oil and here wear this garment I brought to wash in the Stream I'll look away away while you dress and then I'll walk with damp footsteps towards home and you'll follow before they fade in the heat oh Athena godess obscured by the sky if you were deaf to me while the ocean pulverized my bones now hear my prayer let me find some courtesy among these folk let them show compassion to this lost soul let them show Mercy even love let them build me a [Music] boat you found him hiding in a pit is that right in a nest of leaves where he curled up for the night was he fashionably dressed was he suitable attired no mother he was nude he was what Stark naked except for leaves that had stuck with sweat and insects and bugs that crawled in his tangled hair and berries it a burst their redness against his skin we see the image clearly thank you daughter bog man wearing nothing but weeds and you invited him here I took pity I gave him a cloak he's come to murder us in our beds and oil to soothe his tired and aching limbs tell her elus tell your daughter he means to put a knife in our ribs a stranger come to trick his way into our house and she gives it the key sounds like you acted in haste no care I followed my instincts just as I was taught your instincts are you sure it wasn't your heart there's something about this man father something more than meets the eye something Elemental naked raw I I think we've already established that well see for yourself your Royal highnesses merciful princess we um we expected some kind of walking talking shrub a raspberry patch with arms and legs but from our first report you've undergone a change speak up stranger your daughter found me in a filthy rotten Heap but gave me these robes and oil for my WB and more oils to bring the shine back to my skin the lamp of Charity Burns brightly in her heart we won't be Hoodwinked by flattery mother give him a chance no your mother is right even in these borrowed clothes I do no justice to this Noble house so I'll be as blunt as I dare I'll be as crude as I am be under this ill-fitting gown I'll be as truthful as flesh and Bone which is all that I am now and which is all that I own I am I am udicious I am adicus son of leres known the world over for cunning and Gile and strength of Mind Odus a hero of Troy my fame is ridden in the heavens and my fate too and my wife is Penelope and my son is telemus and my home is Ithaca but somewhere in the Clockwork of islands and stars and gods I'm lost nymphs have held me back armies have held me back witches have held me back sea monsters have held me back the oneeyed mumbling cyclopes the Mind melting songs of the sirens the Deep narcotic of the lotus flower the Prophecies of the Dead whirlpools clashing rocks no man loves his country or his family more than me the heart is a magnet it spins and finds its true north and pulls it tugs even while I sleep it tugs and tugs so homesickness is a permanent hurt a soreness a physical tenderness a bruise but the heart isn't a boat This Heart Alone Won't Sail me home and somewhere in this mad wild hurling Clockwork of islands and stars and gods I'm lost my feelings were right this man is set apart bring him a seat to the table sit him close to the Hearth and the warmth this is all moving very fast I advise caution we don't welcome strangers into our midst casually uus but your speech persuades me he should be telling all this to the magistrate finish your story if it rings true we'll carry you home to your Journey's End it would take an age to tell take all the time you need we'll listen and wait put a drink drink in his hand let nobody break the long winding thread of his thoughts now cast backwards at this youth to where that strand begins it begins in glory then tells of all the pain and misery the gods have dreamed up for me sins we sailed from Troy Victorious aans with no thoughts other than home itha the outstretched arms of its Bay the love of our wives the wind pushed us to ismus land of the Sionis we plundered the city took meat and wine and women and grain to be shared equally among the men then I ordered the retreat leave the rest back to the boats everyone back to the coast but my Army was Bogle eyed with treats went on slaughtering the lazy cattle and docile sheep and while they butchered and ate and slept the enemy grew Drew strength from further a field gathered all night in the dark then attacked out of the Dawn Mist cut us down like stalks flattened us into the battlefields six men from every crew we lost the rest of us scad in the boat sick with grief we saluted our dead then swung our OES into the water and rode and rode and rode you sent for me any signs of landfall you Ras any Omens no nesting Birds to speak of a plenty of leaves in the sea and a morning Haze and two river dolphins yesterday we must be close how are the supplies some boats low on water on account of what was spilt when we pushed off in all that drama some boats low on food and the men grumbling like dogs nothing new in that want to find land soon so they can light a fire cook up a hot meal they say they're sick of pecking at Raw flesh they say they're not crows no more dead no more the Sionis weren't aiming to wound they knew how to kill we brought it on ourselves you relas we should have taken what we needed and no more instead of gorging on mutton and beef we got what we deserved we were animals when you've been away from home for so long when you prow from one war to the next when you stink of the world that's how it feels these men need to get home and they're turning wild who calls out the front boat the way in the Mist Shout again and follow their wake follow their wake we'll take on water make a fire for the night give sacrifice and prayer roast the best of the meat then we'll sail first thing next day follow their way landfall came quickly before we knew it the boats had run ground on a shelf whispered to a halt in soft sand land but not home we'd heard the folklore of that place rumors of a oneeyed freak roaming The Cliffs Cyclops Poseidon's weird Sun we should have steered clear but the thought of food and fresh milk took us straight to his cave this way but no sudden noises you man go through those rocks and peer in oh I me has you really only got one ass that's what they say so why should we fear he's already half blind what do you say polites one eye only but he's as wide and as deep and as clear as a barrel of rain so he'll see us all right if he's in range if his eyes that big there can't be much room for his ears so we can sneak up on him while he looks the other way there's room all right because his head is as big as a tree stomp now pipe down before we find out it's all clear nobody home are you sure Cave's empty apart from the smell but these buckets aren't and neither are these stores come and feast your eyes on this lot right corn you copia there must be five dozen head in there lamb and gold we'll stuff our faces tonight and snouters I can hear a missing and spitting on the fire already oh what's in the buckets milk is it it's more like cheese or away well well where here it's like he knew we were coming and laid on a feast let's get everything back to the board no we should wait wait for what adicus sir he might make us welcome here give us this food as a gift he's a oneeyed Monster who eats people alive I'm not hanging around to sample his Hospitality me neither here help me out these sheep I said we will wait we're not Savages we're keans of itha men of our word we're not rampaging from shore to shore without cause we're making the long journey home after a just War get your minds above your bellies for a minute greed and gluttony lusters half our men against the Sionis and you make a fire you take modest portions of cheese and milk into the cave we'll wait for our host today we'll be civilized everyone into the cave [Music] so what about you what about me what's the first thing you'll do when you get home it's obvious isn't it all right so what's the second thing I'll probably do it [Laughter] again I tell you what I'll do I've got a little plot of land about of the cliff not much but it feeds me and the family it's probably gone to seed by now but well first I I'll build the walls back up make it All trim and tidy then I'll put a crop in the soil Bly or wheat then at dusk I'll say a prayer to Zeus throw a stone in the sea and swear on that stone never ever ever to set foot on a boat again I'm going to plant myself in that field I'm going to take root I'll drink to that then I'll get off home to the wife for a bit of what you were talking about some thing approaches is it him he he's he's enormous everyone right to the back of the cave in total silence noras noras your thoughts Watchman where I'll put my fist through your skull and hold them for you now quiet everyone [Music] in Heaven's name he's inhuman look at those hands he'll mangle us we're done for we're pul I told you he's enormous shut it all of you before he hears it what what he doing counting his into the speaking you talk if you ask me couple de [Laughter] language what rles infestors oh squatting in Cyclops K oh dodging and skulling in Shadows in Cyclops K pardon us we're men of Ithaca blown off course by cruel winds at the mercy of the sea we fetched up here by chance we mean no harm and hope you might welcome us as Strangers In a Strange Land we offer the hand of friendship and our word we are true men respector of the Gods [Laughter] Gods Cyclops farts in God's faces Cyclops pisses on God's feet Cyclops does whatever Cyclops please so uh where did Ithaca men land them ship don't tell him he'll find it and crush it aysus throw him off the scent our ship was wrecked the god of the sea hammered it with his fists before we entered the bay we swam for our lives myself and the men that you see are all that's [Music] [Laughter] [Music] left Cyclops lonely Cyclops on his old oh look at him he's just a big kid he's grinning you're right he's a big soft lump really he likes us he thinks we're his friends big dumb animal Come On Let's help ourselves to his father wait a second let me talk to him some more it's fine hey one I how about me and you get our teeth suck into that slab of cheese over there I'll have the first spite everyone get right back into the cck where he can't reach us he's closing the door we're trapped we should have couldn't run when we still had the chance now he's going to eat is alive one by one get right into the crack there pack down make room for everyone he'll pluck us out with those long gangling arms where is he now facing around the cave looking this way [ __ ] he's got us right where he wants us we're dead meat he'll just reach in and grab us this Fisher's way too narrow for him and we'll guard the entrance with Spears we'll wait in this bolt hole until morning why so he can eat us up for breakfast now settle down and rest we're safe here be quiet and let me think poor old antifas I don't suppose he'll be needing that field of his [Music] anymore oh my arms gone to sleep move your leg your foot's right my face Watchman can you see anything he he's still asleep he's got blood on his chin and Bones stuck in his teeth aund of us couldn't move that Boulder from the entrance he's bung the hole we trapped like flies in a bottle all right listen to me who has wine left in their saxs what pour it all into this one bag let's see if Cyclops here can handle its drink he's already go poor anteus now you're going to give him wine to wet his appetite for the rest of us we should drink it ourselves at least we die happily hand it to Poes and Urus trust me this is our only means of Escape wake up here's a peace offering from the men of Ithaca wake good wine strong wine it tastes better than man's blood drink this in there and let us go here catch what is it a my name my name you want my name nobody that's what they call me nobody's my name nobody nobody Cyclops drink wine cyclops eat nobody last Cyclops save nobody for pudding well that was a fat lot of good now he's got the wine and us if adicus ever goes into the baring business and be bankrupt within a week listen to him he's a stranger to alcohol he doesn't know the boozy fumes of the grape wait till it floods through his veins wait till it loosens the knot of his brain Urus polites you see that log in the ogus fire the longer one see its pointed end it glows red with heat come with me when I give the word hoist it onto my shoulder then push from behind I'll aim it into the soul of that creature's life into his heart to kill him no comrades into his eye we'll blind him but we need him alive follow me well I know what going to [Music] do stealth softly here by the fire that's the one see the tip like a branding iron lift it after three one two 3 steady it hold it there hey Cyclops over here are you awake are you open eyed I am who shout Cyclops nobody man Cyclops hungry now for nobody here we go here I am in the shadow look how his pupil dilates wait till it stretches wide see me now here by the rock here's nobody for you do you see me do you see nobody smash to Pieces the gods have deserted he's got the Jew of a lion and the teeth of a shark this is doomed Hold Your Position here he comes Cyclops e now Sho nobody's flesh bite out nobody's heart tear off nobody's head a [Applause] no [Applause] [Music] swi [Music] all the men came and added their weight hammered that burning steak into his head and when the eyeball burst we were soaked in ink and the lens crunched and cracked like splintering ice and the lashes and eyebrows flared like burning grass and we leaned and heaved and forced it in further until the retina sheared and the optic nerve spat and seared and spat asmed and fused in the heat all the while he screamed into the cave roared his pain into the booming echoing Rock so loud that other oneeyed monsters on the island came to listen they gathered outside more Curious than concerned and shouted there what's all the your and cyclops writhing in pain his head in Flames shouted no nobody nobody there's a master stroke on my part and it worked they Shrugged the shoulders and patted off home when we drew out the steak it was like a bung like a cork like a plug blood spurted and plumed but I didn't finish him off the thick-headed brute why he'd rolled a stone into the Cave's mouth blocking the Gap a stone so vast that he alone could shift it from the hole and this is the point of my ingenious plan the flock were cowering away from the noise and flames twines and twisted willow strands littered the floor each man lashed himself tight under a fat RAM and two other Rams were tethered alongside to Shield him at the flanks as he dangled and clung on then they ambled forth forward tottered over the stone floor bleeded to be let out of the cave for water and pasture and cyclops even with a smoking hole instead of an eye was still a Shepherd at heart so he rolled away the rock opened the mouth of the cave and counted them out stroking their backs as they wandered into the light [Applause] ignorant swine he released them one at a time each big Ram with one of my men slung under its gut and I was the last man to escape suspended beneath the cockiest ram of the lot my fingers Twisted into the deep shag of his coat my feet SED in the swags of elastic skin to the inside of his leg once on the boats with the men and the flock and the buckets of cheeses and barrels of milk I goed the Cyclops with taunts and he hurled rocks from the cliff but they only caused ripples that pushed us further to Sea The Wide Open Sea and the men cheered and laughed until light when it dawned on us but nothing had changed still lost still famished hearted still years from home but now with Poseidon fuming and writhing below us plotting revenge for blinding his oneeyed son that Act was to haunt us from then on we were marked men locked on a collision course with the god of the sea he lurked in the depths a constant presence we sensed him under the waves the boat shivered when he stirred and if we'd have known the chain of events we'd set in place the cruelty and Agony that stretched ahead year after year the horror and Terror and sadness and loss still to come who knows perhaps we'd have chosen to die right there in the black cave out of sight of heaven and without sound but we rode out the storm and landed by chance on the island of eolia home of good eolus whose Palace shines like a mirage above the sea whose halls and rooms are thick night and day with the smell of freshly roasted beasts and fish and game he hosted us royally not one of our needs went unattended and before we sailed he gave me a cloth bag tightly strung with the south wind the North and the wind from the East bundled inside so not one breath could blow us off course but the West Wind he kept free to Puff us gently along yet his kindness and thoughtfulness were wasted on us nine days on we gave in to our weaknesses and faults land I see land I see it too where to the left look can you see the trees no where there oh yeah yeah now see it through the Mist fires men lating Fires at dust wait a second look at that prometer look look he's right he's right see the shape of the bay and the bluff it can't be it can't be oh make sacrifice the Zeus we're slow of the proudest animal on the island as soon as we set foot on Solid Ground we're home home all eyes to the side praise be to you [Music] home I see it my man I saw it an hour ago wouldn't allow myself to believe it willing it trying to make it materialized stared so hard and long I'm hypnotized dazed by Etha I hardly dare say it in case it breaks like a dream and [Music] disappears then an hour or so more until we put in make ready and scrub yourselves and scour every deck shout the orders across the boat Pride men we won't return like ragamuffins and LS Stitch every tear cover your wounds comb the salt from your beards and smile we'll come home as handsome as we left and with honor and with Troy to our name ofy e you sir come and drink with the crow no no I won't suddenly I'm overcome I I feel fantastically tired but you can relax now we home I'll sleep for a while wake me as we land I will I'll be ready with clean clothes and a meal is there a drink there for me help yourself I well indeed well uh here's to home and odyss I'll drink to the first all right but not the second you won't raise a toast your captain and King who guided us back to our own Shores saved us from certain death time and time again it was Lu he's just a lucky watch your tongue he'll be sharp me friend let him speak because he's right isn't he look at a disuse now asleep on a plump cushion adored the world over worship like a God and why because Fortune Smiles on him that's all not like me if I fell in a barrel of bosoms had come out sugging me thumb he's the golden one no no he he's got foresight an aimen and Charisma that isn't all he's got explain yourself booty plunder The Spoils of War that's what I'm talking about exactly all the swag that he's bringing home from try while those lot stood and scrapped on the front line come on penniless and broken there nothing more than he's entitled to it's appropriate to his position it's green self-indulgence look what happened only nine days ago the oldest gives him a bag of goodies which he stows away more riches for him and two fingers to the rest of us well I won't stand for it any longer don't don't do anything rush now we're only an hour from Port only an hour from walking down the gang plank like ppers while adicus Saun his home with the king's Ransom fetch the bag oh this is very irregular no it's a quality fairness where'd you hide it in that Locker no no the bottom one on the Shelf I'll have to inform him it's my duty I'll go on then go run and to him why not have a little squint in this bag eh see what you're missing see if there's anything you fancy no uh well I mean I little the luck won't harm will it well just a pee perhaps no crime in that since you're opening it anyway here we go it's a bit light no precious stones that's for sure yeah pass it here squiring must be an animal some rare species bred for his perfume worth of Fortune I bet who I keep still you crazy F has anyone got a enough let me let me I mean you can borrow mine if you want no h stra while I set the draw got it what it tied with wire nearly there yeah got it close the close the Backus help us who opened the bag who freed the winds the men they wanted their first share best share of what whatever it held they wanted some for themselves well now they have it tell them to hold on for dear life and tell them to weep why should they cry because the wind sweep us along now sweep Us North and South and West and IA lies east we're almost home I saw trees landar marks fires burning above the coast it was close enough to turn but you were Pig Pockets instead now wave goodbye no no there they go they go tell it to the Stars save your lungs she can't hear [Music] you I can't bear it to have smelt the pine cones of your own country only to be yanked away such cruelty weren't you tempted to dive in and swim for it I would have drowned instantly disappeared completely and I was half tempted for that very reason to be shot of the whole thing to shut out the torture to end it there and then after all the gods can't torment the dead can they but instincts took over the will to live it's an Impulse that can't be explained and I took comfort in one thing the winds whipped up such Surf and spin drift that Ithaca couldn't be seen how bad would that have been to watch The Home Fires of my hometown receding no desolated but too numb to be defeated I clung on we were blown back to where we'd begun the island of eolia but this time eolus shun us turned us away saying the gods never want you to rest aisus there's a hex on your head I shouldn't help you again they might turn their anger on me get out of my life so you sailed again where to you next to where the breeze took us to lonia that land of endless sun with less than a hair's breadth between Dusk and Daybreak where nighttime is the split-second blink of Heaven's eyelid it should have been a routine stop for supplies so my boat mored some distance off at sea the fleet sailed into the narrow Jord Harbor and a search party followed a plume of smoke to where a thick limed girl Drew water from a well follow me home she told them they followed in the halls of the lonians sat her mother a giant toad of a woman she called her husband antees king of those people I say people people I mean cannibals he snatched one of my men swallowed him whole the rest ran for the boats but the cannibals followed hundreds now stoning the boats from the Headland and hunting my men like spear fishermen Ro your lives Roy your lives I bellowed I hauled three or four floundering men aboard slit the moing ropes with my sword and my boat pulled clear but not the others not one vessel made it out of that Harbor if 12 ships sailed from Troy for Etha now we were one vessel alone and heartbroken behind us planks clothing and limbs floated randomly on the Crimson ocean we pinballed between islands again barely conscious we were lost utterly knew nothing cared even less but after Slaughter came humiliation and ignominy the wind delivered us into the lap of Cersei oh this is the sweetest food oh yeah stag I feel big when I've eaten St oh I know what you mean it's as if you've eaten its Spirit as well as if the ghost of the Stag enters your blood making you fearless and proud like you're the King of the Woods no I just meant it's very filling that's all oh I see oh I was starving I could have eaten the antlers as well very rich oh yes who killed itus mhm brought it down with one throw of the spear quack just like that splintered its backbone I saw him dragging it down the beach hauling it on a rope made from creepers and Vines amazing oh yes Andy gave us a pig of the meat really generous I feel terrible now about that business with a bag of wind and everything we said me too yeah really rotten hey are you uh leaving that rib oh have it very filling this St very listen to me men come on gather around pay attention I've been up on that crck surveying the interior trying to make a plan it's mysterious here the plateau is dense jungle crammed with ancient trees that interweave and and Link arms animal noises came to me but no beasts I could name from their voices I saw birds with feathers like flames and plants that swallowed insects and lizards more like dragons with double tongues and black smoking bread this is a disorienting place and there no question of that in truth it's it's hard to tell East from west or even dawn From Dusk the sea lies to every side to look for Sweet Water animal flesh and fruit we have no choice we'll have to strike Inland okay haven't we learned our lesson by now isn't there something of a patent developing here hold your tongue no polites if he has something on his mind let him speak I'm not saying anything all right he's just he's just saying we should pack up and go every time we go up country we come face to face with some bunch of crazies trying to cut us to shreds or some oneeyed [ __ ] or some other nightmare why don't we finish our meal get back on the boats and sail at least on the water there's only the weather to bother about and what's a few thunderstorms compared with a flesh eating ogre or flowers dosed with brain numbing drugs or or blood sucking Primitives so it's fear is it is that what Roots you to the spot look what's happened to us I've got every right to be fearful yes I'm afraid and I don't mind saying so you're the only one terrified only [ __ ] scared okay satisfied you're right I I should be used to it by now my nerves are gone I don't think I can take much more well even if your cowardice shames you some pride is salvaged by your honesty it's been desperate it's no surprise that cracks are starting to show but sympathy doesn't change our predicament or release us from Jeopardy it's no use blobbing and we can't Sail Without Water and food we might as well slit our throats here on the beach so we Soldier on here's my strategy there's no point putting the whole party at risk we divide into two groups I'll lead one and my good Lord Urus the other and honest sir now we draw Lots one group remains here the other presses forward on reconnaissance any dissenting voices to that plan of action good you man give me a helmet and throw in these buttons one gold one silver your relicus draw your lot gold sir now you win that being the noblest of the metals so stand idle here by the ships or cut a path into the bush and carve out a name for yourself it's your choice but like that ody Deus the choice is obvious Brave Urus and take take a dozen men and poly's brother in arms go with them I will I'm ready for a change of scene friends death's door yawns open for us but we won't enter not for a while yet and these comrades of ours are our Lifeline give them the best of your arrows and Spears and press good luck into their handshakes May the gods of Good Fortune smile on you we'll watch and listen for signs and signals ouch what mosquitos oh I know they're ravenous I've given up counting the bites got more bites than skin Oh I can smell the fear it's fear that attracts some well they must be having a feast day with me and I don't mind admitting it caution man everybody keep low for a moment what is it look in the clearing a magnificent Palace only someone of great nobility could live there a great cunning listen what is it music singing hear it a woman's voice captivating enrolling Enchanted we should uh I'll take a handful of men and approach the gate I'll uh stay outside take a look around the gardens and [Music] grounds listen to that voice it's Angelic inviting us in almost anyway we can't just go on crouching here in the bushes might as well take the initiative you other us come with me but there's a lady at home so mind your manners I haven't heard singing like that for years there's no more wonderful instrument than the human voice my wife used to sing to me while she was cutting my hair oh my daughter was a singer in our house little song bird she was mind you she won't be that little anymore she'll have flown on the nest all right make yourselves presentable men keep your weapons close to hand but no sudden moves you don't want a blood [Music] bath gentlemen forgive our intrusion what's to forgive I can sing anytime but it's not every day a band of men call it my door were you washed ashore we've been blown every which way will you excuse our untidy appearance I see only the potential in a man not his blurred outline but don't loer in the doorway gentlemen come [Music] in does any one of you men have an was enough here to feed an army this is an unexpected surprise oh brother I think M Bell's going to LEAP up thr me throw a lunge for it if you'll pardon my way of speaking M do be seated don't stand on ceremony just the right number of seats as if you were expecting us never underestimate the foresight of the hostess no don't do that polites and don't look a gift horse in the mouth I there that's why by the gallon here fill your glasses it's all for you thank you food I've never seen the lives of dishes I don't even recognize you look like men of the world you don't look like men who turned down a meal just because it was foreign or unfamiliar too we would you keep a bit of a farm do you I noticed the STS in the walls Garden it's true that I have l St I have a few sheep myself at home and a couple of goats fascinating and a pig and old grunt at M you it'll be back won't you take off your cloak and be seated Captain I saw I just thought I is that a wolf in the garden Wolverine female but that's a male see him C under the magnolia tree he's a beauty isn't he that's a lion Captain you do know your natural history AR be aggressive on the contrary they're my puppies my kittens there's no violence here give me your hand oh can't you feel the calmness the peace the Delight forgive me it it's been such a long time drink all of this before your men empty the [Music] cellar absolute nectar thank you so you were saying you kept animals of the PO sign variety say what she's asking if you keep pigs all right just the one a big porer he was with a say that pardon my man must be the wine I haven't Ted such you can hold your drink you're embarrassment do ignore him he's such a big not fit to go oh hey you you've got a snout instead of a yeah well you think that funny do you you've got Tails thr out the back side of you help Captain oh he's got problems of his own he can't help you can you [Laughter] [Applause] [Laughter] [Music] captain help help help we're witched catch your breath Urus say what's happened evil magic and dark mystery a woman singing an Exquisite voice I felt my heart melting she invited them in for supper and drink I watched through the window a dis she's beautiful breathtaking suddenly one of the men put down his Goblet of wine and there on the front of his face was a it was horrible a what a snout not a nose but a snout and out of his mouth fell a long rough disgusting lping tongue sounds like he's been at the drink himself no no no I sensed the Trap and waited outside not one drop of intoxicant has past my lips I'm afraid I believe you tell us what else another man reached forward for a piece of fruit and and out popped a pink curly tail from the base of his spine and there at the end of his cuffs instead of hands two dirty big Hooves butus she's beautiful she's so beautiful this could only be the one they call Cersei it's her magic they've fallen for and what of Poes is he Spellbound as well did he drink the Brew he dropped to the floor with the rest snuffled among the crumbs on all fours while the witch herded them outside into a sty laughing madly at a wicked trick where once he had a handsome face now he has jows and two white tusks it's C's work no question I should have guessed I should have gone myself in the first place which direction is the palace I'll have to find a way to unwork this magic of hers before it sticks head for the heart of the island if you must The Gardens and grounds crawl with wild beasts lions and wolves but they nozzle at your hands roll over at your feet they're doed there's dark magic at work in that place and she's beautiful so beautiful it's okay guard the ship and if a tiger or bear or wild boar comes crashing onto the beach later today don't cut out its heart for sacrifice or light a fire and dish it out as meat it might be me in truth I was clueless I had no plan a man has no magic wand to wave he's powerless against such sorcery but halfway up the track a vision appeared materialized out of the flickering green leaves who is it don't hide in the bush is coward step onto the path and make yourself known you'll know me soon enough and then you'll give thanks come out of the undergrowth or I'll hack into it you'd wave your sword at a God adicus God what God you're a servant of the witch I serve only his use cast your eyes over me adicus who has wings at his feet and carries a golden staff only the God Hermes then look at the God Hermes why would a god meet odyusa lonely path Hermes the god of Travelers guide in the wilderness where else should you meet him but such a place now look again at him and listen to his voice your friends are held behind a gate in cersei's pens transformed into pigs you rush towards them hoping to set them free but do exactly as I say word for word or you'll suffer the same fate forgive my ignorance Hermes I put away my sword do that isn't a weapon you need but a flower a plant to offer to Cersei to flatter her with or to trade to keep to yourself she'll hand you a slug of wine drink it back it's the same potion that turned your men to swine drink it down right to the last drop but then what wait for Hooves to appear at my wrists there's a rare plant that grows here in the grass the moly track it down and pluck it from its bed you'll know it when you see it the stem is black and its black roots have a tight grip on the Earth but its flower is white vibrant incandescent white in your possession that flow will keep you safe you'll be inoculated resistant to the drug and any other devilment or spell she throws your way repel her show her that her spell no longer works then draw your sword and she'll do as you say show me where this moly flower grows I'm not here to Lead You by the nose adicus only to whisper a word or two of advice find it yourself snuffle it out remember black at the root and stem petals incandescent white black at the root and stem petals incandescent white I gripped that flower in my closed fist felt its anesthetic numbing my skin the door of the palace was open wide [ __ ] her head a war waterfall of braided hair stood with a glass of wine beckoned me in and here's the handsomest Warrior of them all where are my men having fun you're very TSE here in the shoulders and the neck why don't you relax I'm here for my men are you sure are you sure it isn't a woman you're looking for uh we we're sorry to have Disturbed you we're we're just passing through looking for supplies then help yourself to whatever you see doesn't this delicious looking food tempt you I'll only eat when the rest of my crew can be fed then a drink who would begrudge you a drink here the sweetest wine ever to touch your lips taste it Let it Loose on your tongue let it loosen your [Music] blood you're a thiry swine now get to the sty with the rest of the litter I think not I won't be eating from any trough Cy what you'll not resist me be a pig I say be a pig I hear no squealing or grunt be a pig be a pig I feel no long floppy ears I see no KS sprouting pig pig pig pig what sort of hog could handle a weapon with its clumsy hoes draw a sword from its sheath like this pig can rest the blade just so on the butcher's neck what name will you give to this Beast you you're a dius here in my house well Hermes predicted you'd come one day with your twisting words like a box of snakes with your iron strength your gold face your quick tongue and how accurate he was how truthful and precise oh adicus I can't tell you how long I've brooded on this other men turn to low pathetic creatures in my eyes but you resist you resist come to my bed Odus one minute she's sending me to the farmyard the next she's pulling me under the sheets we'll make magical love adicus we'll bring our powers together pull our strength mix with me odius let your limbs tangle with mine let your thoughts become mine come with me to my bed Odus come with me come come you'll show me some courtesy see sui I'll eat and drink with you take some of the Delicacies you offer what hungry man could resist such a feast but first unlock my men from the pens and wave your wand over their heads then swear you'll keep your magic to yourself an oath to bring no harm to me and my men and swear you'll help us in our journey home I swear I swear once every ounce of gr on their backs is restored to flesh and they stand upright and speak with a human voice then I'll taste a little of what you spread in front of me but first swear swear on your life I promise it is here I swear and did they regain their human form they did and then they washed scrubbed till their skin was raw trying to scour away the smell of pig spitting the taste of pig from their throats coughing pig out of their lungs and the herb went on keeping you from harm its powers went deeper than any witch's spell and afterwards I presume you told that scheming conniving Hostess of yours to go to Hades on a horse and cart or even lopped off her head with your sword no it was I judged it more complicated than that the men were in need of rest and shelter how could you stay even for another hour well it it took upwards of a week to stitch the sails you loitered there for a week and while the boat was beached we took the chance to smoke the seaw worms out of the hull Reco the prow bolster the KE that took a month you'll be saying next you waited a full season for the weather to change in fact before we knew it a year had slipped by a year you must have dined many times at her table uus you must have been one satisfied guest finally my daughter sees the other side of him cesi restored our Spirits I don't doubt it for a minute we are women we know what this smacks of ah I can see where that line of thought might lead but I had to think of the men when we landed they were bone weary and half drowned their eyes carried no light months at Sea had done their fingers to rope and their thoughts to Salt whenever they spoke it was only to curse or to plot Mutiny they needed fattening up and throwing out they needed to rest it took 12 long [Music] months I know that look on your face I know what you're going to say my men plead with me night and day they long for home then they can go but you could stay odius you could live with me here I could but my heart begs me to leave think of the times we've had we've bathed in the sacred streams lzed in the afternoons on cushions of purple silk eaten from silver plates sipped wine from gold cups we've fallen asleep together Under the Stars woken on thick polies taken whatever we pleased wanted for nothing with every day that passes it gets harder to leave whatever you've asked for I've given it's all yours why deny what you most desire winds [Music] the oous you feasted on fantasy with me you still want more you crave sa me you whisper your magic in my ear you swore an oath be true to your word you'll tear my heart out if you leave and you'll leave your own heart here with me if I stay you'll have broken your word what will I feel about you then [Music] o know that if you must but travel fast to the Land of the Dead speak with tyresius even as a blind corpse he has the gift seek him out hear his advice how does a living mortal enter the Land of the Dead there's no map only a current an undertoe to the wooded Coast into the flooded Forest do you know the journey I've heard tell but never believed in through the Groves of pany between and amongst the black popas and past the Trees of dying fruit stinking things heavy with rot Beyond those to a Shore where leaf mold and Decay make it difficult to breathe leave the boat and walk to the spit where two rivers curdle and merge to one side there's a bluff a looming swaying overhanging Rock we cast off Cersei stood on the cliff watching us out of sight I felt her nails in my back tasted the blood of her last kiss we sailed a ship of ghosts heading for the kingdom of Lost Souls this way under the Crag this is the way she described Urus and Poes accompany me if the dead come here May the gods keep me alive the agony and humiliation of old age has nothing on this I'll hold my dying breath I'll cling to Life by my fingernails yeah reeks the bres cares a sour breath here in the river sand help me dig a pit just as she said about an elbow's length in each Direction and a span deep I'll chop out the gravel with my sword and break it aside polite ear did you bring the Libations I have them here pass them in order as Cersei instructed here's drink for the dead succulent honey blended with milk and here's drink for the dead sweet wine from The Pick of the vines and he is drink for the dead pure water from the mountain stream and now the grain that is use and here is the seed of the field a scatter of barley and on my return to Ithaca I swear to slaughter the prime Bull of the herd in the name of the dead and light a bonfire of treasure to you tyresius see how the liquid Bubbles and stews now the blood you men bring the two the ram first hold it firm on its side there at the pit and bear it Thro to your sword of disuse and here's rich dark blood for the dead now the black you don't fight it man don't break its neck before the blade takes its light ready your disuse Rouse yourselves come gather around this purple pool that overflows in your name be drawn to the blood look now now they flock to me the dead up out of Hades they come the souls of The Departed unhappy crowd sorrowful mob young Brides unmarried boys babes who died in the court old men who perished alone women with their hearts still bleeding battalions of men who died at War some still in their battle dress some still with their Shields raised look how they swarm towards me like bats from a cave see how this puddle of blood attracts them from the grave pitiful pitiful the M ranks of the Lost Restless in death a million troubled weightless ghosts keep them at Bay with your sword swish it through the air no dip The Sword in the blood and call out tesus by name I offer blood on my blade tesus I offer blood on my blade dist [Music] tyus him from his sleep I Odus adicus is it come to pick my brains here's fresh blood drink as much as you please cruel and cunning of IUS no ghost can resist the taste of liquid flesh no soul can refuse communion with the living wine still war still warm one question tyresius will I ever reach home that's what brings you here is it slum it with the bone Brigade I'll tell you this much posidon won't rest you burnt out his son's eye now he's hellbent on Revenge but will you reach home you might can you restrain the crude desires of your men that's the question can you restrain your own I see the island of Thia I see the sun god helos his her the cattle of the sun Prime graceful docile their limbs thick with beef swallow your appetite leave them to graze leave that slow lumbering herd in peace and you might see Ithaca again but harm them in any way I see broken ships broken friends I see your house osus Your Wife penelopee besieged by Co rapacious men a house of suffering I see I see the vision but another comes forward uh a woman who is it I can't tell it's nothing more than a shadow a shade come forward approach the blood the gods help for Odus I know that shape oh you oh the deviled man my poor tortured King is it is it my mother my beautiful boy still alive mother why are you here with these shabby ghosts these Phantoms are no company for your living heart how living ous my heart has stopped no there's no pulse now no strength to take my beautiful boy in my arms but I love you happy and well Who tricked you into this long sleep who shall I hunt down in Revenge whosoever murders a son's mother shall pray to highest Heaven that he never lived not murder this yes not fall play then how you were too young in years to just close your eyes and die I died of grief for my son for you aysus I died for you once a woman Bears a child her heart's no longer her own when that child is lost so is the will to go on Grief for the missing is worse than grief for the dead I died of longing aus I died of my love for you and your wife Penelope she waits she waits in itha dying to save death no this is a fabulous trick the gods have Twisted me one way than another they're out to deceive me this is their latest illusion no my yes what you see is truthful this is what happens once death has chosen us the blood drains the nerves become num flesh won't cling to the scaffold of Bones the heat of Life cools to a powdery Ash the bird of the Soul flies from its nest leave now find the daylight that feeds you fight your way home to your [Applause] wife brother oh Bly good man sorrowful King my heart weeps here come other familiar faces old comrades Brothers in Arms from Troy I I can once we fought shoulder to shoulder now I creep from the Shadows to beg for blood at your feet great leader proud and mighty Soldier were you Shipwrecked on the journey home or ambushed by some Rogue Army nothing as proud as that [Music] murder was murdered by my wife Wife and Her Lover cut down in my own house while we battled for Troy she rolled in the sheets while we defended Our Lives she opened her [Music] legs stabed in the back I died face down in the fruits and Breads and meats my own homecoming Feast disloyalty and deceit sick treachery she brought shame on every woman and wife beware of womankind Odus not panelope she was just a Young Bride when we sailed to war with your newborn son at her bre and yet another ghost another familiar face the vaults of death the ram full with our friends Achilles you've wandered into the wrong territory Aus you are always the luckiest man alive this is no place for the fortunate everyone here has lost good Achilles you're still my glorious nobleman my Godlike Lord praise is wasted here it dies on the lips there are no leaders and no one to lead make no mistake this is The Bitter End don't ever be seduced by lovely death o Deus I'd rather live as a maggot or worm eating the dirt of the world or feeding on Ransom that meet than be here with the dead anything but this there is no glory in battle no glorious death If Ever I spoke of Glorious death I take back those words death and Glory should never inhabit the same ground but tell me of my son is he still alive no tell me about my boy first ion what shall I say don't leave us in Eternal doubt what is your please say something before it's too late CR look the blood runs dry they begin to fade help me lift him lean on us Sous who knows how many of our friends and family have entered the grave since we saw them last who knows which face might appear from the dark coming to drink at this Sinister Watering Hole it's not way to find out fans look with Wonder on this sufferer listen to his story you doubted him at first when I found him shivering in a nest of leaves but his words resurrect him before our eyes no disuse we mostly look on Strangers with a cold stare roers and tricksters have landed here twisting their tongues into our ears but you're no con man you're too honest and openhearted to be anything but true I believe even my wife AR the part with a mother the mother dying of grief for her child meeting the mother beyond the gra grave I found I couldn't bear you have the voice of a singer adicus and a poet's charm for bringing the past to life we could listen to you all day and all night then let me in honor of my brave men describe the final chapters of their lives men who fought and won the battle for Troy only to founder and fall on the journey home rest the yours for a moment while I talk and rest the [Applause] yours here comes one of those big speeches we're not drifting aimlessly as some of you think we have a direction and a destination and we're on course we didn't visit the Land of the Dead for no reason but to hear our destiny from the mouth of tyresius oh great now we're getting instructions from a blind man yeah and a dead one at that we're back found for Thia that's our Landmark after that it's only three or four short hops from Island to Island before we reach our home our Etha but it's a hazardous route and listen to me listen to what tyresius said your lives and my life are intertwined there's no unraveling the not your lives depend on mine that's what this tangle means you do well to remember that youus bring me a bowl of beeswax we sail for Thia what do they ask for beeswax right you man you want beeswax don't ask me maybe he's going to get down on his hands and knees and polish the deck maybe he has lost the plot hey feel that what the breeze there isn't any it's gone still that's right that's what I mean adous adous has the sail G Lim hang like a veil there isn't a breath of air line the men up there isn't much time everyone in line double quick men we're making good Headway but the island of the sirens looms close on pain of death don't let their songs enter your head here's beeswax for your ears I've needed it all afternoon in the sun here every one of you take a gobit and when I give the signal bung it deep in your lugs now get the strongest rope on board and lash me tightly to the Mast bind me in coils of rope sir we wouldn't dream of roping you like a wild horse and then row and row and row dig into the waves as if you were drunk and digging for gold and whatever I say however much I scream or threaten or plead ignore every word is that clear so do it now tie his hands flap this around his feet tigh and cut it around his neck can he breathe that'll a wild bull couldn't escape from that now bung your ears with a wax and row for your lives get your o and follow my [Music] signal [Music] oh this is witchery but Pleasant soothing what is this music touches me it has fingers and hands I feel its breast I feel it's [Music] mouth listen listen to the pull of [Music] it pull of it stars [Music] grow [Music] oh man angels are calling us don't ignore this oh all my treasures are yours if you take me closer oh Urus friend slid these ropes with a blade oh man a woman for every one of us they promise US oh Zeus hear me I'll sacrifice everything in your name all my flocks and herds all my land and estat oh my son tus my wife panopy take them all but guide me into these voices juice kill me afterwards but show me their faces I can't live without kissing the mouths of the [Music] siren [Music] is it over some time ago you passed out the singing what if it starts up again we're out of airshot we thought it safe to untie you Ur relicus and you my faithful polites wild thoughts came into my mind Lo words came out of my mouth we couldn't hear you beeswax remember then let the gods forgive me for they surely heard but why did you put yourself through it you could have plugged your ears like the rest of us I I had to hear it I had to know he the only man to have heard the sirens and lived isn't that right edicius one more claim to fame it's all in the past now let's pray for plain sailing out rocks up ahead what is it a reef of of some kind a narrow channel between two islands a crck on one side and a cliff on the other do we sail through to disas what's the order a keans clench your hearts into fists we've lived through danger time and time again a trench of fuming water is that our passageway don't feel small and weary men feel battle hardened toughened and tempered by the Heat and Skirmish and War and the wind it's dropped a Dead Calm should we turn about there'll be no doubling back the way home lies Straight Ahead Orman strike the waves with a strong quiet beat and don't Flinch don't lift your heads until we're through on what do you know that we don't two perils on the port side of whirpool carbus three times a day she opens her throat and swallows the sea sucks all and sunry into a burning sulfurous pit enter that Vortex and we'll never see the light of day again no wooden craft could survive her gullet ships that have used that trailing fig tree on the rocky crack as a marker have been dragged down into her guts she vomits the bones of dolphins and whales then we'll steer clear tilt the rer men make for the stared Cliff No Straight Ahead St ahead on the starboard side there's a greater evil see the mouth of that cave draped in Mist sick headed Siller sleeps in its depth a writhing mass of Limbs she reeks of death each neck of hers is a tentacle each of her head's a killing machine three racks of teeth on each jaw wake her and we'll be mints in her mouth so we're done for not if we hold our nerve Oran keep on with that muffled stroke a swift straight coron will cheap both these perils be Metalhead and iron-hearted men don't swerve from the tar ask sir something STS in the cave hold your course it's h us look they're in the M it's hideous hold your course steer the other way no not to this side a black hole opens up look a steaming Abyss the sea pours into it keep away from The Brak pull to the other side hman harder now and faster we're trapped we've sailed with the jaws of dead hold your [Applause] course the monster is looming over the cliff waiting to pick us up do something adus row harder and straighter heads Down Eyes forward K the stomach we being suck in I can [Music] smell he up spear fire hell oh don't inflame her hold your course I say he away we're too close to the ey there she comes save her save [Applause] we're defenseless six men pluged from their seats she Slither back to her cave one in each [Applause] mouth look she Gorges on them guls them down Hammer the waves before she go back for more no I'll be alive Harder Faster I think I think we're pulling clear hold your course heads Down Eyes forward hold your course and we praise those friends who are now lost praise them we salute their bravery and courage salute them we honor their families those who are born of them those they were born from honor them and in their absence we grieve and in grief remember them remember them raise the mark of stone in their name and Sound the [Music] Horn let their souls rest let their troubles sleep men will'll take refuge here for a while men the boat and tend to your wounds we're on the last leg now we're closing in on itha it's time to start dreaming of home and not be fren of waking up it's within our grasp and it's very real Your Heroes all of you for making it this far but don't get too comfortable here Don't Stray From the beach don't take what isn't yours what you mean just keep your hands to yourself that's all you're a hard noosed leader at DIS use explain that remark Urus look at us what a Rag and Bone Army we are we've sailed with you for 10 years now zigzagging between islands drifting on the current we've been mangled and battered and hammered flattered every turn look at us we have broken limbs smashed bones ruptured organs in our hearts our hearts are utterly bent out of shape we've all suffered the same fate but your will is greater than ours you're superhuman you must be made out of stone by comparison and what's this backhanded compliment leading to it explains your coldness look around you this is a Land of Plenty don't lead the men astray with your Rogue thoughts did you ever see such Bounty a herd of cattle grazes in fields above the coast I saw them this morning swaying through Meadow grass heavy with meat just one of those cows would feed us all leave those cattle alone but why shouldn't we eat we're half starved half drowned half alive and you would have us put back to Sea on empty bellies close your mutinous mouth just tell us why explain why we shouldn't feed you know why you were there oh because tyresius looked into his crystal ball you heard what he said hether said anything for a taste of blood no he's a seer of the future and a speaker of the truth he was a blind old corpse you sure it isn't yourself you think of your relicus it's you as the taste of blood on his tongue the smell of fried steak in his nose I'm only saying what every than you're a drooling slaving fool are you aysus oh that's a nonsense question are you aysus of course not no I never imagine it not for a split second never dream of it it's beyond anything you could envisage open your ears the lot of you those cows are the cattle of the sun Helios the Sun God they're his herd they never breed they never die leave them be and we'll be granted a safe passage home we'll follow tyrus's prophecy to the word but spill one drop of their blood pluck one hair from their hide and you can kiss goodby to itha and you can expect the mother of all punish M this isn't advice it's an order now baton down for the night there's a storm [Music] coming and that quelled them for the time being unlike the weather a storm twisted up from the sea fanned by a wind from the south the south wind it blew for a month never veering or letting up it cornered Us in the bay kept us penned like sheep when the wolf howls at the gate and Breakers smashed against the cliff walls to all sides to venture out would have been suicide my words had frightened the men but fear doesn't last and hunger has first call on the brain there were Rumblings murmurs men grumbling under their breath behind their hands once the appetite starts to talk it's only a matter of time is he asleep snoring like a buffalo a fly crawled across his face and he didn't move I still say we should hang fire do as he says you didn't say that on the boat when he told you not to shoot oh no you picked up a bow and arrow and let fly yes look what happened you disobeyed him once and you can do it again that's the point I'm making I just want to go home the same as everyone else does which is why it's time to act convince us then we're listening comrades I don't say these things likly I've worshiped isus from the very beginning I've followed him to the end of the Earth and halfway back but now I doubt his mind face facts we're starving to death and roaming free not more than a mile away or aund head of prime beef it doesn't stack up the equation doesn't work so why doesn't he let us Feast Superstition and delirium tyresius in the Underworld adicus was truly spooked and seeing the ghost of his mother I think at that point he gave up as if he he's risking our lives on purpose is that what you mean as if some Death Wish has entered his mind you don't believe that do you why else would he have steered into the teeth of that six-headed Beast or tried to tip us into that underwater hurricane no no comrades we're in charge of our own destiny now there are thousands of roads that lead to death but starvation that's the most painful route torture every inch a slow lingering demise I'd rather die at sea crushed by Poseidon's fist than sit and watch my bones popping through my skin he he's right he's so right polite e what' you say it makes sense the way you explain it but I've got a bad feeling about this wait till you've got a decent meal inside you you'll feel differently then I suppose there's no suppose about it look there's a full moon she'll be our guide it's still an hour before the sun god Rises round everyone up and hand out the spears we're going hunting [Music] [Music] [Music] look at the width of the shoulders and the hunches think at the meat on those yeah and look at the length of those horns I wouldn't want be on the wrong end of one of them prongs what's all a whispering about we're trying to take them by surprise we don't want to chase them halfway over the mountain you're kidding aren't you they're soft as pudding likely story look at those horns they're completely docile those horns don't look very doile telling you they're just big dumb animals look at that one yeah he's seen us but he's not fed sof article prove it approach one of them I will'll do there's nothing to be afraid of oh here take this spear you're not listening I don't need one watch he's either very brave or very stupid they've noticed him but they're not chasing him what is he doing now he's touching it he's pulling on its horns amazing it's kneeling down for him what's this then what I've seen it all now he's riding it he's riding it like a [Laughter] Bo it's unbelievable he kind of beautiful here we are gentlemen it's the only way to travel sling around in the boats any you oh he's a magnificent animal quite awesome go on stroke his nose feed him a clone of grass go on you ilus he won't bad you and ironic statement in the circumstance you talking about slide down from that hide ke what's the problem the problem is you're sitting as straight about two tons of raw beef you want it rolling on top of you out Zeus we thank you for your bounous gifts forgive us our hunger forgive us our sins amen [Music] fetch buckets don't lose the blood soup fetch a Cleaver hack it into Cs and build a fire on the beach then Slaughter another then another then another Protein that's what we need to get home not Hocus Pocus and mumbo jumbo no human should starve while animals live it's unnatural it's not how things Were Meant To [Music] Be Penelope oh no what a dream I dream I was staked out under the sun the sun scorching my skin singing my hair taked out till I caught fire oh what does it mean Ur relicus Poes I need to cool down I need to wash her it's better B but I can smell not just wood smoke smells richer what's that taste in the air oh no in the name of everything that matters tell me I'm mistaken you lus [Applause] polites tell me I'm mistaken relax I dis you disobeyed me eat with us you're a agree with our actions what you tasted this meat this is sacrilegious we were all of One mind ous we respect your wishes but our needs as humans have to come first don't grubble stand your ground no I'm just explaining don't explain and don't apologize no man should have to justify his need to eat no man should have to apologize for surviving not even to Noble adicus greed and gluttony they aren't the motives of civilized men we were starving you were slaving like a dog dog you've wrecked everything I stand by my actions you'll never get us home you've lost your bearings look it moved what did you say to hide from that cow I saw it Ripple and flex you have a fever look I saw too it started to crawl stop scare mongering dead flesh doesn't move you're wrong look your alicus the skull the Jawbone opens his shuts the eyes in the sockets roll and blink it's twitching it's alive oh get up get it off get it off me get it off what have we done youus every bone straddles and Shakes and the carass is squ I'm going to be it's nothing it's just we're imagining it you've no notion of the chaos you've caused we're fine it's the richness of the meat making us dream you've no idea what demons you've released the wind changed what did he say the wind swung around we should sail now while it blows Fair he's right we should sail now shouldn't we Odus burn or bury what's left of those peaceful beasts hide your shame in the sand not t it's weird you'll do as I say or you'll join it then everyone under the boat so the cattle of the sun rise and wriggle after their death so what the wind changes in our favor the Omens are good the Omens are bad the gods are angry and The Doors of Revenge open smoothly and quietly we're invited in and into them we sail their special guests I'm not afraid we're no more than a few miles from home and just the small matter of Eternity in between I should leave you here Urus traitor slaughterman killer of Hope no sooner do we cast off no sooner do we round the point when black clouds Circle the sky gather over the boat like a solid black roof and Zeus on behalf of the god of the sun whose precious cattle were ripped apart triggered Thunderbolt after Thunderbolt it didn't take long the end was quick the Mast broke like a twig the hull fragmented every man was pitched into the churning swell I saw each face go past gulping for breath reaching for a hand or rope I saw heads rise and sink rise and sink then rise no more Urus was last choking and thrashing eating the sea breathing the sea till his lungs were lead weights in his chest pulling him down I saw every last shipmate and friend drown but you you stand here before Us Alive you live to tell the tale lived yes and relive it now as if I was back there afloat in the sea with broken Timbers and dead men I catch hold of a leather strap it just comes to hand why do I need it I I don't know but I hold on hold on the Mast rolls past on its side I mount it it throws me off scramble back on and here's a plank or Spar I lashed The Spar to the master with a strap now it's a floating cross a crude raft the thumb of the air wind hammering my back Landing punch after punch then it's night suddenly I'm still alive still alive the current sweeps me along a race of water heading where backwards back to the nightmare Siller again and again cor this Zeus spare me Here Comes an upwell Within Reach just the limb of a fig tree I grab it I'll hang on the blood drains my arms are someone else's then is it an hour I've dangled over the vortex I'll die now this moment I'll let go or this moment now what then an earth Tremor a quake Under the Sea all caribdis swallows she vomits back again I let go ride the Rip Curl roll in the tidal wave and here's the puked up remains of the raft I'll row with my hands I'll Row for 4 days 5 days I'll row with my arms 6 days 7 Days 8 Days n days catch him someone drop him in a chair he's losing his balance no I'm fine I'm fine let me stand nonsense you're only half conscious here's a drink diss not salt water now just wine someone fill a glass again I'm fine really thank you all so long ago but still so clear in your mind a waking dream a living Nightmare and you know the rest I fetched up on oija Calypso's Island Seven Years in her grip then a tortuous Journey here 10 years at War 10 years at Sea who knows if your daughter hadn't taken pity on me hadn't seen through the coat of leaves and the lice infested hair and the filthy skin hadn't seen the man underneath who knows adus we no let me I was hesitant and unbelieving at first you're a weaver of tales Odysseus and you're cunning and astute the subject of your stories is your own cleverness you've enough Gile for a whole Army I suspect but there's no doubting your desire and intent your wife your son and your home they your magnetic north only a man with a passion and love like yours could have survived there's no greater cause now I want nothing more than to see your journey complete believe me uus when Queen AR changes her mind mountains have moved load a ship with treasure gifts for our new friend and sail him home at once must he leave now yes he must but have him stay another week to gather his strength haven't you been listen in Noak every step of the way something has tripped him up opportunities have been traps open doors have been prisons invitations have been life sentences people have bedeviled him not all of them men yes monsters and gods you mean women that's what I mean he won't be sidetracked again we won't offer the same Temptation no no mother so compassionate so understanding Believe in Us we'll see you safe home we have The Knack of these Waters nothing will drive you back or knock you off course is a boat prepared ready and waiting with gifts on board stack the gunnels my Lord what crew the best Orman from your Fleet my Noble Lord merciful Queen gracious princess a toast to ithacus returning King to adicus to OB the sun rising just as we near land perfect timing and look the Morning Star a good sign do you know this Coast I came here fishing once where's the best place to land right here pretty much between these jutting prometes the ocean bed runs smoothly right up to the beach it's a safe harbor will he be safe here he's the king isn't he this is his land I shouldn't they be safe Kings don't usually come home by the back door he might be mistaken for a spy or pirate and strung up it's not our job to worry about these things yeah I can see the seab bad punt on till we scrape the bottom then everyone out and drag it up the beach okay well done don't wake him you others pile the treasure on the sound Out Of Reach of the sea 20 years away from home I wanted to see his face no let him rest what's the the longest you've ever been away for 12 weeks felt like forever so what must this be like I bet even his own dog won't remember him I can't think that a man like this would have been forgotten It's a cruel world people move on some things are worth waiting for no one would wait that long for me me nether we'll bear him on this pallet and set him down on the beach sure we shouldn't wake him no this seems right I throw the canvas back over his shoulders it'll be like waking up out of a coma and coming back from the dead all unloaded okay one big shove then to cast off good luck TI of this year sleeping king of itha Welcome Home you bet three I bet five and another five that's 13 you're a mathematical genius more wine over here add more meat takes the fun out of it doesn't it fun out of what gambling we drink like princes and we eat like kings whatever we shout for arrives on a silver plate I've put on weight I never get tired of winning or sick of losing now lay your money down and roll the stones a come on pay up you're a born loser and fous I don't know why I hang about with you might rub off you've done all right by me yeah true true keeps my purse fat look there goes the biggest prize where on the balcony same time every night hey my sovereign lady won't you join us for a drink or a bite to eat oh there there's more than enough look at this plump game bird freshly roasted don't you share a leg with me my lady or a breast will you share a bre leave her alone shall we prize open the wishbone together my lady part it wide and make a wish you're deplorable what's R your C I just think we should show her some respect vulgarity it's hardly the way to her heart and how much respect has she showed us they stringing us along all these years she's the vulgar one it's not what I call Court she's in no position to pick and choose she's a widow in orber name and before long she'll be penless and those looks won't last forever pretty soon she'll be happy to marry a goat herd to stop your flapping in the box seat if adicus ever comes back he isn't coming back his is will stop your Ming oh now look what you've done we scared her off come on get your money out we'll double the stakes hey anyone else for a game put those away I'm in the middle of a winning streak your luck just changed crowd around and listen come on news just reached me telemus is back on it we had men on the cliffs and in the bay he slipped past How could a man slip past 100 Spears and knives a sea snake couldn't have wled through that lot un scave well he did he was seen in the Hills useless a bunch of hopeless bunglers should have done it myself this is a bad Omen let's keep Superstition out of it although it's true the Fingerprints of the gods are all over this those Watchmen kept guard All Around the Clock right across the bay it was a wall of Steel only a god or goddess could have spirited that boy home not a boy anymore then he he a lick spittle a beardless Wonder no andinus is right by stealing back to IA he's proved what some of us feared that he's crafty and determined he's his father's son in other words and now he's roaming the island turning people against us murmuring in their ears we've no alternative what murder him in Cold Blood you didn't hesitate before when we meant to finish him off at Sea out of sight out of mind but he's the heir to the kingdom we can't hunt him down in his own land kill him now agreed this thing needs bringing to ah head then we'll offer gifts to his mother she'll choose the man who makes the best offer and we'll all live happily ever after I say we should consult the gods seek their judgment they've made their move by bringing telemus home they mean to test us see how we respond we won't disappoint them Zeus father I'm resting it won't exhaust you to turn your head look down through the clouds what do you see nothing it's Misty wait a moment now what do you see there where I'm pointing who said Island not just any island itha has Athena taken to giving mighty's use lessons in geography look at that beach on the west Coast that Cove between the two Headlands notice anything on the Strand line Driftwood of a Kind something alive large squid is it Dophin it's a man ah and not just any man I presume look at the hands the hair the limbs beneath the clothes aici home after 20 years and now he sleeps like a fetus curled in a ball with his face bed in his chest let's see if a few drops of rain might bring him around no don't wake him oh very well the beautiful irony isn't lost on me the suffering hero arrives home in slumbering innocence but is he home for good or does Poseidon still chase him for his pound of Flesh who can say in the great scheme of things who can predict what might happen next besides your man Odus he might be sleeping like a baby in the womb but he rears up like a cobra when he's roused he blinded the Cyclops with a burning Lance Poseidon son my nephew Poseidon has a case he's your brother call him off I can't do that then I'll go to adus I'll intervene AA not of fast he served his time I won't have him clawed back into the sea by some freak wave you're being Hasty you're acting irrationally like one of them I'll guide him safely Inland well if you must you must at least go in Disguise I'll appear as a Shepherd boy goodbye father goodbye goodbye goodbye she's right poor wret of a man 20 years in Exile enough is enough Poseidon Bears this Grudge like a Birthright you'll have to be bought off odyss will be spared but those fan orsman who CED him over the waves whose craft still skims the surface of Poseidon's watery Fields who can say who can [Music] say oh what a what a dream the end of the world no only a storm at Sea a freak wave cracking the Keel of some poor sailing ship snapping it like a twig just the gods doing their thing how long did I sleep too long and Too Deep those sweet talking fans the moment I closed my eyes they dumped me on the nearest beach I'm discarded a Cast Away I'm the king of nothing and nowhere again I'm the king of Oblivion you seem troubled stranger are you lost uh lost yes Shipwrecked thrown onto the beach lost and a little bit delirious but the Sea's been calm for weeks it happened some time and distance away I drifted lucky to be alive then oh lucky beyond all imagining but my thoughts are in a mess all my senses are addled the winds whistled in my ear the sun's warmed my brain and salt water has fouled my blood the workings of my mind are out of kilter with the world I'm completely lost I have to ask you what island is this you mean you don't know uh hand on heart I have no idea oh then you're in worse shape than you think don't you recognize this famous place with its Rocky outcrop and jutting cags it's not huge but it's rich in Woodland and bird life and the wells never run dry oh and crops and Vines thrive in its deep soil and goats and cattle are heavy with milk and herbs season the air no I breathe its smell doesn't it strike home I I must admit there's something say its name if IA it's famous everywhere even in Troy and that's a world away itha don't say you've never heard of it itha itha uh I mean I mean yes yes I've come across that name uh you see I'm a I'm a sailor from CRE with children waiting for me children with Ms to feed and this this pile of treasure is mainly for them I was sailing west Deus you're cunning and wiy right to the last some might go as far as to call you lie but you can stop your twisting and turning now you are no more a sailor from CRE than I'm a Shepherd boy so who are you what do you want Palace Athena daughter of Zeus my godness I've followed your fortunes for 20 years adus stood like a shield in front of you or at your shoulder in silence yes I've felt your presence you've been my lucky Talisman no much more I've been your North Star and your armor plating I've been your lord protector without me you wouldn't have made it this far you wouldn't have lived I I can't take it in I don't let myself believe believe it adius your home it's as true as the ground you kneel on feel the sand pick it up it's Ithaca every last grain eth right tear in my hand which doesn't mean your Journey's over hordes of sutors are camped in your house loving the day your wife declares herself a widow your death would open the bedroom doors for one of them and Penelope who Waits and waits you can't just go striding home after so long I I know I need to prove myself to her she needs we need to prove ourselves to ourselves husband to wife never impulsive clever like a cat look I'll bring down the Mist slip through its curtain go and find Yus your old swin herd what are you doing adius wouldn't make it within a mile of his Palace the sutors have their spies and their Assassins but an old man with shrunken skin sagging limbs ahead of wvery hair and two dull stones in his eyes well it's hardly how I imagined my return tottering home a wizen beggar there'll be no grand entrance less self-consciousness and more self-preservation that's what's needed on this occasion what about my son telemus tell me about my son follow the path to the right of the cliffs go now before the fog catches es you in its net Athena wait nightmare of 20 years in the Wilds of the world then I open my eyes and I'm home I wake from sleep and I'm home itha right here in my hand IA who's there who's trespassing on my land a Shipwrecked sailor from CRE the tide wash me up on your Shore I'm a Friendly Stranger I don't mean any harm friendly eh oh yes there's no doubt about that uh but you've never seen me before how can you tell I can't but these hands can they got a keen nose for that kind of thing they can smell Danger from 20 fields away if you've been a troublemaker oldtime you'd be dog meat by now well come inside it's no stately home but it's warm and dry take the seat by the fire uh isn't that your seat visitors have pride of place in this house this whole Island's famous for his Hospitality better it wasn't it's what I think sometimes what can you mean by that oh down at the palace it's crawling with sponges and layabouts dozens of them outstay in their welcome scavenges they are dingos head of the house must be a generous man the most generous I've ever known and the wisest adicus do you know of him I've heard his name of course the true king and with vast wealth land cattle crops and army a sailing Fleet what he's missing resume dead does he have a family a widow p ah Penelope loyal as the Moon to the Earth but she can't hold out much longer keeping those sutors at Bay it's like holding back a flood no no children to take up his role a fine son tacus he's abroad in search of his father poor his father's grave there's a rumor that he's back on the island but that's hope talking here other bowl of soup uh uh you a kind man you offer me shelter and food without even asking my name I can see who you are you can you're a working man like me you got a sun-beaten face and leather hands enough dirt under your fingernails to plant corn in well sounds like another stranger coming to your door more like a friend I'd say listening to those dogs sounds like they're kissing his feet another herdsman from over the hill I guess yep come in always room for one more tus tus tus yes Loy and trusted oh a miracle I had only a minute ago spoken your name tell him had I just this second spoken his name not more than a moment since oh tell me all about your trip but first this calls for for a slap up Feast I'll skew her the juiciest pig in the pen I got to crank up the fire while I'm outside oh oh it's good to see you young man oh tacus tacus tus well I haven't seen happiness like that for a long while and you've put him in High Spirits he adores you it's inherited Glory he Ador my father more your father adicus ah of course any news of him on your travels rumors gossip nothing Sol ID I've told myself I might never see him again I'm prepared for the worst would you know him if he returned I was only a baby when he left but they say he stands out they say he's a man above and beyond ordinary men they say he's unmistakable you must miss him it hurts physical pain he must miss you too fine son if his heart still beats in his chest I I apologize I'm only an old stranger I've overstepped the mark your words wer meant to harm though you have a kindness that shines through I'll I help humus catch his Pig my son my living flesh my miraculous son yeah Athea what if they see you you gave me this disguise now you'll give me away it's time your son knows you for who you are then the two of you can hatch a plan you'll know what to say I've planted the seed in your head times's running down here I fling magic at you I throw you back the strength in your bones the color in your hair and the smoothness of your skin here is fire for your eyes and a worthy shirt for your shoulders oh who wouldn't recognize you now handsome adus oh one minute I'm a dull old man the next I'm shining like a king what will my son say make the most of your appearance it's just a fleeting Glimpse Here Comes tus oh there a coral sight those grunters are like grease lightning and he What's Happening Here your your skin your face don't be afraid telemus this is freakish Supernatural I'm the same person no you were a mortal an old withered man now you glow like like a God I'm no God just a man transformed by the touch of a goddess look at me telemus who am I you're a trickster you'll put a spell on me it's no trick look at me who am I you'll deceive me look at me telemus my son your son what did you say that uus is unmistakable then don't mistake him recognize him at once that's what they say or what I've always been told see me for who I am you'll see no other Odus I hold out a father's hand to you tus take it take it tus let the bond be remade let this family begin again father father we with me my son weep with me then swear an oath to keep my return a secret father my father swear an oath telemus there's a bloody Feud to be one but the two of us can't settle it alone 40 or 50 men sprawl in our home I need to use your name to recruit an armed Force swear an absolute oath abound between Father and Son go to the Palace but tell no one not even Penelope herself I'll appear is a beggar again if I'm insulted and abused just bite your lip play along with the deceit 20 years you've been out of our Lives now I've got to pretend you don't exist swear an oath tmus everything depends on it I swear [Music] exuse father yes indeed I was watching really very touching you scoff at my intervention not at all I mean every word of it the love between a parent and child it's a rarity without condition uncompromised kind of Purity and Mortals they have their shortcomings millions of them but they show their feeling and when they do oh come here child let me hold you father yes you're right outward displays of affection frowned upon no I I didn't mean to frowned upon I said in any case your work there isn't finished unless is just some hobby you've tired of I'll see it through right to the finish I'll stand at his shoulder to the very end to intercede when insult and indignity come his way exactly right exactly wrong but father take advice from someone who knows about retribution and revenge let his heart soak up as much bitterness as it can take let his nerves come close to overloading with pain let him stare into the dark let him brush with Terror stand eyelash to eyelash with fear how much more can he stommer as much as it takes then he'll turn it to rage he'll need all the fury he can summon anything short of total Agony utter hurt and he'll fall short let him suffer first or he'll fail let the sound of his wife's sadness eat into his mind and bring them home safe land them safe in Ithaca my husband and my son gods of the heavens I beg of you my lady I oh sorry man I didn't mean to interrupt your prayers no no no no I was talking to myself I can come back stay and freshen the room with flowers I need some air any sign of the sun yet I hide no hair we've got prying eyes all over the island but they've seen nothing he's getting help from above that's my theory you'll need it then if my men catch him blood suckers merciless heartless creatures what if he turns up here what if he does we can't run him through with a spear on his own doorstep to cut him down in front of his mother I quietly tear him limb from limb you violate me you aenimus I thought better of you Ur imicus your parents raised a brute and you and tinis you're inhuman and sadistic right down to your roots they say you're the finest young man on the island what must the worst be like you're monsters you're breaking my heart do you understand get out of this house get out get out get out my lady my lady leave me but my lady leave me do you hear as you wish my lady except if you'd only turn your head this way let your eyes do some see instead of all these Water Works how dare you leave me alone with my tears mother mother tell because I I bumped into him walking up the back steps up the back steps oh I kissed his face and his hands like he was my own look at him I threw myself into his arms leave us you're a clear well I only in the C circumstances yes my lady threw myself into his arms again you sneak back as secretly as you left is that the welcome I get you stole away with no word of where you were going or why against my will you left me here on my own in action was killing me I had to go in search of of news of my father so spit it out is he dead no hard news a story that said he was trapped by the nymph Calypso oh held in another woman's arms held there by force and rumors of battles and skirmishes on the way home from Troy don't think I'm a stone don't think my heart didn't fly up when I heard your voice they were plotting to kill you I thought you'd walk straight onto their Spears and no longer a child mother then give me news of your father I have nothing to tell I I can't say so leave me to grief nothing has changed I'll wind myself in this shroud of bed sheets again don't languish wash with water instead of Tears put on clean robes and go to the roof and pray to Zeus I have business to attend to be glad that I'm alive up here no not a ghost not dead sorry to disappoint you still got your heads in the trough I see well eat up eat up we're paying for our Hospitality we won't turn anyone away we won't give you the satisfaction just come home come home for your wife and son all right there're alltime oh I'm uh I'm just about managing F not going too fast am I oh I'm no spring chicken myself but you've got a good number of years over me oh there's a few miles left in these old legs yet hey what about t say see he doesn't know you from a hole in the road but he only invites you down to his Palace for a good Square meal and you a perfect stranger and hardly royalty no offense in all that oh oh he's a fine boy grown into a fine man now his father would be proud of him his heart would burst believe me oh that's one reunion I hope to live to see oh well would you look at that sad sight a sign of the times if ever there was one well was it Noble breed of dog like that doing sleeping on a pile of dong you might well ask that's Argos Odus dog Aros ah one of the same trained him as a puppy did T him to hunt but then he sailed for Troy never saw him quarter a field or bring down a hair going up full lick I swear he was the best Hound ever I'll look at him come here boy he jumping with fleas and ticks well he likes you right in enough there now rest your head old boy there no there no oh he's a tired one likes the taste of your hand though must be the salt you sleep it's over now you sleep there's a boy is he gone he's at rest now it's a blessing only he had eyes for his master you've got a gentle we with animals all time I'll say that sleep now Aros loyal [Music] friend someone's having a good time the Palace of adicus magnificent eh it's like a mirage imagine coming home seeing that after 20 years worn sea imagine a feeling like that yes imagine well come on the main door standing open don't [Music] da take a seat oh Father look there's Noble telemus still doing his duty hosting this pack of three loaders shall I approach him myself why not he invited you he won't have forgotten my Lord Telus father don't let them see through our pretense act accordingly I need to test these shooters Man by man here take this bowl bake from them one by one you'll get the measure of them by their response thank you my Lord fine fine young sir uh if I could trouble you look what the wind blew in if you could spare a morsal meat for a man in his later years someone leave the gates of the zoo open I apologize if my appearance offends you appearance It's Your Existence I object to now stop breathing on me and crawl back into your hole don't be ruthless antinous it's only human to be hungry this swamp donkey isn't human who let him in he came with me yeah and who are you loyal herds meant to a dises a pig man that figures one swine leading another well just a bite sir that kidney on your plate you wouldn't miss it you're right you're so right where are my manners here take a seat this stool that I'm sitting on you can have it right across your skull the name of the Gods calm down keep out of it let him have be sa is an offense in the eyes of the Gods to mistreat a stranger the gods don't care about him if they did he wouldn't be a good for nothing beggar father are you hurt ignore it I won't stand for this any longer I'll kill anois right now if you want what's best for us you'll swallow your pride now get away from me get away fetch me another seat somebody and throw that flear ridden [ __ ] onto the street as long as this is the house of aus I'll say how guests are treated Penelope give that Str stranger a bandage for his head we treat visitors here with courtesy you should know you've tested our Hospitality to the edge of bankruptcy and you strain my nerves and my heart to Breaking Point Beyond Breaking Point all we want his resolution to this situation yes I've reached a decision the morning Aus sailed for Troy he held me by the wrist wait for me he said wait until our baby son is a man with a beard on his chin then for the sake of yourself for the sake of everything choose another man that day has come mother let her speak it's time to to give up the ghost I'm worn down why you should want me empty and bitter and cold all my womanly Beauty drained by grief Zeus only knows but I'll honor my husband's will I'll marry one of you Yes precious Queen time was when a sutor would Court his lady with presentence lay wondrous offerings at her feet outbid his Rivals with Promises of wealth shower the family of the Bride to be with shimmering gifts she LS her Pockets into the bargain no she fleeces them let them pay my lady your change of heart is most welcome and most timely and now that common sense has taken hold we'll cour you the way that tradition demands we'll bring gifts pile them to the ceiling if need be and may the best man win but leave me in peace now go home to your houses let me have one last night to prepare and make my peace and accept my loss we grant you that of course you you call for me my lady come here and answer me a question the old man who begged at the table who is he a stranger Shipwrecked coming from CRE washed up on Ithica Shore he knocked on my door and I took him in from CRE the trade winds might have whispered my husband's name in his ears tell him tell him to expect my company I'll speak to him in due course oh man here she comes dust yourself down don't stand up please those sutors brought shame on this house with their rudess towards you you deserve to sit well all I've heard of your kindness is true and your beauty where are you from stranger oh lady don't ask me the name of my country don't ask me to crack open My Heart in front of you you've troubled enough in this house without my so story I'll weep and you'll think me drunk and morling nothing could take my spirits any lower well you've suffered and suffered your face tells me as much when uus my husband sailed for Troy he took my soul with him then the vultures started to Circle I held those suitors off for long enough weaving a shroud for my husband's father telling them I wouldn't wed until the long fine threads interlaced and woven tight then unpicked it every night for three years it was my alibi a brilliant scheme ah but they found me out the maid servants were Too Faced now there's no more web to weave No Escape lady you've been honest with me now I'll be honest with you my homeland is CR I know of it it was there I met him adicus you met my husband how long ago oh years and years I'm afraid he was making for Troy when the wind blew him off course he he moed in the harbor to escape the storm let me conjure up the picture of him standing at my door a blue cloak no purple a purple cloak go on pinned with a brooch and and on the brooch the image of a deer or for being dragged To The Ground by a dog hunting Hound I admired it well we we all did if I close my eyes I see it clear as daylight now I gave him that cloak I folded it fastened that pin it was the last time I touched him I'm I'm sorry to have opened the wound again it never closed you gave my husband shelter a long way from home it's the least I can do to give you the same you're a clear yes my lady coming my lady here's our old nurse she suckled dsus himself oh oh that I did my lady he fed at my breast make up a couch for our guest I will and wash him bathe his feet oh I'm fine here on the Hearth rug I'm I'm used to roughing it I would't hear of you not being comfortable under my roof and let her bathe your feet you'll feel better for it I'll be in the upper room I have prayers to say all right now then come on off with these sandles you're very alike you know you and dsus oh people have commented on the resemblance like in height and width was similar voices I thought you were far older excuse me saying but these are a younger man's feet as s s i' say uh have you finished what I just started he had a scar on his leg really oh I see he did went hunting when he was aad and a wild ball comes tearing out of the thicket he killed it with a spear bang not before it gouged the flesh with its Tusk uh thank you you can stop now a real gash it was just below the knee no on the other leg just about the all the gods and all the stars in heaven it's you be quiet urle it's my Lord and Master oh dear child it's you adicus it's adicus keep it closed old nurse you suckled me into life don't get me killed now this stays a secret until those suitors are dead or as I live and breathe I'll have to finish you as well along with the those other servants and Maids who double crossers what's going on I'll be as silent as a lumber Vine I'll be as silent as a stone dropped in a block of ice buried under snow see to it nurse did you spill the water your old hands are growing weak uh no it it was my fault she soothed me to sleep then I kicked out in a dream yeah I'll run and fetch a cloth them up at the M blankets for a bed excuse me ma'am sir I have a dream the same dream every night are you someone who knows the meaning of dreams dreams are hard to Fathom what happens in yours I have 20 white geese in the house pets really in the dream an eagle swoops from the sky and breaks the neck of everyone with its hooked beak what does it mean uh it's a good sign isn't it golden uus will swoop on the house and slay the shooters isn't that what the dream says I clung to that thought for a long time woke every morning full of Hope but I see now I was wrong now it's a nightmare I sleep in cold sweat well tomorrow waits in the East an evil day I have an archery contest in mind what do you think are with the winner taking your hand to sort the wheat from the chaff the men from the boys it sounds perfect to me appropriate whoever claims you as his prize must be no ordinary man good night stranger from greet my lady my Penelope here's enough blankets to keep a horse warm need anything else stranger uh nothing then I'll say good night stranger yeah don't squeal ulea keep the secret my lips are stitched together be strong odyss be Iron hearted don't let doubt snore away at your C all night awake or talking in your sleep at isus Athena silver eyed goddess I thought you deserted me when I most needed you desertion the gods don't waver hesitation and doubt are human failings doubt and hesitation are in me tonight there must be 50 sutors at least do you promise to fight at my shoulder does Almighty Zeus lend his support to this Venture go to the door of your wife's chamber adus don't enter just listen oh that's no promise Athen Athena skull in the corridors of my own house Eaves dropping what kind of plan is that I hear nothing the sound of sleeping alite here my wife pray saying her prayers a Sweet Sound all women of Olympus hear This Woman's request take away my life no Penelope let Oblivion draw its dark sheet over me goddesses of Olympus lay a wait on my heart now and let me sleep sleep sleep Athena you'd have me suffer more listen to my wife pleading for death well now doubts and hesitation are blown away tomorrow I'll rage tomorrow I'll flare and Blaze I come alive every atom of me ignites now with Fury beware those who stand in the [Music] blast telemus did you empty the weapons from the locker and hide them all hidden out of F's way remember do nothing until I give the signal the timing is everything tus tus no our feelings you're not losing a mother you're getting a stepfather a thought that hadn't escaped me Urus don't look so worried we won't be too hard on you but if I'm the chosen one you'll have to be set abroad some island with only wolves and bears for company T you up it's what his father would have wanted exactly and we must do right by the father if we're to step into his boots slip between his sheets so don't think we'll neglect you telemus on the contrary what say you ainus I won't go the son of the woman I want to marry but I've got to admit to feeling excited even giddy let it happen I've got a lucky feeling about this day the queen will address you the queen will address you you what when you're quite ready your gifts are stacked high in the lobby they are duly noted but I won't be bought by material Goods alone what's this more time wasting her finish a contest what Yus raise the weapon for all to see this was my husband's bow a gift from aitos he didn't carry it into wall but left it here in his house surely you didn't think I'd marry for money alone throw myself at the man with the deepest Pockets or the widest fields or the greatest flocks to his name the man who takes my husband's Place must be strong strong enough to lace this heavy bow and steady enough to lift it take Aim let an arrow pass between those 12 ax shafts look planted in line for the occasion and brave part of the G Steely enough to contemplate failure so who here has the courage this wasn't the plan this wasn't what we expected spontaneity never was your strong point was it you little rumt well you antinous nothing to say for a change maybe you haven't got what it takes maybe you don't have the nerve the guts the balls this is an unexpected turn of events look as blown over by a little change in the breeze and not fit to marry one of my you keep your mouth closed swin herd none of you no then I'll lace it myself why not you miss pass me the boat it proves nothing spoken like a true coward yeah so what will you do if you win eh marry your own mother lead her away from you rabble look it already bends you give yourself an accident cus to my strength you see a ball like this only yields to its true owner an in small just an in small no telemus at least you made the effort your father would have been proud of you just as I am move aside you aamus what this sudden Russ and Blood to the Head let me have the next attempt I see how it's done now I'll string the bone and fire through those axes I can feel it this is my moment it's come on give to [Music] me damn you I couldn't do I really thought I now I'm ashamed of my faith oh it wasn't in the Stars you've never been lucky ulous I told you that when we played dice it's not my destiny I wonder what is then I thought the path of my life led to this day give it to me it's just not to be come on give it to me go on I been a tired of energy come on spend you stubborn constraction Bend for me come on I'll break your spine I'll break [Music] you let me try what is this flea bag still in the house I thought I had you throw back in the gutter it isn't your house you don't give the orders shall I give him the ball of course not he's just a Drifter a noark this is the contest of the queen of Ithaca not some Shooting Gallery at a traveling circus kick him outside come on this is fle give him the bow what is there to lose if he succeeds I'm hardly going to marry him but I will K him out with clothes and a sword for his journey and the rest of you suitors will be judged by his standards give him the B I sanction it quite rightly and now mother go to your room what I will not leave this Hall until the outcome you will take instruction from the man of the house I have authority over the bow I decide not another word go to your room hand him the bow thank you you umus do you believe in adicus are you loyal to his name to my dying day to my dying breath then believe in me look in my face look at adicus Master my master can't be you'll have the proof soon enough go with Y cleia lock all the doors keep my wife in her room well man this should be worth watching more likely the bow will bend him oh yes antinous you'll find this entertaining all right look the bow resists it resists and resists then sudden it gives so I lace the length of gut listen Tau like an instrument do you hear that note The Sweet Spot the sound of power waiting to be Unleashed so much for strength now steadiness an arrow from the quiver and I take Aim where you the trick here is not to Flinch not to Blink not even to breathe then he did it he did it a clean shot not one of the axes clipped unbelievable unicus won't you join me on this platform congratulations stranger you have the strength of a bol and the the steadiness of a rock and a sniper's eye and no fluke either look I'll prove it again no don't point that thing at me beggar man oh yes antinous as you lift that glass to your lips and swallow down a gulp of wine a moving Target Rises and falls in your throat you're Adam's Apple antinous let the gods guide this Arrow straight to its Mark you're rabbit Mongol you Vermin you thought uus would never return you fouled my house polluted my family scandalized my nameus if it's really you sparis it was anous all along his idea his planning and scheming that kept us here spare us edicius you you've killed the worst of us that can be our lesson no your imicus your lesson is more painful to learn well we give you back everything we've taken it brong gold you name it just save the price and we'll pay out a promise all the money in the world wouldn't cover it this is the only way your debt can be settled not me of this you you heard how I spoke out I was never happy with this situation never comfortable but never as uncomfortable as now I'll bet dispar between your shoulder you all die you'll die and you die and you'll die and when death asks you who sent you to his gate don't forget my name tell him adicus adicus adicus my lady is it over over my lady over then so who shall I marry oh there will be no marriage for them that's already went don't set me a riddle just tell me your husband is here my lady you antagonize me Ur Clea it's only your age that saves you go away no my lady you insult me but you're forgiven what did you say it's a blood bath down there but one to saor the suit is are dead slain by odesus he was the beggar stranger you're saved go to him go to him you're twisting the knife urle your mind's gone I won't have you in the house if you leave us urle yes master excuse me my lady oh it's the height of rudess to enter a lady's chamber you recognize me now that I'm I'm washed and robed you know who I am pelop stranger I could have you strung up for this impertinence you know I'm real Penelope it's you who acts the stranger now the Gods on Olympus gave you a stubborn heart Penelope 20 years I've been away 10 of them fighting a war 10 more fighting my way back to this chamber this door no other woman would hold back like you who are you I don't know who you are you know I know very well what my husband looked like when he set sail but what does he look like now you're a stranger you're unfamiliar unknown very well I won't set foot inside this sacred room I'll sleep outside on the floor tell the maid to make up a bed wait a moment wait wait let me think you should be honored for what you have done for us you should sleep in his bed bed ah recognition at last but not in my room drag the bed outside this bed that adicus built what what do you want me to do that bed won't Bud an inch it it's not Furniture it's carved from the bowl of an olive tree its branches were stripped it was pled flat Stones were set in its wood doors were added and po and a canopy over the top it its grain was inlaid with silver and gold thread it wasn't carried here from a carpenter shed that bed still has roots in the ground this room was built around that bed that marriage bed is the Cornerstone of the whole house I I shouldn't have raised my voice your I I shouldn't have I'll I'll keep away only my husband knows the truth about this bed only my husband oh adicus my [Music] adicus I don't hate my stubbornness how should a woman know a man after 20 years how should a wife know her husband after that long imposters have come here men pretending to be you but no one has come closer it's just you here it's my stubborn heart that has kept us alive only two people know the secret of this bed this bed that I built it proves who I am and proves my faithfulness and proves my trust and proves my heart which achd all those long years you hope now my adicus you are my home Penelope you are my [Music] I you fought like a warrior Athena like you were born to it it gave me no pleasure it was a just cause and nobody saw you nobody went to the kingdom of the Dead wearing a picture of your face in his eyes I was invisible at adus side I lent an unseen hand when he laced the bow bent that obstinate wood into shape I had a silent hand in every sut's death it's how Justice should be an invisible silent force and like love too love should be the same come here my father you have a speck of blood on your face human blood I'll go and wash wait Athena you have one more task it's nighttime on EA look curtains are drawn in the bed chamber of husband and wife give those lovers the longest night of their lives go to the dawn in the East and hold it back by its Edge don't let Darkness roll up its blanket just yet don't let the morning saddle its clattering horses to the sun there'll be other days and more tragedy for that house I expect no hero ever goes quietly into old age but let them have their night of all nights in privacy out of sight now bring the clouds together in gentle Thunder Over the Earth and close this human story from our Godlike [Music] eyes [Music] in The Odyssey of Homer odyss was played by Tim mcineri penelopee by Amanda Redmond Athena by Janet mctier and Zeus by John Wood Benedict Cumberbatch played telemus Mary wimbush was Ur clear and berti carille was Hermes King alcis was played by Jeffrey wh head Queen AR by cheral Campbell and Princess Nora by Alice Hart the sutors were Danny Webb as antinous Jonathan Keel as uracus and Chris Pavo as amphinomus the Cyclops was played by Barry Rutter Calypso by adua Ando and cersi by Francis Barber the crew were Y and Bailey as Urus John row as Poes Philip Fox as ues Steven Hogan as elenis and John Glover as antus Joanna mcallum played the ghost of anticlea and Yan Meredith played Yus The Odyssey was dramatized for radio by Simon Armitage and the music was composed by Gary yerson technical presentation was by Anne bunting Colin Guthrie and Richard beads Moore the production assistant was Amy Crick hery The Odyssey was directed by Janet Whitaker and is published by BBC audio books