Episode 7: Chapters 19-21

We would be remiss if we did not, at least once, acknowledge our dear friend Homer.

AJ mentions Odysseus being a "short king" in this episode, as a descriptive line in Circe references his short strong legs. We like to think MM put that in there on purpose, because it is a running gag amongst Odyssey fans that Homer chose to mention Odysseus's legs... quite a few times.

In this episode, we discuss that Hermes can break through Circe's wards of Living Death around the island because he is a psychopomp, meaning he can traverse the lands of the dead and the living. 

Sometimes, the gods are classified into multiple domains. Ouranic gods were of the sky, and considered to be those grand figures up in the heavens and associated with Mt. Olympus (though they weren't always good). Chthonic gods are associated with the domain of the Underworld (but they weren't always bad). And then some are something in between (like Hermes!).

Naturally, Circe and Penelope bond over fiber arts - specifically weaving. Together at the end of chapter 21, they go to Circe's loom together to weave black garments for Penelope in mourning.

Check out this article on weaving and patterns in the time of Homer