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Significance Of The Siren Song In The Odyssey

850 Words4 Pages

Bradlee Dowling
Mrs. Hughes
Spanish 9, Honors
13 January 2023
Temptation in the Siren’s Songs The siren’s songs in Homer’s The Odyssey, Lowell’s poem, “The Sirens,” and Atwood's poem, “Siren Song” entrance sailors into thinking their island can provide anything, but at what cost? Whether it be songs about rest, knowledge, or glory, the sirens tempt sailors into believing that their melodies can provide mariners deepest desires; however, the lesson these sailors learn is that eventually desire can lead to destruction.

The siren song written in the Odyssey transcribes temptation in the form of knowledge. Instructed by Kirkȇ, Odysseus asks his men to block their ears but let him hear and learn the rumored wisdom contained in the siren’s song. As requested, his men block their ears with beeswax and restrain Odysseus as he listens to the compelling tune. Evidence to support this is, “...Yet she urged that I/ alone should listen to their song. Therefore/ you are to tie me up…”(Homer, lines 193-195). This quote explains how Kirkȇ advises Odysseus to listen, but it is him who finalizes the decision, ultimately proving how …show more content…

The song begins by telling the sailors their song is irresistible and everybody wants to know it. The siren in this poem tells the sailors that she does not enjoy being secluded on her island and yearns for him to save her and get her out of the bird suit she is incarcerated in. Evidence to support this is, “This song/ is a cry for help: Help me!/ Only you, only you can,/ you are unique”(Atwood, 21-24 ). This quote explains how the siren tricks sailors into thinking they are special and seduces them with a cry for help because evidently they are the only one who can help the siren escape. This confirms that the temptation in Atwood’s poem is glory because the call for help draws hero-complexed sailors who seek praise to assist the siren who ultimately kills

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