batch.motif.greek-roman-berens-myths-legends-gutenberg-l10110-l10199
---
record_id: batch.motif.greek-roman-berens-myths-legends-gutenberg-l10110-l10199
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
passage_locator:
label: ALCMAEON AND THE NECKLACE. / THE HERACLIDAE. / THE SIEGE OF TROY. / RETURN
OF THE GREEKS FROM TROY.; lines 10110-10199
start: '10110'
end: '10199'
translation: Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: Odysseus receives a sealed ox-skin bag of contrary winds from Aeolus but
his companions open it, driving the fleet back. After Aeolus rejects them, they
encounter the cannibal Laestrygones, who destroy all but Odysseus' ship. On Aeaea,
Circe drugs Odysseus' companions and transforms them into swine. Hermes gives
Odysseus the herb Moly and instructions to resist Circe's spell; Odysseus confronts
her, and she restores his companions.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: Aeolus gives Odysseus an ox-skin containing contrary winds and warns him not
to open it.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Odysseus' companions open the guarded bag while he sleeps, believing it may
contain treasure.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: The released adverse winds drive the ships back to the Aeolian island, where
Aeolus reproaches and dismisses them.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:4
text: In the land of the Laestrygones, King Antiphates kills the herald sent by
Odysseus for provisions.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:5
text: The Laestrygonian giants hurl rocks at the fleet and sink eleven ships; only
Odysseus' vessel escapes.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:6
text: On Aeaea, Eurylochus leads a selected reconnaissance party to Circe's marble
palace.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:7
text: Circe's palace is guarded by tame wolves and lions, identified as humans transformed
by her arts.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:8
text: Circe gives her guests drugged wine and touches them with a magic wand, transforming
them into swine while they retain human senses.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:9
text: Hermes appears to Odysseus as a fair youth with a golden wand and gives him
the herb Moly as an antidote to Circe's spells.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:10
text: Odysseus drinks Circe's wine, remains protected by the antidote, draws his
sword, and rushes at her as instructed by Hermes.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:11
text: Circe recognizes Odysseus, acknowledges that Hermes had foretold his visit,
and restores his companions to human form.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Odysseus
description: Leader of the voyagers; receives the bag of winds, survives attacks,
seeks to rescue his transformed companions, and confronts Circe.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- ev:8
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Aeolus
description: Giver of the ox-skin bag containing contrary winds and issuer of the
warning not to open it; later reproaches the returning voyagers.
role_refs:
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Odysseus' comrades
description: The crew members who open the bag of winds and later include those
transformed by Circe into swine.
role_refs:
- role:3
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:7
- ev:10
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Eurylochus
description: A prudent and cautious companion of Odysseus who leads the reconnoitring
party but does not enter Circe's palace.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Antiphates
description: King of the Laestrygones who kills Odysseus' herald.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Laestrygones
description: A race of fierce gigantic cannibals who attack Odysseus' fleet with
rocks.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Circe
description: A beautiful enchantress, daughter of the sun-god and the sea-nymph
Perse, who transforms visitors by drugged wine and magic wand and later restores
Odysseus' companions.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:10
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Hermes
description: Divine messenger of the gods who appears as a fair youth with a golden
wand and gives Odysseus the herb Moly and instructions.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Transformed wolves and lions
description: Tame animals at Circe's entrance described as human beings transformed
by her arts.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
roles:
- id: role:1
label: voyage leader and rescuer
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Odysseus commands the surviving ship and sets out to rescue companions transformed
by Circe.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:8
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: role:2
label: supernatural wind-giver and warning-giver
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Aeolus gives the bag of winds, warns against opening it, and later reproaches
disobedience.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: role:3
label: disobedient crew
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: The comrades open the guarded bag against Aeolus' warning while Odysseus
sleeps.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:4
label: cautious scout
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: Eurylochus is described as prudent and cautious and avoids entering Circe's
palace.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: role:5
label: cannibal giant attackers
assigned_to:
- fig:5
- fig:6
basis: Antiphates and the Laestrygones are described as gigantic cannibals who kill
the herald and destroy ships.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: role:6
label: enchantress and transformer
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: Circe drugs guests, uses a magic wand to transform them, and later restores
them.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:10
- id: role:7
label: divine helper and protector
assigned_to:
- fig:8
- fig:1
basis: Hermes gives Odysseus an antidote and instructions that allow him to resist
Circe's spell.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: role:8
label: transformed human victims
assigned_to:
- fig:3
- fig:9
basis: The passage describes humans transformed into wolves and lions and companions
transformed into swine.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: sealed bag of contrary winds
literal_form: An ox-skin containing all the contrary winds, not to be opened.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: sym:2
label: watch-fires of Ithaca
literal_form: Fires seen from the sea on the evening of the tenth day, indicating
the voyagers are in sight of Ithaca.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs:
- fire
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:3
label: rocks hurled by giants
literal_form: Huge rocks thrown by the Laestrygones upon the fleet.
associated_figures:
- fig:6
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: sym:4
label: Circe's palace animals
literal_form: Tame wolves and lions guarding Circe's entrance, described as transformed
humans.
associated_figures:
- fig:7
- fig:9
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: sym:5
label: drugged wine-cup
literal_form: Wine presented to Circe's guests, drugged with a potent draught.
associated_figures:
- fig:3
- fig:7
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:9
- id: sym:6
label: magic wand
literal_form: The wand with which Circe touches her guests to transform them.
associated_figures:
- fig:7
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: sym:7
label: Moly herb
literal_form: A peculiar herb given by Hermes to Odysseus to counteract Circe's
spells.
associated_figures:
- fig:8
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: sym:8
label: drawn sword
literal_form: Odysseus' sword drawn from its scabbard as he rushes upon Circe.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:7
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Aeolus gives and forbids the wind-bag
summary: Aeolus gives Odysseus a sealed ox-skin containing contrary winds, warns
him not to open it, and sends Zephyrus to carry them toward Greece.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: scene:2
label: The wind-bag is opened near Ithaca
summary: Near the watch-fires of Ithaca, Odysseus sleeps; his comrades open the
guarded bag, release adverse winds, and are driven back to Aeolus, who reproaches
and dismisses them.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:3
label: Laestrygonian destruction of the fleet
summary: After scouts reach the Laestrygonian city, Antiphates kills the herald,
and the giant Laestrygones sink eleven ships with rocks, leaving only Odysseus'
ship to escape.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
- fig:5
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: scene:4
label: Scouts arrive at Circe's palace
summary: Eurylochus leads a party to Circe's marble palace on Aeaea, where tame
wolves and lions guard the entrance and Circe sings and weaves inside.
figure_refs:
- fig:4
- fig:7
- fig:9
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: scene:5
label: Circe transforms the guests
summary: Circe offers hospitality, serves drugged wine, and uses her wand to transform
the guests into swine while they retain human senses.
figure_refs:
- fig:3
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:5
- sym:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: scene:6
label: Hermes equips Odysseus against Circe
summary: Hermes meets Odysseus, gives him Moly as an antidote, and instructs him
how to resist Circe's wine and confront her.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:8
symbol_refs:
- sym:7
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: scene:7
label: Odysseus confronts Circe and secures restoration
summary: Protected by the antidote, Odysseus drinks Circe's wine, threatens her
with his sword, and obtains the restoration of his companions' human form.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:5
- sym:7
- sym:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: forbidden opening of a guarded container releases destructive forces
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: A warned-against ox-skin bag containing contrary winds is opened by the crew,
causing adverse winds to drive them away from Ithaca.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
confidence: high
cautions: The passage frames the act as disobedience and misjudgment, not as acquisition
of forbidden knowledge.
- id: motif:2
label: return home delayed by supernatural or hostile obstacles
taxonomy_refs:
- return
basis: The voyagers come within sight of Ithaca but are driven back by released
winds, rejected by Aeolus, attacked by cannibal giants, and driven onward to Aeaea.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
confidence: high
cautions: The passage gives only part of the larger return narrative.
- id: motif:3
label: human-to-animal transformation by an enchantress
taxonomy_refs:
- shapeshifter
basis: Circe transforms human beings into wolves and lions and later transforms
Odysseus' companions into swine while their human senses remain.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
confidence: high
cautions: The available taxonomy ref 'shapeshifter' is approximate because the transformation
is imposed by a sorceress rather than self-shifting.
- id: motif:4
label: divine helper provides protective antidote before magical trial
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Hermes gives Odysseus Moly and instructions that nullify Circe's drugged
wine and allow him to force her to restore his companions.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- ev:10
confidence: high
cautions: No specific available taxonomy ref directly names the antidote or helper
pattern.
- id: motif:5
label: hospitality as trap through enchanted food or drink
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Circe graciously invites the men in, seats and feeds them, but secretly drugs
the wine and transforms them with her wand.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
confidence: high
cautions: The passage describes deception within hospitality, but does not explicitly
generalize it as a named motif.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 10110-10114
quote_or_summary: Aeolus gives Odysseus an ox-skin containing contrary winds, warns
him not to open it, and sends Zephyrus to carry the ship toward Greece.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: lines 10116-10125
quote_or_summary: Near Ithaca, while Odysseus sleeps, his comrades open the bag
thinking it may hold treasure; adverse winds rush out, drive them back to Aeolus,
and Aeolus reproaches and dismisses them.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: lines 10127-10136
quote_or_summary: Odysseus sends a herald and two companions for provisions; they
reach the Laestrygones, a race of fierce gigantic cannibals ruled by Antiphates,
who kills the herald.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: lines 10138-10144
quote_or_summary: Antiphates and the other giants pursue the fugitives, hurl huge
rocks, sink eleven ships with all hands, and only Odysseus' own ship escapes.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: lines 10146-10153
quote_or_summary: On Aeaea, Odysseus sends only part of the crew to reconnoitre;
lots assign Eurylochus to lead the selected band.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: lines 10155-10166
quote_or_summary: The scouts find Circe's marble palace in a fertile valley; Circe
is an enchantress, daughter of the sun-god and Perse; tame wolves and lions guarding
the entrance are humans she transformed; she sings and weaves inside and invites
the men to enter.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: lines 10168-10177
quote_or_summary: Circe seats the guests amid luxury and serves a banquet; the wine-cup
is drugged, and after they drink she touches them with her magic wand and transforms
them into swine retaining human senses.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: lines 10179-10188
quote_or_summary: Odysseus goes to rescue his companions; Hermes appears as a fair
youth with a golden wand and gives him the herb Moly, which will counteract Circe's
spells.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: lines 10188-10196
quote_or_summary: Hermes warns that Circe will offer drugged wine and instructs
Odysseus to drink it under the herb's protection, then rush at Circe as if to
kill her; Odysseus follows the instruction, accepts the wine, draws his sword,
and rushes upon her.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: lines 10197-10199
quote_or_summary: Circe's purpose is frustrated; she recognizes Odysseus, whose
visit Hermes had foretold, and at his request restores his companions to human
form and promises freedom from her enchantments.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek-roman/project-gutenberg/myths-legends-ancient-greece-rome-berens.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: high
notes: Extraction is based only on the supplied passage. Motif labels are candidate
analytic groupings; no external comparison claims are made.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
Available taxonomy refs were used only where directly supportable or approximate with cautions; comparison_claims left empty because the passage itself does not make comparative claims.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:greek-roman-berens-myths-legends-gutenberg__l10110-l10199
passage_sha256=0f7766052a4ede80cf3fc5b1d168b9d2a2f8ab0a14b3d31344aa09fe6054f389