Chapter 9: The Test from the Gods

So with the grand escape

The crew guided by wise Odysseus

Went on their way back homeward,

Ready to leave all of their misfortune

Behind in the dust along with Troy.

All the while,

Up in the palace of thunderous Zeus,

The gods watched on,

Still wondering about the fate of the child

Who is destined for such greatness

While having a force of evil within him.

They had heard what he told the Cyclopes

We having no idea of what was said

And the gods look on him with awe.

The gods looked then at each other,

Wondering what to do as in walked

The grand sea turner, Poseidon, lord of misfortunate sea travel.

"How dareth Odysseus insult me and my child,

He is the greatest fool,

For now he has challenged me.

Anyone else wish to challenge me

Before i take out my wrath upon

That insufferable fool?"

All but one remained seated

Not wishing to be on difficult terms with this god.

The one, however, stands tall and mighty

Ready to challenge this god

As Athena, wisest in all the land.

"O, grand uncle of ours

Let us test Odysseus and his men

See if they wish to return home

Safe and sound by doing as told.

We can find him a punishment

If he is to disobey us,

And the challenge shall be close at hand

For if you look on,

They approach Aeolus, master of the wind element.

Grand Odysseus would soon receive a gift

Along with safe passage for home

But the crew were fools

Wanting riches and gold

Too greedy to risk even any hope of safe return

And so failed this test

Set before the gods

Only to their demise.