This painting, likely depicting the tale of Odysseus and the Sirens, was discovered in the volcanic ruins of the Roman city of Pompeii, which was buried in ash in the year 79. There are no explicit labels or titles on the art that formally designate it as a Homeric scene, but the context clues and iconography clearly point to the artwork being a re-creation of the Siren scene from Homer’s Odyssey. A ship, presumably carrying Odysseus and his crew, can be seen at the low center of the artwork, and Odysseus is displayed famously tied to the ship’s mast. The Sirens, depicted in their ancient form as bird-women hybrids, surround the ship and attempt to use their Siren songs to lure the Greeks to their deaths. In addition to just using their voices, the deadly musicians also tempt the Greeks with the help of an assortment of ancient instruments, such as the aulos and lyre. It truly was a deadly melody. Homer, who wrote of the Sirens in The Odyssey, vividly emphasized the lethality of those mythical beings, writing:
“There is no homecoming for the man who draws near them unawares and hears the Sirens’ voices; no welcome from his wife, no little children brightening at their father’s return. For with their high clear song the Sirens bewitch him, as they sit there in a meadow piled high with the mouldering skeletons of men, whose withered skin still hangs upon their bones” (Homer, The Odyssey, book 12, approximately lines 40-50).
Yet, the Sirens’ songs were to no avail against the Greek crew, for Odysseus had been warned about the peril of their singing by the goddess, Circe. Heeding the caution, the hero had his crewmen plug their ears with wax. Yet, Odysseus, himself—without any deafening plugs—tied himself to the ship mast so as to hear the Sirens’ voices in relative safety. As narrated by Homer, Odysseus explained this plan to his crew, saying, “You must bind me very tight, standing me up against the step of the mast and lashed to the mast itself so that I cannot stir from the spot. And if I beg and command you to release me, you must tighten and add to my bonds” (Homer, The Odyssey, book 12, approximately line 160). The plan worked flawlessly and as intended—a welcome fortuitous change for Odysseus and his unlucky crew. Odysseus’ ear-plugged shipmen rowed past the Sirens without hindrance, carrying their captivated and bewitched captain out of the range of the Sirens’ alluring song, after which Odysseus regained his senses.
Written by C. Keith Hansley
Sources:
- The Odyssey by Homer, translated by E. V. Rieu and edited by D. C. H. Rieu. New York: Penguin Classics, 2009.
- https://flic.kr/p/XzT6tM
