Odysseus’ Encounter with Folvo and the Depths of Despair “Proceeding from the homeland of Polyphemus, my men and I departed briskly; attempting to evade the storm that was ominously approaching. To my utter disappointment we found ourselves engaged in a strenuous battle with Poseidon who had sought revenge on me ever since my triumph over his offspring. He had unleashed his vigorous powers, and would stop at nothing until he had defeated me and my men. While engaged in this duel, I was eventually thrust against the mast, knocking me unconscious.
A raindrop trickled down the veins of the moist leaf who had been bombarded with water the previous night during a jarring storm. As the drop began to approach the edge, the leaf sank from its weight, providing a slope for the droplets downfall onto the black beaches of Despair. Although, instead of being absorbed by the grains, the droplet landed on the face of of an individual unidentifiable to the island. It outlined each singular curve and edge of the stranger’s face before plummeting down the side of his scruffy cheek, leaving an inconspicuous trail behind.
He lay motionless; his arms were limp at his sides, and the little clothing that remained intact was saturated from the sea. Some ten yards away from the body was what appeared to be the a ship, however no evidence inside would allow one to conclude his identity. A wall of water unexpectedly rushed the shores, swallowing the unknown figure, and inevitably pouring into his open mouth. Within seconds the man awoke. Attempting to expel the water from his system he coughed, although the gritty mixture struggled to escape his lungs.
After what appeared to be a neverending fit of uncontrollable coughing, the man was back on his feet, and seemed confused as to where he was. He looked around, however none of his men appeared present. “I found myself stranded on the water’s edge of what I believe is called the Island of Despair. My ship was disheveled and various gashes were scattered throughout the sail, and it seemed as though I would have to venture further inland to discover supplies that would allow me to mend my ship. My men could not be located, which meant I would have to face the unknown that lay ahead by myself.
While this thought would frighten most travelers, it was nothing an individual of my capabilities couldn’t handle. “I proceeded forward with nothing but a tattered rag draped across my body. As I neared closer to the center of the island a feeling of discomfort came across me; it was as though I could sense the eyes of a creature gazing at the back of my head. When I peered back, however, there was not a single presence in my vicinity. I continued forward, although this peculiar sense seemed to only intensify itself.
Distracted by a delicate butterfly, I was almost oblivious to the black blur that dashed before me. Within an instant of this occurrence I found myself embraced in some sort of unidentifiable cloth. The luscious trees that had previously stood tall before me were now nothing but an endless darkness. “It was comparable to the darkness one sees as they attempt to fall into a deep slumber at night. Confused and slightly startled, my heart began to race. The tightness of cloth that I had previously felt wrapped around me had vanished, although the gloaming nothingness still remained.
A booming voice echoed around me as it informed me of the ‘rules’ to the game I would soon partake in. It had become apparent that I had been transported into some form of a parallel universe, although the source of this voice was still unknown. It appeared to be the doings of a mythical creature. “”Odysseus, son of Laertes,’ it spoke. “There is not a single individual that lurks on this Earth that finds himself exempt to the feeling of fear. What, perhaps, could your greatest fear be? Well, my dear Odysseus, that is up to me.
You must overcome this phobia if you wish to walk free; fail and you will be forever trapped here alongside thee. In those few moments not a single fear of mine had come to mind, although I would later find out that she could extract information regarding oneself that even they didn’t truly know. “The voice continued, and as it spoke a distant figure began to appear. The silhouette of the creature revealed it was a female. It was evident that she was dressed in a dark cape of some sort, perhaps the cloth that was used to encapsulate me; it’s trail drooped elegantly behind her.
Two horns emerged from her head that seemed to have a smooth and glossy appearance. She had a peculiar nose, somewhat like that of a hog, and her body was thin with a skeleton like element to it. ” “If you are to complete the challenge put before you I shall repair the damage to your vessel, which will ensure continuation on your voyage,’ she uttered. “Bewildered by the world in which I was currently placed, I asked for the name of the individual I was speaking to. ‘The Enchanter, Fovos,’ I was informed. “Before I had a chance to further question this creature she vaporized before my very eyes.
Soon after the darkness faded out into a new scenery: my homeland of Ithaca. My feet were standing on the very soil which I had known years ago. The particles clinged to my toes as I wiggled them about in the fertile land. I was truly on the island I had spent years longing to return to; it was as though the void which I had been attempting to fill had suddenly vanished. The first thought that darted through my mind was Penelope. From my location | could see the tops of our mesmerizing palace, and I had concluded that by sunset I would be able to reach her.
To my surprise the trek had taken less time than expected, it appeared as though my extensive past knowledge of the island granted me the ability to evade any unforeseen challenges. After a strenuous hike up numerous steps I had reached the peak of mount Dynami which my residence stood upon. I scanned the garden shortly before noticing Penelope tending to the lilies. Her elegance glistened as she gracefully allowed the water to cascade down the spout of her watering can. Her beauty was mesmerizing and truly captivated my soul.
Before she had the chance to see me lurking, I ducked behind the trunk of a poplar tree to evade her recognition. For just a few moments had I truly believed I was home, and that the years of voyaging had come to a close. “It’s a test,’ I thought to myself, my back scraping against its weathered branches. ‘Penelope isn’t before me, for this is all an illusion that I must conquer if I wish to return. Despite my knowledge of this fantasy It took every ounce of will in my body to stop myself from galloping into her arms and embracing her in a hug.
All I wanted was to be with my love once again. A tear droplet emerged from my eye and outlined each singular curve and edge of my face before plummeting down the side of my scruffy cheek, leaving an inconspicuous trail behind. It crashed down onto the stone pavement beneath me. I closed my eyes to try and escape from this nightmare, but when I pried my lids back open l had been returned to the Depths of Despair. “Although I was elated, a sorrow feeling lingered following my encounter with Penelope. I so desperately desired to feel her touch against my skin once again.
While I was deeply engaged in this thought process Fovos reappeared before me. ” “It seems as though you’ve passed my test,” she muttered, “and proved to me you can conquer even your most cryptic phobia. You were forced to accept you may never see Ithaca once again, and resisted the urge to act upon Penelope. As promised I shall restore order to your ship to ensure your return. Although, one must never fail to remember that even the most invincible individuals fear something. It is fear that secures our safety. Bring this ideology with you as you move forward on your voyage,” she spoke.
As I deciphered her message, the body of the enchantress faded until a few specs of dust remained and slowly floated down to the surface of the island. I scanned the island once again and from the distance saw my men running towards me frantically calling my name. We reconnected and rejoiced as we could finally depart the Depths of Despair. I was later told that they had been searching for me on the other sides of the realm and feared they may never see my heroic self once again. My crew would be nothing without me. They depend on my abilities like a foal depends on its mother.
Vulnerable and weak, the youngling clings to her side. Just seconds without her and he risks being feasted upon by the more superior beings of society. Despite being a burden upon his mother, she refuses to abandon her son. I, of course, would never fail my men, and made sure to bestow on them my presence by completing the task I was faced with. Once aboard our newly mended ship I hollered in victory for we had evaded danger once more resulting in a favorable outcome. My hand darted up towards the sky, fist clenched, and in unison with my men we let out a battle cry.
