O for a Muse of, well, water. I mean not well water, but… Let me try again.
Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story OR, y’know, maybe just hook me up with a map.
Been a while since me and the boys have hit the Aegean. I’ve had a boss who’s really been tasking me with being clever about a whole lot of land stuff, not so much seafaring navigation. I think a map might help…
This weekend, we get the latest version of a centuries-old tale of someone who lived before the age of Rand McNally and suffered for it greatly.
Now I can’t say I love maps more than Rand McNally, but I do adore them and the Internet has given us wonderful interactive maps. Admittedly, it’s also given us its own versions of Scylla, Charibdis — to say nothing of endless harpies. And before some of you mention that the harpies are getting off subject, have you MET the Internet? It excels at going off topic.
But I digress myself. Anyway, check out this wonderful map charting the hypothetical route Odysseus took from Troy back to his home in Ithaca on ReadingMaps.com. Then realize it has a whole bunch of other literary journeys. Then take a break as your stomach reminds you it’s been some hours going down rabbit holes of various literary works, journeys, and whatnot. BUT –and I cannot stress this enough– do NOT sate your hunger by feasting on the sacred cattle of Helios. Really, the whole “sacred” adjective should clue you in to it being a bad idea and, honestly, during all your rabbit hole research you should have been reminded that Helios is a sun god, emphasis on god. They get cranky about these things. Eat something else. Maybe there’s some leftovers from Polyphemus’ sheep?
So enjoy the maps. Enjoy the new version of The Odyssey... or curse it if you must. Odysseus and Christopher Nolan are both probably used to ire at this point.