Myths: Did they spot these examples? Changing form (men turned into animals); disguise (Hermes in the guise of a beautiful young man); magic powers (the powers of Circe); task (Odysseus had to put moly in his cheek); prophecy (Circe had had a prophecy that a man would come whose name would mean ‘trouble’). There might be more. Discuss them. (Identify and describe features of myths.)

Odysseus: We see the contrast between the character of Odysseus and of his men, at the beginning of the episode. What did each do? (The men sat on the beach, weeping; Odysseus explored the island.) Odysseus showed strength of character. Later Hermes says he must show strength of character in another situation. (He must keep the moly in his cheek.) What about Odysseus’ promise to stay with Circe for only a month? (Ask the class to explain their views on this, perhaps leading to a vote.)

Odysseus’ name: We hear one name that is told in a prophecy and another that tells of his family relationship. What are they? (They say my name means “trouble”; Laertes’ son.) Do you have more than one name? What are you called by different people?

Map: Put the island of Circe on  your map and mark in north, the direction in which they must travel next.

Hermes: Who is he? Where have we met him before? (The messenger of the gods. He brought the message from Zeus to Paris asking him to choose who should have the golden apple.) His sandals are winged and he can fly. Do you know of any other characters who can fly? (Superman, Harry Potter…) What gives them the power to fly?

Circe: How is she described? (Long-limbed, pale-skinned, dark-haired and dark-eyed.) This is another way of describing people by starting with body parts — remind them of seeing this before (e.g. describing themselves, the Cyclops, Poseidon). How long has Circe waited for Odysseus? (100 years.) So how then do we explain that she is still young? (She is a goddess — they do not die like mortals.)

Character cards: Add Circe to the character list. Make 3 cards for each of the characters, one to show his name and picture, one to describe and give information about him and a third to say whether he is a god or a mortal. (Refer to the ‘Character and places’ lists.)

Odysseus and the sorceress Circe:  This illustration is on a cup. It is different from the cups that we are used to. It shows Circe in the centre, giving such a cup to one of the men. She is the main character. Can you find Odysseus? What is he holding? Look carefully to see which parts of the men have changed to animal form, and which are still human. Can you identify any of the animals or are they fantasy creatures? Notice how the bodies are still human-like. Try drawing men changed, or half-changed, into other animals. What would you change into?