C 247 ) 



SCYLLA AND CHARYBDIS. 



IN the description given by Homer, in the twelfth book of 

 the * Odyssey,' of the unfortunate nymph Scylla, transformed 

 by the arts of Circe into a frightful monster, the same 

 typical idea as in the case of the Hydra is perceptible. The 

 lurking octopus, having its lair in the cranny of a rock, 

 watching in ambush for passing prey, seizing anything 

 coming within its reach with one or more of its prehensile 

 arms, even brandishing these fear-inspiring weapons out of 

 water in a threatening manner, and known in some locali- 

 ties to be dangerous to boats and their occupants, is trans- 

 formed into a many-headed sea monster, seizing in its 

 mouths, instead of by the adhesive suckers of its numerous 

 arms, the helpless sailors from passing vessels, and devour- 

 ing them in the abysses of its cavernous den. 



Circe, prophesying to Ulysses the dangers he had still to 

 encounter, warned him especially of Scylla and Charybdis, 

 within the power of one of whom he must fall in passing 

 through the narrow strait (between Italy and Sicily) where 

 they had their horrid abode. Describing the lofty rock of 

 Scylla, she tells him : 



" Full in the centre of this rock displayed 

 A yawning cavern casts a dreadful shade, 

 Nor the fleet arrow from the twanging bow 

 Sent with full force, could reach the depth below. 

 Wide to the west the horrid gulf extends, 

 And the dire passage down to hell descends. 



