Somewhere in between meeting the Cyclops, Polyphemus, and returning to Ithaca, Odysseus and his men became weary of hunger and thirst. Odysseus, afraid that his men might lose their minds, found an island nearby with a beautiful temple castle made of pure gold. He was sure that they would find provisions in such an amazing city.
As they set anchor one of his men, Atalo, looked down into to the water and gasped, “My lord! Do you see what I see? In the water there are skeletons striped of all their skin, nothing but bones. Surely you see!”
Odysseus and his other men gazed into the crystal clear water, “What do you speak of? I see nothing but beautiful waters. Men let us seek provisions on this island!” Odysseus said, looking at Atalo like he was crazy.
Odysseus and his men got into a boat and rowed to shore, Atalo looking around nervously the whole time. As they stepped out of the boat they were greeted by five girls. Their beauty was beyond any other creature Odysseus had ever seen. The one in the middle was the most beautiful of all, her long, black hair running down her back with bright, brown eyes, almost red. She wore gold braided in her hair, with a long, gold dress, flowing bellow her feet.
The lady spoke with a voice that tempted everything you knew was right, “Welcome to my island. We do not get many men visitors. Come, we have prepared a feast! You shall join us for supper tonight. Girls, would you please take these men to a chamber where they can wash up and prepare.” The four girls by her side took Odysseus’ men to a chamber to wash and left him with the lady.
“May I ask the name of such a beautiful lady?” Odysseus asked.
“My name is Candace, lady of this island. Come now, I shall show you my island,” She told him, the words rolling off her lips like a sweet summer breeze blowing through eucalyptus trees.
She showed Odysseus every temple, every garden of the golden city. The colors were so beautiful, so spectacular he could barely believe his eyes. After Odysseus had washed Candace took him to the dining hall where there were over fifty beautiful women in gold gowns. There were no tables. It was more like an amphitheater. He looked around, somewhat puzzled and couldn’t believe what he saw. Atalo, the man who said he saw a skeleton, was slashing madly with his sword at ten of the women who stood around him frowning and letting out a sound similar to hissing. He ran down to Atalo, Candace on his heels.
“STOP! What is this madness?” Odysseus yelled.
“My lord, are you blind that you do not see these creatures for which they really are? They killed my brothers and left but me alone to fight them. These horrid creatures with flaming hair, one leg of an ass and one leg of brass, drank their blood and ate their flesh. Surely you are not so naive to see that these are Empusa! Please do not tell me that you do not see how they have deceived us my lord!” Atalo screamed, slicing off one of their heads, and as he did she turned to dust.
Candace smiled and said, “My fair king, are you going to listen to this foolishness? This man is clearly weak from hunger. We must eat before your men turn ill.”
Odysseus looked at Atalo and said, “My boy, you are simply weary from your hunger. Let us feast with these beauties, but wait! It is a lovely night. I would love to feast with this lady alone in the moonlight.”
“My good lord, I would love to feast with you. Let us eat down by the sea. Your men may feast with my ladies,” Candace said, grinning sweetly.
Atalo protested, “My lord! You must not listen to her! Heed my words! Don’t let me fall to the same fate as my brothers!”
“Atalo, my dear boy, she is but a young lady. Surely she will not bring us harm. Now go make merry! I shall see you tomorrow!” Odysseus said.
Candace took him to the beach where they sat and ate till his belly was full. Then he lay down to gaze at the stars. Candace smiled showing her fangs, but yet again Odysseus did not notice.
“Let us go see your crew. Perhaps they are done eating,” Candace suggested.
“Yes my dear, I’m sure they are,” he said, trying to get up, yet finding it rather difficult.
Candace smiled “May I help you up my lord? Are you too full that you might not be able to stand? My poor lord! Perhaps you should sleep! Sleep my mighty lord! Sleep sweetly!”
Odysseus could not help it. He passed out on the woman’s lap. The whole world seemed to float away.
“Oh my poor prince! How easily you have fallen into my trap,” She said, running her fingers down his spine. Then she opened her mouth, showing her true form.
He awoke in the middle of a stage surrounded by women. "My lord is awake!" She laughed, "All of your men our dead! What shall you do now? For you are alone and in a trap which you may not escape!"
He, with his amazing wit had no idea how to get out, when he heard the woman screech. Atalo had gone behind the witch and threatened to cut her head off.
"Let my lord go or I swear that I shall kill you and burn down your whole city!" Atalo screamed.
Candace laughed, "Even if you killed me my maidens would do away with you and your friends before you could be away!"
Atalo sliced off her head and then cut away Odyseus's hands free. Before the other creatures could reach him he grabbed a torch and set fire to the place. The empusa became afraid and made a path for them. Atalo helped Odyseus to the ship. They made a safe escape.
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