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[Music] [Music] [Music] I am but a stranger among you, friends. No one is a stranger among their own kin. This is still but the dawn of our people, and our entire city, in the future. But if, by chance, a stranger sets foot upon our soil, he will be treated as an equal. And if the gods decide that he shall remain here, he will be offered in proportion to his worth, as one of us, on the condition that in our peaceful life, he makes his choice. I tell you this, as a brother: Ulysses, stay and become one of us. Succumbing to the desire for a halt is a temptation that besets the exile. Among them, I am a month. I have Circe. A year. Who is Circe? The sorceress. She sings and speaks as only goddesses of the fairies do. She is the daughter of Helios, the sun, and of Perse. Upon arriving at her island, however, I did not imagine the spells Circe was capable of. But my companions had regained strength and hope. [Music] [Music] [Music] After so many days at sea, burned by the sun and weathered by the salt of the ocean, the wall of greenery that caressed the beach was, for each of us, a promise of respite, of shade to rest, of fresh meat and ripe fruits, of spring water to quench our thirst. But within me, the forest gave rise to other thoughts. What mystery lay hidden behind its depths? In the morning, as soon as we disembarked, I made a decision. We will divide into two groups. My men with me at the head of one, and for the other, it is up to him. While one would explore the island, the other would guard our ship. But who says that chance alone will decide who stays and who leaves? We have endured too much distress and suffering, and I have inflicted too much blame for having gone alone to the god Aeolus. I can neither act nor be acted upon without you, henceforth, under no circumstances. They will share us, black or white. Whatever the case, Ulysses, I regret having been left behind. Thus it was that for the first time, this faithful friend left me. [Music] All day long, the hours passed. Evening came, and soon night. Twilight succeeded the dawn. He had not yet returned. It was terrible. Only the words from his mouth could not come out. His heart was upset, he could only weep. Calm down, calm down. Where did you leave your companions? Where did you leave them? Before this adventure, I had already seen that he was becoming sad and fearful. More and more, the threads of destiny tightened their grip. Yes, but it was you who had provoked this fatality that turned against you and made your companions suffer. The proof, for some of us to save ourselves, is that I bore the blame. It is not on my lips, and I wanted to know. As we proceeded through the forest, the trees became scarce, and their leaves rustled as if animals were following our course. We sensed them without managing to see them, always around us, we felt their presence. When suddenly, there, in the middle of a clearing, I saw it. Suddenly, entirely covered in moss and lichen, walls. They had the appearance of ruins, of some old abandoned palaces. Beyond these walls, others rose infinitely before us. It was useless to try to get out of such a labyrinth. The exhausted companions let themselves fall. I had moved away when I heard terrible growls. I turned around and saw a spectacle my eyes did not want to believe. Again, and there, it was our friends, indeed. Wicked. As, terrified, I contemplated them, a song arose. Then a woman appeared between two trunks. She approached the pigs and touched them, laughing. What are you doing? I fled like a wild boar. Enchanted, the walls opened before me, and I found myself on the path by which I had come. I beg you, stay and cease trembling. [Music] From the first words, I felt irresistibly drawn. The pull of the unknown was stronger than fear. The more the odds seemed against me, the more I was eager to engage in a trial. I knew now that perpetual challenge awaited me. [Music] The climate of the island was mild. The sun was easily borne. And the desire that this woman's song had awakened in me guided me, even though I no longer heard it. My heart and my senses burned with a curious impatience, but I forced myself to remain vigilant. [Music] Where are you going, alone on these paths that are foreign to you? You have no doubt learned that your companions, the travelers, have been changed by a woman into shameful animals, and you intend perhaps to free them. But are you sure that the same fate has not been reserved for you? Ulysses, I am alone. Who else? Unfortunately. What are you doing on my path? You pique my curiosity. You who know my name, do not pronounce it too much in this forest. This is Circe's domain. Her house is everywhere, in each one, in each leaf. She will seek to change you into an animal, like all those who have approached her. But she will not be able to. She will remember that I myself had warned her that a traveler named Ulysses would one day arrive on your shores, bringing with him what goddesses do not know, whatever their power: desires, pains, feelings, and the impulses of all human beings. Look behind you. Do you see that plant clinging to the rock? Pull it. You can't. It's easy, though. You must eat it, and Circe's potion will have no more effect on you. You will drink it without fear, as many others have done before you. Incredulous and stupid, you will draw your sword, and you will feel a violent desire to kill her. And she, in her fear, will offer you her bed to share. You will not refuse it, for you wish to free your companions. But be careful, Ulysses. Remember that she is a goddess, and that she alone can deliver them. The flower only protects you against her spells. Wait a moment, for he disappeared into the woods. The messenger with winged feet had taken the form of a young man. Had he told you his name? It is not necessary. I knew it was him, and my heart beat wildly. I thought of Circe, of the magic potion she would offer me, and I wondered what guise she would appear to me in to deceive my mind. [Music] [Music] [Applause] Stranger, what are you looking for here? A dwelling. And where is it? It is perhaps here, in the middle of the woods. Look around you. All those who have searched have ended up finding it. What are you doing in this wood? A man will come. Will he tell you? Tell me about him. I would like to lighten your wait, perhaps even a friend, for I come from afar. I have known your adventure. I have seen many faces. Confirm his name. I have sailed the seas. I may have met him. And you do not guess. Stoke the fire, I beg you. [Music] Cross it. It is this way that the path to the house you seek passes. The fairy, isn't that what you want? [Music] [Music] Penelope. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] You will know immense happiness after having... What are you thinking about? This flower with bitter seeds that was supposed to bring me salvation. It was Hermes who had not lied to me. [Music] You are transforming into an animal. You feel no pain. On the contrary. And this suffering, it became atrocious. An intense inner fire. If two opposing forces... I am waiting for you. Go into the door, darling, into the butcher's shop. [Music] Then, on Circe's face, her defeat. She went from astonishment to annoyance. All of Hermes' predictions were coming true. It was Circe who was now suffering. I was filled with it, and I was consumed by the ugliness of hatred. And as Hermes had told me, I felt a sudden desire to kill her. [Music] Then I saw her transform again and become a woman. I will save you. She knew that I had a superior power within me. So, Ulysses, the warrior from Troy, the only mortal who would not be tamed. Well, Ulysses, why do you hold back your hand? It is my friends that I want. You only want that. It is men that you will return to me. Why? Because they are men. Their fate is strange. I feel responsible for their lives. Not yet, Ulysses. I do not know the feelings that you humans know, but I see that you are determined. And I must henceforth obey you. [Music] Thus I entered Circe's magical world, although I was only aware of it later. When I left the ship to go to the aid of my companions, I was unaware that I was going to get lost in this unreal universe. [Music] [Music] They are... those who were companions of adventure. But rest assured, he is unaware, as they are unaware, of where they are. For pigs do not have the foolish seeds that men know. They do not need you. Open your eyes and judge. If you wish, you can restore them to their former form. This is a grave decision. You can make it. Think carefully. I want them as men. [Music] They seemed to have awakened from a long sleep. Their faces and their eyes opened. They were like newborns, ignorant, terrified. But did they have the same appearance as before? Yes, except for the strangely timid gaze, as if they had lived in another world in the meantime. Could they understand that Circe was spared before the supernatural and the human? But could you not appease their troubled spirits? I should perhaps have told them immediately. The reassuring words of the friend. I was astonished. No sound wanted to come out. My tongue was paralyzed. A sensation never felt before. A discomfort separated us. When I approached, they fled. Ulysses. [Music] [Music] She seemed very beautiful to me. [Music] And you abandon your companions and all idea of escape for this woman? [Music] No, it is not just to claim that I abandoned them. They left, panicked. I led them. Your ship, having caught them on the beach, I helped them swear to return. But you stood between my friends and me and prevented me from reasoning with them. Like a wild boar, you had been driven upon me. And you, you will lead us back to the pigsty. Would you already be in the palace of this horrible woman? Remember the Cyclops. Fatal madness has claimed more than one companion. Then I drew my sword. Although it was smoking, I threatened to cut his throat. I saw them then, disconcerted, fearing that I would create even greater disorder in their minds. I restrained my anger. A year passed, as long as I remained in Circe's house. Then, I remained with her for a whole year. No, it's not sure. Slowly, the hours passed in Circe's dwelling. They were not counted, but below, on the shore where my companions lived, the days, the months, the seasons returned for them. [Music] Your companions are tiring themselves out to obtain what I could easily give them. [Music] Look, look at this wild vine. Your companions are using their strength to cultivate it. The harvest will soon arrive, whereas with me, they would only have to drink, for the wine flows abundantly, without effort, without vines, without harvest, without rain, and without sun. How many things they have undertaken! This hut, for example. The gardens remain neglected. They are simple, honest men. Of your works, they are afraid of us. No, Ulysses, what frightens them and makes them flee from us are the dark thoughts that your mind hides. Dare to say that it is false. You do not know all the thoughts that inhabit me. Come. [Music] [Laughter] [Music] [Music] What is happening, and why all these cries? [Music] Will someone explain to me what this means? Ulysses, how many times have you promised our return? Your promise has gone with the wind. It is you who forget that I am the king. No, you are no longer the king of Ithaca. You are neither king nor even a citizen. [Music] Ulysses, Ulysses, Ulysses, where are you? You are but a bad dream that wounds my soul. These calls from my companions mean that the hour of return had sounded. The desire to find my homeland inhabited me. That was the deep meaning of their creation. But now I had to draw strength from myself to tear myself away from the truth. Capable of acting henceforth, it was the spells and enchantments, and even to abandon her, I needed her help. I am leaving you, Circe. I know that you do not love me, and that you could not, even if you wanted to. [Music] This is my destiny. I know that only the traveler lost on his way, he who renounces return, lands on my island. And I can expect love from no man. None will dare to ask me for it. What they want is oblivion, peace, which I cannot give them. They want to rest, all around Circe, crouching like pigs, awaiting a painless death. A merciful death, for they will not know it. Do you understand why I expect nothing from men? I have never forced you to stay with me. Go now, of your own free will. You will leave as you came. Remember when I told you to cross the fire? You did it immediately, and yet I had not forced you. Why do you come to ask my permission, since you know that I cannot prevent you? You seek to torture me. [Music] In good faith, Ulysses, you must remember that you yourself wanted me to restore human appearance to your companions. By doing so, you chose for them the risks of life. I know it. But we cannot refuse the destiny that awaits us, and the love of the land of our fathers comes to us from it. It is anchored in our hearts. [Music] I remind you that outside my island, I have no strength, no power, and that you yourself, Ulysses, will no longer have the power that allowed you to restore your companions to their human form. She learned from my mouth my desire to flee, and she showed no astonishment or regret. She seemed only to want to warn me of the words I would inflict on my friends. She sought to warn me against dangers, ignorant if I could overcome them, and of this I am aware. [Music] When you came to this island, did you know who you would find there? No. The day your steps turned towards me and you met me. Why do you want to cross the forest alone? Was it only for your companions? Did you want to save their lives, or did you want, alone among mortals, to cast your gaze upon the secrets of the sky? You have crossed an invisible border. You will never go back. All you need today is one effort, an effort to the very bottom of the abyss where you must dive. [Music] The path you have chosen to find your home passes through the misty ocean, from which lies the dwelling of the dead. There, perhaps, you will be told what you so anxiously wish to know. Now, evening in the kingdom... [Music] It is a great privilege for a living person to visit the kingdom of the dead. Ulysses, we must still speak of your marvelous adventure and share your beautiful journey, which will soon come to an end. You are no longer far from your dear homeland. In the depths of dreams, it seemed distant, for in the past, memory... Yes, and the kingdom of shadows. Shadows, Genevieve, with souls still wounded. Shadows of warriors killed by the lightning of lances. I watch here, at Circe's voice. [Music] [Music] Our barren cows, and to cover the front of the altar of sacrifice. And then, you will draw. I will sacrifice one of the sheep with the black fleece, the most beautiful, the strongest of our flock. [Music] [Music] [Music] Do not leave. [Music] [Music] What are you doing here? [Music] Son of Aeolus, descendant of the gods, Ulysses the cunning, why, unhappy one, have you left the sunlight to descend alive into this joyless dwelling? I come to question Tiresias, to know my destiny. She must... Your sword. Let me drink the blood of this lamb, and I will make you know the truth, Ulysses. [Music] I told you, you will learn the truth. Is it the day of return that matters most to you, Ulysses? And yet, this return will be steeped in bitterness, for Poseidon's vengeance will fall upon you. You have blinded his son, and you are guilty of these words. How many other misfortunes must you endure? Less than these things, Tiresias will see. Once again, Ithaca, sweet Ithaca. Will I see my island again? Yes, you will return there, but after having had to endure many trials in many places. You will arrive, and other dangers will threaten you. You will arrive on a ship that has been given to you. You will be shipwrecked, and you will lose your companions. In your own home, you will find men full of arrogance who, for years, have offended Penelope, and you will take revenge. Will I be alone upon my return? Alone to see my island again? But this time again, you will have to leave. Peace for you is not yet here. You will take the road again. You will be forced to leave Ithaca. You will travel to the land of men who do not know the sea, who eat food not seasoned with it, and who will look at you with great astonishment. You will then have to plant with force a straight oar in the earth, turn towards the sky, and make great sacrifices to Poseidon. Only on this condition will you be able to stop always navigating. You will know a death that often accompanies it, but you and all will be happy. What is your destiny? I have told you, Ulysses, the truth that you wanted. This sinister, lightless dwelling, where you should not have entered, since you are alive, and the dead must be left among themselves. My mother was here. I saw her just now. As a child, I would have liked to speak to her and see her one more time. I can neither deny nor refuse. [Music] Ulysses, return to the light. But before you leave, look carefully at these places that you will have to describe to Penelope. [Music] I feel that you are here after our victory. [Music] And you are biting your lip. Has he struck down an enemy? Smile of his brother Jacques, who led me here. It is she who has the arm of Ulysses, and it is like a bull. Like a bull, I will butcher him. As I killed him, by the sword of his lover. [Music] That a woman should accomplish such a deed! Shame on her who drives her legitimate husband to death, and for the family of this perfidious monster, it will fall upon all women, even the most honest. Bury it in secret when you find your homeland again. Do not confide in anyone, not even your dearest friends, nor even your own wife. She said my words, that the example of Agamemnon prevents husbands from trusting women. We must remind them of their betrayals if we do not want to die. [Music] But Penelope, when I left for the war, Penelope was but a young girl. You will find ambitious and arrogant men who threaten your wife, Penelope. Achilles is no more. He died with arms in hand on the plain of Troy. As long as God was alive, he was honored like a god, and his renown was so glorious that even in these places that dominate the deceased. Thus, you should not be saddened by being dead, Achilles. No, do not seek it. It would be more satisfying for me to be the last servant of a poor farmer, but to be still alive on earth, than to be the first of all these beings. You must love life, Ulysses. Life is an invaluable good. Do not let it go. There is no treasure that I would not give in exchange. Seek the path of light, but look at all that surrounds you, and that you will have to describe to Penelope. [Music] Finally, I see you again, my mother. I, who was rather... I could not keep you. I implore your forgiveness, you who are my blood. What are you doing in the underworld? You see forbidden things. And when you left to close your eyes, was someone there? Did you have the honors that were due? I am dead. Reality is unimportant. Death is nothing more than the fulfillment of destiny. But if you want to know the reason for my death, it is grief for my cousin's absence, and my father, your father. He has become old and sad from hoping in the city. Today, he no longer wants to stay in the fields with the servant. He lives so often next to each other, and we were on the olive leaves, worsening. After the death of Ulysses, he became senile, and at night, he surprises himself like this. [Music] Upon my heart, let me hold you. You no longer want me, my son. Go. The law. For at this moment, the nerves are dying, they no longer hold him, nor the muscles, the ankle, the bones. At death, the body burns before the flame that whitens its bones, and the soul flees, flies away like a fragile veil. You must leave. Your absence has been long. Return to the sun. Let me kiss you. [Music] Three times you will try. Your heart will push you to want to kiss her. Three times, she will escape from your arms like an elusive shadow. And in your heart, deeply, a heartbreaking pain you will feel. [Music] Yes, it is me you see. A terrible destiny has still given me a decent burial. Do not abandon me without funeral rites. With my weapons, you must bury my body before leaving the kingdom of Circe forever. Raise my tomb on the shore. Plant on my grave one of my oars, the oar that I held on your ship. Do not forget me, Ulysses. Your faithful companion. [Music] [Laughter] What happened to Elpenor? He fell. He was up there, he was singing, and suddenly he slipped. He was drunk. We found him moaning. A plan, Ulysses, but you were not there. He died. Where were you, Ulysses, for so long? [Music] One sees that they tried to tempt me. An shadow. The day you await has come. The day of your departure. Ah yes, but I will not leave without my companions. I want to give my life with theirs, to save them. Ulysses, remember why you succeeded. This prediction that only I would return, alone, without my companions. You are already alone, Ulysses. You, who alive, have entered the underworld. You, the man who will see death twice. This is the meaning of the words of Tiresias. Hope no more for your companions' former obedience. Do not hope that they will believe your words, even when you want to save them. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Prepare your departure, Ulysses. I will show you the way, even if it is up to the hut. An oracle spoke through his mouth. I will tell you about your next journey, its adventures, and also its dangers, so that you may, knowing the perils, avoid them, you and your companions, and thus know how to keep your lives safe. You will first pass very close to the Sirens. They are a mortal danger to men. You will only see a rock. You will no longer see the sea. Then you will know that your ship is close to this place. Finesse, approach, pass without stopping, because the shore is strewn with the bones of those who have listened to the song of the Sirens. Will you be able to resist the temptation? Will you steer the hull of your ship? Then avoid the wandering rocks that guard the route to the north. Only one man, Jason, among these stones, passed without fear because he was the son of a goddess. You, we will see. This will be your second trial. The third, you will undergo it on the island of the Trident. There, you may see black cows. Do not touch them. They are the cows of the sun. And your hearts will be empty of hope. It is then that you might fail this last trial. I have nothing more to add, Ulysses. The hour of departure has arrived. [Music] Lend me an attentive ear. In a short time, we will take to the sea again. Very hard trials await us. These are my orders. If you do not obey, you will die. None will escape. Why do you come to threaten us? It is not from me that the threats come. It is the prophecy of Tiresias. It is not enough to wander the seas. You must also descend to the kingdom of the dead. Why are we here, then, when we are here weeping for a friend who has truly gone to the gods? No mortal ever returns from the gods. Would you learn from a god, Ulysses? Believe me, companions. So, if you no longer believe Ulysses' words, listen to Circe's. Have you lost your memory? What should I remember? Have you forgotten that on certain occasions, we are sad here? We have listened to you enough. Of this endless journey. You are alone. You see that their memory is empty. Of the spirit of your companions, I have erased my memory and that of this island, so that between me and them, nothing more divides us. But what you know, and what they ignore, I cannot erase. The sea was calm. A god held a prisoner. The storms. My companions rowed with ardor, and their necks were white with foam. [Music] [Music] Then I cut wax into small pieces, which I brought into the palm of my hands. [Music] I plugged, one by one, the ears of my companions. I knew that the island of the Sirens was near. [Music] Who plugs their ears now? What do you think? We are following his orders. I do not know if these sirens exist, but if it is true, I hope you will listen to their song and throw yourself into the sea to follow them. The companions no longer want to listen to you, because they declare that your reason has capsized, that you have lost your head. My solid mind, you will see it later. But I, I must listen to certain songs, because I will do it alone, without risk. Here is the place. Come with me. We have little time. [Applause] [Music] Listen to Circe's words, and may one day some god make you remember them. But do not expect me to dictate your conduct in the smallest details. Two paths will be offered to you. It is up to you to make the choice. Your enlightened mind must alone decide. [Applause] And stay by my side. [Applause] And remember that if I were to weep, if my eyes were to command you to loosen the knots, in no case, on the contrary, give an extra turn to my restraints. Move. You too must hear nothing. [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] We send travelers back, richer, happier, bringing the dangers of the sea, the rot of the body. Free yourself, Ulysses. Come with us, into the past, and we will reveal the future to you. With us, you will know the glory of men and cities that were on your path. That you abandoned your companions on this journey without hope. Then the dark years of old age that... [Music] Come with us. Come with us. Stop finding this. Come. Show us courage. As often as you have proven yourself. Do not be there. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Like a breath, it tore my soul. I return to myself, broken limbs, as after a nightmare. There, on the rocks, I saw the bleached bones of those who before me had heard the song of the sirens. My companions also saw these terrifying remains and pushed around to flee this fatal vision. [Applause] [Applause] The sky was again pure, and the songs I heard were those of the birds and that of the sea beating against the hull of the ship. Now we should be far enough. Do you hear anything? No, I hear nothing more. [Music] Circe was right, but you see, I did not die from the song of the sirens. It is possible for man to master divine powers. We must at all costs avoid the rocks. Take the longest path with patience, without ever stopping, without stopping. Henceforth, we follow our route. Yes, we must not dock again before Ithaca, at any cost. Success is certain if we avoid the island of the sun. This is to inform all companions. [Music] He refused to bless me, alas, and no one wanted to speak to me anymore, not even the faithful Elpenor. He took me for a madman. We arrived near an island that he wanted to know, despite my prohibition. There is nothing left but hope that it was not the island of the sun. It was the last obstacle. If we had killed it, you would have arrived at the island of the Trident. Weigh the cows with half-moon bodies that the sun has entrusted to Denain, the long-haired. These are his daughters. Their divine mother, Neret, sent them to the island of the Trident to guard their father's herds, without ever seeing them. Be careful not to touch the two dwarfs. Look, with respect. This black one is too beautiful. And if you firmly think of your return, you will go home. But you and your companions will be tormented by hunger, and you will be tempted to disobey. This is the last trial. Ulysses, go out. [Music] [Music] Listen, we must leave. Fleeing, waiting for a little wind. We have had enough. Always a little too much of Ulysses' advice. You will listen to me once more. There is drink and food on board the ship. I have decided to reveal a secret that weighs on me. Look at these cows. They are divine animals. The cows of the sun. Never touch them. Misfortune would be great, I tell you, companions. This is the last trial we have to overcome. If you touch them, the prophecy that was made to me in the kingdom of the dead will come true. No one will ever see his home again. [Music] You will believe it or not, companions, it matters little. But you must take an oath. Kneel down, all of you. War, struggle, are always present in spirit. All mine. The north wind blew, preventing us from mixing. As long as there was food on the ship, my companions remained faithful to their oath. They abstained from touching the cows of the sun. [Music] But one day, hunger began to torment them. In vain, they tried to find food among the rocks licked by the waves. The cows of the sun were still there, motionless as before. You will be tormented by hunger, and you will lose all hope. You will be tempted to disobey, and you will miss the last trial. And you will miss the last trial. And the last trial. [Music] Then I moved away. I wanted to pray. Oh, God of men, and you, blessed God, eternally living, make him listen to me, and make him regain confidence in his king, so that he may see his homeland again. Otherwise, after so much suffering, I risk losing my reason, and with it, many other things that are dear to me. Or, powerful God, witness, rather life, and we should die of hunger to remain faithful. Completely carried away by Ulysses. He sees protection everywhere, since he believes he has descended into the underworld. But look at the cows. Do they seem to have anything divine? It is Ulysses who claims it. But is he lying? Yes, all the pieces. But the most horrible is to die of hunger. And if Ulysses was right, if the black cows were divine, if they truly belonged to the sun, what would happen to us? I don't care. I prefer to lose my life forever, swallowed by the boiling sea, rather than languish here day after day on this desolate island, consumed by hunger. The rhinoceros is right. Let's go, let's satisfy ourselves once and for all. Your conduct in the smallest details, it is up to you and you alone. Run towards my companions. But I dreamed too late. It was useless to look for them. The cows had been killed. The banquet lasted all night. To our horror, our ship finally moved away. It is with compassion that I looked at those who had condemned themselves. Words of all that... and the sun said, I will descend into the depths of the earth, carrying my light among the dead. Behold, the sun disappears from our eyes. Either by the day's darkness, or by the sun. Eloc was right. Darkness fell upon men. The zones were bluer. They had taken on the color of the night. [Music] [Applause] Do not stop. [Music] It attacked our poor boat, which was engulfed, and all my companions were thrown into the waves and drowned. A powerful one, I saw them carried away by the furious sea. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Then one day, she gave me the means to build a raft. If this man was saved, it is not by his perseverance, nor by his ingenuity, nor even by his own desire to return to his native island. It is therefore a superior power that led him here. He has nothing to do with it. No one knows what fate led him, but it is certain that despite the perils that marked his route, he came alone. Thus, noble ancient deed, my decision is made. We must give Ulysses the ship he demands, and if we run a risk towards the gods, we must take it. At dawn, one of my ships will be at your disposal, Ulysses. Do not forget that I too saved your life. I saw one day at Delos, near Apollo's altar, a young palm tree. At its sight, I remained fascinated. Its beauty, like yours, dazzled my eyes. Although your wife still awaits you, has she had patience for so long? Has she not had other kings? Has he not been able to take your place in your absence? [Music] [Music] Return to your beloved island, and do not forget our encounters. [Applause] [Music] The ship finally touches the coast, at the point where steep cliffs overlook the sea, sheltering the island of the waves. Ulysses finally finds the land of his ancestors. [Music] He can already see his house on the hill, but everything seems different to him, so long has been his absence. [Music] A feeling of fear invades him, and renouncing to reach the city, he goes towards the fields. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] Shepherd, you are the first I meet in this country. The shore where I disembarked. Answer me, I beg you. I need to know if the land I tread is an island or a continent. [Music] Both. It is a rocky, unknown country. Its name has nevertheless reached Troy. It is Ithaca, stranger. [Music] I have already heard...
I pronounced this name in Egypt because I was for a long time in Egypt, where the Pharaohs reign, chief of a great satrapy. I had under my command a beautiful ship, but then I was captured and kept prisoner after killing all my companions. 20 ships lost, so many friends disappeared, and even the gods must be wary of you. For this, I know you, poster, you are Ulysses, the greatest of men. In the street, he did not recognize me. [Music] I am Athena, and I will help you as I always have. How to recognize you, and who then could recognize you, O gods, if each time you appear to us in a different form? Yes, I grant you that. Three times, while I was fighting, I implored your protection, but then from that same protection, I hardly felt the benefits. And you would reproach me after so many years of trials and dangers for defending myself with lies? You have not changed. That is why I have friendship for you. Another would have immediately wanted to see his wife and child again, but you are suspicious. You want to know without being known and drink without being seen. I can come to your aid from this instant. Old beggar, you have the appearance. No one will recognize you if such is your desire. Immediately, Athena gives Ulysses the appearance of an old man with a stooped posture, and she throws on his shoulders some rags blackened with smoke. First of all, go to the guardian of your ports. He remained faithful. He is fond of your son and your wife, Penelope. [Music] Ulysses advances on the path, trying to remember where the hut of Eumaeus, to whom he had once entrusted the care of his flocks, is located. [Music] You were lucky, old man, you could have been bitten. So come in, enter my dwelling. Ulysses is surprised to find a beautiful and vast enclosure made of solid stone and surrounded by thorny bushes. It did not exist when he left Ithaca. It is the work of Eumaeus, who built it with his hands during his master's absence to better protect the flocks entrusted to him. He remained a faithful servant, and Ulysses is comforted by this. Come, share my bread and my wine. Afterwards, you will tell me who you are, what you want. I protect you, you who welcome the passerby. May it also protect you, he who sends the passerby. Sit down. Ulysses again felt his heart joyful, despite his miserable appearance. He loved the welcome with respect and kindness. Tonight, we will eat better. Forgive this frugal meal, I have only this. Cheese. In the time of my good Master, it was quite different. I could have treated you with more than a relative. Today, I weep for the one I served, who left for Troy and will never return. Here, he was a very great king. Telemachus leaves Sparta. He finds his ship on the beach of Pylos. His journey was in vain. No one could give him news of his father. He was only advised to return home as quickly as possible. Friend, listen to me, in the name of the gods, I implore you, I beg you, for your life, even for that of your companions, accept me on your ship. In the name of Zeus, do not abandon me. I killed a man. I killed him to defend myself, but now I can no longer remain in my town. The parents and friends of this dead man are looking for me, and if they ever find me... Who are you? You are Eumaeus, and my name is... I am Ulysses. I was... Hands that I know. I also know that you have enemies in your homeland. You perhaps intend to pass on your return to Crete, and your mother. But on a fast ship, your adversaries await you. They will send you to the bottom if you do not make a wide detour. You will land in Ithaca by the opposite coast, and you will return home through the countryside. Come, let me take you. Thank you. May the gods protect you. These animals, I fatten them to preserve with my means the goods of my revered master. Almost everyone says he is dead, but if he reappeared, I would tell him: I have always believed that you would return, and here is the proof. I have kept your beasts, those that your enemies did not manage to devour. Enemies? What enemies? But where do you come from? You don't know how we live here? Or are you part of that arrogant band? It's impossible. No, you are a poor man like me, and among the poor, we do not betray each other. If you know nothing, I will tell you what is happening in Ithaca. Thus, you will learn many things, and I will let my pain... It is that you are going... I who never speak to anyone. [Music] The night fell slowly on Ithaca. After eating the pork roasted in honor of his guest, they will lie down and seek sleep. [Music] And if your master returned, do you think you could recognize him? Yes, it is bad luck that brings him back. Bad luck. A people who finds its king again should have many reasons for rejoicing and contentment. The people, yes, would probably rejoice, but I have told you everything that is happening in the palace. If Ulysses returned to Ithaca, he would have no other recourse than to hide among the beggars. Yes, I think so. Ulysses remains, and the queen and her son. No, Telemachus, her son is absent from the palace. The boy has left, no one knows where. As for the queen, I never see her sad. She no longer appears much. [Music] From now on, I live alone and I think of Ulysses, the master who was dear to me. Returning here, I know that in reward for the devotion I showed him, he would have given me a wife in marriage. Before dawn, he has already lit the fire and prepared the food. [Music] Do you want olives? No, thank you. Today, you will lead the flocks to the pastures. I will stay here. I want to speak with my master. We are leaving. Good day. Thank you. Good day. Thank you. To prune a tree, but your hand is not that of a woodcutter. You are right. I was not a peasant. I had ships in great number under my command, a whole fleet and many soldiers. It was at the time when I was leaving for Troy, leaving my homeland. It resembled this country 20 years ago. What are you trying to make me understand? That it is from this country that you left? No, this vine, it seems to me, only the master of the place could have planted it here, because he alone knew that the sea winds did not reach here. Friend, it is the truth. Yes, it is Ulysses. Speak to me again, I beg you, because you cannot know what joy your words give me. Have you already finished pruning? How? No, I have not finished. Yes, you are right. It is hardly the time to talk when the work is not finished. Do you know that I know another way to ask? Look, this same day, Telemachus returns to Ithaca. He asks Eumaeus to go to the city and to wait at the palace. You others, go to the port. I will go to Eumaeus. But until tomorrow, Eumaeus. Until tomorrow. [Music] Waking up in the middle of the night, Ulysses realizes that Eumaeus is no longer beside him. He hears footsteps outside, then the dogs barking joyfully, as if to celebrate the arrival of someone they know well. [Music] Finally, you have returned. Let me look at you, dear child. Your departure had caused us much torment. And has your mother seen you yet? I came here first, even before going to her. What happened at the palace during my absence? Has my mother already chosen a husband? No, nothing has happened at the palace. Between... Please, who is he? I don't know. He says he is a sailor. I entrust him to your hospitality. You want to entrust him to me? Even if he is insulted, Eumaeus, who can no longer help anyone today, will defend him. Do you know that I am recognized in the flowers? A young man would tremble more to return home. Yes, I am afraid to return. That is why I am here. That my mother should resign herself to choosing a husband. Then Athena appears in the middle of the room. She is visible only to Ulysses, to whom she addresses herself. [Music] Oh, offspring of the gods, show yourself to your son. The time has come to stop hiding. [Music] Young prince, let me advise you. I am your mother. I will not allow what is happening in your home. I know it, but tell me, why do you tolerate it? Do they have the favor of your people, or do your brothers refuse the help you ask of them? If I were like you, young, strong, and the son of Ulysses, I would live in hope of his return. Or do you lose all hope? However, in your father, stranger, the truth is that the people are not against me. On the contrary, I am loved and esteemed in Ithaca, and I have no sisters or brothers. Ulysses had no other... Finally, I am an only son, as he himself was. If our enemies succeed in their undertaking, I will be the last of the... Who is this stranger who allows himself to speak to me in a way that only my father could? It is better to die independently in one's house than to be weak and endure the hatred and arrogance of usurpers. In the name of the gods, who are you? Yes, it is your father. Forgive me, forgive me for not having recognized you sooner and honored you. You have recognized me, my son. What is happening in your heart at this moment, I understand. I am different from the image you had of me, but do not believe, however, that it is no longer easier to hold you in my arms, unknown son. I have often tried to evoke your face without succeeding. Let me look at you. [Music] No, don't go away, stay with us. [Music] Telemachus understands that he is finally in the arms of his father, this father he has waited for, searched for, and whom he sees for the first time. They weep together, and their groans are more piercing than the cry of the sea eagle when peasants come to steal its young from its nest. [Music]