Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How does Odysseus survive the Sirens’ song?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Odyssey: A Reader’s Guide to Homer’s Epic
Engraving of Homer by Hieronymus Wierix, 16th century; in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus survives the Sirens by following the advice of the sorceress Circe. To protect his crew from the creatures' enchanting and deadly song, he stops their ears with beeswax so they remain deaf to the music.123
Because Odysseus is curious and wishes to hear the song himself, he has his men tie him securely to the ship's mast. This precaution ensures that even if he is overcome by the desire to steer the ship toward the Sirens or fling himself into the water, he is physically restrained and unable to deviate from the ship's course, allowing the crew to sail past the danger unharmed.243