Aeolus

=Aeolus=

The Unfortunate Guest
Of all the horrors I have witnessed in my life, Odysseus trumps them all. One day as I was feasting with my sons and daughters in my kingdom of Aeolia with not a care in the world, rambunctious Odysseus barged in with his fleet of rude and dirty crewmen and demanded hospitality.

Odysseus pleaded, “Aeolus, you have much room to spare in this grand palace of yours. Do you not have the heart to give us beds and food for only a few short days?”

Because I could not deny a guest even if this bloody pirate was the one I would be sheltering, I reluctantly agreed. That was where my real troubles began.

On the first few nights of his stay, Odysseus and his crew seemed intent on draining all the wine in my palace. His crew ate through my flocks like a swarm of locusts destroys fields. They drunkenly roamed through my halls, leaving a wake of destruction. Their grimy paws marred all of my priceless art.

After his promise of a speedy departure turned into long weeks of wanton disregard for my authority, I finally sent him off with good wishes. I even gave him a bag of my best winds to ensure he never bothered my palace again. I thought I was rid of Odysseus forever. I was wrong. After Odysseus’ departure, my kingdom responded and we slowly began to recover from the damage he had caused. We worked our hardest to restore our vineyards and herds. Even though it was hard work, everyone was eager to work and rebuild our kingdom. We slaved nonstop for ten days until suddenly I heard shouts coming from my main halls. That belligerent pest had returned unannounced and unwelcome. We were shocked by his return because we had already generously given him a proper and respectful send-off. We had barely started to recoup our losses when Odysseus barged in demanding hospitality once again.

I could not believe my eyes. Standing before me was a selfish, ungrateful lout returning once again to destroy my palace. I would not let it happen again. I cast that poor beggar away from my palace without hospitality knowing the gods must hate him and would forgive my betrayal.

Odysseus demanded, “Aeolus, my crew has betrayed me and let loose your winds. Kindly give me more.” I realized then just how bad Odysseus was. Any man whose crew was allowed to squander such a precious gift should not be granted hospitality again.

A sense of pride surged through me when I stood up to such an arrogant wretch and showing the rest of the world that bad guests do not have to be tolerated. I have never had any qualms about my decision to protect my kingdom from further destruction.