Bag of the Winds

In Book 10 Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag of ox-hide in which the unfavorable winds are bound with a silver cord. For nine days the ship runs fair and Ithaca is already in sight when the crew, believing the bag holds gold and silver, open it. The winds rush out and drive them back. The object is a carefully sealed gift that becomes a curse through the crew’s failure. — Material culture — Ox-hide (or heavy leather) bag. Aeolus ties the mouth with a silver cord so unfavorable winds cannot escape. Large enough that, when opened, it can drive a ship off course. The crew mistakes it for treasure. When closed: a heavy sealed package of power; when opened: the language of released storm. Books (Butler): 10 Epithet: The sealed gift of Aeolus