Odysseus must journey to the Land of the Dead, also known as the Underworld, to find Tiresias, the blind prophet. He is instructed to perform specific rituals to summon the spirits of the dead, where Tiresias will provide him with guidance for his journey home to Ithaca. This encounter occurs in Book 11 of Homer's "Odyssey."
Tiresias
Odysseus had to journey to the underworld and offer sacrifices at Tiresias' tomb in order to speak to him. Tiresias was a blind prophet in Greek mythology who could communicate with the living from the realm of the dead.
That first he must journey to the land of the dead, Hanes,and consult the prophet Tiresias.
Odysseus must travel to the underworld to seek guidance from the prophet Tiresias, who can provide crucial information about how to return home to Ithaca. Tiresias offers insights into the challenges Odysseus will face, including the need to appease Poseidon and the dangers posed by the suitors vying for his wife, Penelope. This journey is essential for Odysseus to gain wisdom and foresight, ensuring his safe return and the restoration of order in his household.
Before Odysseus could leave Circe's island, she instructed him to journey to the Underworld to consult the prophet Tiresias. There, Tiresias would provide him with crucial guidance on how to safely return home to Ithaca. Circe emphasized the importance of this visit to ensure that he would avoid dangers and obstacles on his voyage.
Odysseus learns from Tiresias that he will face many challenges on his journey home, including encounters with monsters and temptations. Tiresias also warns Odysseus to be wary of the sun god Helios and his cattle, as harming them will bring destruction to his crew and delay his return even further. Lastly, Tiresias tells Odysseus that he must make amends with Poseidon in order to find eventual peace and fulfillment.
In Homer's "The Odyssey", Odysseus receives directions on how to get to Hades from the goddess, Circe. In order to get Tiresias to answer his questions about what fate awaited him in the future, he had to take an offering of a ram.
Maron, from Ismarus, was spared by Odysseus. So in return, Maron gave Odysseus the wine. Hope this helped :)
To stay away from Helio's cattle He needs to do some things in order to speak to his mother.
In the land of the dead, Odysseus encounters, in order, one of his lost crew members, the blind prophet Teiresias and his mother. They all give him various warnings and council. Teiresias tells him that the challenges he has faced are a punishment from Poseidon's for having blinded his son Polyphemus, and his mother informs him of the goings-on in his home of Ithaca.
To stay away from Helio's cattle He needs to do some things in order to speak to his mother.
Teiresias, the blind prophet in Homer's "Odyssey," predicts that Odysseus will face numerous challenges on his journey home to Ithaca. He warns him of the dangers posed by the suitors who have overrun his home and advises him to make a sacrifice to Poseidon to appease the god. Teiresias also foretells that Odysseus will eventually reach home, but he must confront the suitors and restore order before he can find peace. Ultimately, he hints at a long and arduous journey, emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance.