The Laestrygonians
Odysseus reaches the land of the Laestrygonians, where a hostile race of giants destroys almost his entire fleet.
The Story
After leaving Aeolus, Odysseus and his companions eventually reached the land of the Laestrygonians.
The people appeared dangerous and hostile.
A messenger sent by Odysseus encountered a giant woman and her enormous father.
The situation quickly became violent.
The Laestrygonians attacked the Greek ships with huge rocks and spears.
The harbour became a trap.
Most of Odysseus' ships had entered it and could not escape.
The Laestrygonians destroyed the vessels and killed their crews.
Only Odysseus' own ship survived because he had kept it outside the harbour.
The disaster reduced Odysseus' fleet from many ships to a single vessel.
The survivors therefore continued the journey with Odysseus alone at the head of the remaining crew.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
The attack marks one of the greatest losses of Odysseus' voyage and leaves him with only one ship.