Part I: Lines 1-300
Summary:
The story begins with Odysseus' fleet having just landed at the small island of Lemnos. He is telling young Neoptolemus, son of Achilles, a story about a man named Philoctetes who had an unfortunate infection in his foot caused by a snake bite that left him in constant pain. Philoctetes' frequent screams of agony disrupted the crew's ability to pray in peace, so under orders from two commanders, Odysseus left Philoctetes stranded on the very same island ten years earlier. Odysseus informs Neoptolemus that the reason they have returned is to carry out a scheme that involves the marooned Philoctetes.
As Odysseus and Neoptolemus begin to explore the island, they come upon a cave where they find some smelly, pus-filled rags, which indicate that the injured Philoctetes has been dwelling there. While they inspect their surroundings, Odysseus tells Neoptolemus the plan; he is to trick Philoctetes into thinking that he has abandoned the Greeks and is sailing for home after learning that his father's arms were given to Odysseus. After gaining Philoctetes' trust, Neoptolemus is supposed to steal the bow of Hercules from him because Odysseus believes the bow to be the key to defeating the Trojans and ending the war. Neoptolemus, not keen on trickery or deceit, offers to take Philoctetes by force but Odysseus says it is impossible. He eventually convinces Neoptolemus to agree by promising him certain honor and glory for helping the Greeks win the war.
The story begins with Odysseus' fleet having just landed at the small island of Lemnos. He is telling young Neoptolemus, son of Achilles, a story about a man named Philoctetes who had an unfortunate infection in his foot caused by a snake bite that left him in constant pain. Philoctetes' frequent screams of agony disrupted the crew's ability to pray in peace, so under orders from two commanders, Odysseus left Philoctetes stranded on the very same island ten years earlier. Odysseus informs Neoptolemus that the reason they have returned is to carry out a scheme that involves the marooned Philoctetes.
As Odysseus and Neoptolemus begin to explore the island, they come upon a cave where they find some smelly, pus-filled rags, which indicate that the injured Philoctetes has been dwelling there. While they inspect their surroundings, Odysseus tells Neoptolemus the plan; he is to trick Philoctetes into thinking that he has abandoned the Greeks and is sailing for home after learning that his father's arms were given to Odysseus. After gaining Philoctetes' trust, Neoptolemus is supposed to steal the bow of Hercules from him because Odysseus believes the bow to be the key to defeating the Trojans and ending the war. Neoptolemus, not keen on trickery or deceit, offers to take Philoctetes by force but Odysseus says it is impossible. He eventually convinces Neoptolemus to agree by promising him certain honor and glory for helping the Greeks win the war.