ILL SEND YOU CHRISTMAS CARDS ILL TELL YOU

I’LL SEND YOU CHRISTMAS CARDS , I’LL TELL YOU OUR EUROPERAN FAIRYTALE OUR FAIRYTALE Protypo Gymnasium of Ioannina Protypo Ginnasio di Ioannina

Our European Fairytale Once upon a time, a man who was called Odysseus, lived in a pour hut near Piazza del Popolo. Odysseus came from the little island in the lake of Ioannina. There, lots of years ago, he lived happily with his wife and their three children. He was a very rich officer who served the famous king Pyrros. But, a disagreement with the king resulted in his exile to Italy. So, he ended in Piazza del Popolo, where a relative of his (an uncle) gave him his hut to live in. In order to earn his living, he played the bagpipes which his uncle had taught him. He never forgot his family, though, keeping their picture deep inside his heart as precious as a talisman and every time he wrote letters to them he always put some Italian sweets in the parcel. Suddenly after some long years of loneliness and poverty, he received a letter from the king of Epirus. Odysseus, anxious to read it, opened the envelop. Several questions crossed his mind. Had the king forgiven him? Could he ever see his wife and three children again? The awnser was right in front of his eyes! He had guessed right! King Pyrros was asking him to return to his country! At once he began preparing for the big return. He went to the market and sold his few existing except from his bagpipes that he couldn’t separe it. With the money that he made he bought an oplatek to offer to the King. When he finally finished with all his preparations of the journey, went with his donkey to the nearest port. In the harbor exchanged his donkey with a boat so that he can cross the Tyrrhenian Sea. The sun was shining and a quite good wind was blowing, which helped him to lift the sails of his ship and begin his long journey to return home. Unfortunately, the nice weather didn’t keep for long! The Gods were angry with King Pyrros’ decision and when the boat went in the middle of the sea, the sky turned dark and lightnings with thunderbolts started falling. God Poseidon brought wild, dangerous waves that were trying to turn over Odysseus boat. He was fighting with all his powers to defend and keep himself alive and his boat in good condition.

After long hours of fighting with the waves and Posidon's vage, the sea calmed down. Odysseus was exhausted and he decided to rest for a while. He started playing his bagpipes. While the boat was sailing on the calm sea he reached on a little narrow pass, the strait of Messini between Sicily and Kalabria. Suddenly Odysseus heard a song. . . voices were calling him to leave his boat and settle on their island (Anthemoessa) forever. It was the sirens' song. (Sirens were goddesses who were related to water, love and death. ) Enchanted began to follow his voice when his gaze fell on the valuable picture of his family, who had touched next to the bagpipes. With one move, grabs the bagpipes and starts playing his own musical purpose to be able to be saved by the magic of the song. So it happened, Odysseus thanks to the picture of his family and the power of music of bagpipes escaped and after a days travel and hassle, arrives in Ithaka Island where he stopped to rest and see his friend Telemachus was excited, because he had time to see his childhood friend welcomed and hosted him in his house. He was one of the most famous carpenters in the world. Odysseus told him all his adventures from the time of exile up to the moment found in Ithaca. Telemachus: My old friend I am so happy to see you again under the circumstances. Odysseus: Me too, my good friend. Telemachus: You can relax today and tomorrow morning I ‘ll have a surprise for you. A gift for me to you to give it to the king Pyrro! The next morning Telemachus leads Odysseus to a store and there he shows him a huge wooden composition (crib). This composition illustrates an entire city with its people in their daily routine. Odysseus: What a nice crib! Is it yours? Telemachus: Yes, it is mine. I am very proud for my structure which is an inspiration from my travels in Italy and it is a gift for you. Odysseus: Oh, my lovely friend, I don`t know how I can thank you! I am sure that the king will impress.

So, Odysseus having enjoyed Telemachus` hospitality, he took the way back to his country, Ioannina. When he arrived in Ionnina went to king Pyrros` palace, which was stoned by salt and it was so shining! King Pyrros waited for Odysseus. When Odysseus faced the king, he greeted him with respect and deep emotion. Then, he offered to King the oplatec. Two men ate it. Thus, they forgave each other and after that Odysseus gave him the wooden crib. The king impressed and ordered the slaves to exposed it in the central square of Ioannina in order to earn the admiration from town`s people. Leaving the castle, Odysseus headed to his house. After 7 years absence he finally met his family again. His wife Penelope welcomed him with tears on her eyes. Penelope : Odysseus , I can’t believe it! I see you again! Odysseus: And me too Penelope. But we’ ‘ll talk later, now tell me where are the kids! Penelope : The kids are ok! In some minutes they will be back home! Achilles and Hector are form now in Pyrrοs army. They are his leaders and our little Helen is staying at home and is helping me. In a bit she will come back home she is in shops for shopping! Odysseus: I can’t wait to huge them again! Not much time passes and the three kids got into the house, who had met outside the house. With voices and tears of happiness they hugged their father! Finally the family met again after 7 years and they lived happily best.