For 20 years, Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, had been gone. He spent 10 years fighting the Trojan War, and 10 more lost at sea. Back home, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus struggled to defend his palace from over 100 suitors who, believing Odysseus dead, sought to marry Penelope and claim his throne. The story of the Odyssey, an epic poem from the 8th century BCE, begins here, in the final year of his wandering. The gods on Mount Olympus finally decide the hero has suffered enough and should be allowed to return home. But his home was now a hostile territory, filled with rivals eating through his wealth. Odysseus would need more than divine permission to reclaim his kingdom and his family.
The Odyssey
Homer's epic of Odysseus's 10-year struggle to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, a journey cursed by the god Poseidon.
Chapter 1
The Hero's Return
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Frequently Asked Questions
Was Odysseus a real person?
There is no historical evidence that Odysseus was a real person. He is the legendary hero of an epic poem composed in the 8th century BCE. The story reflects the values and worldview of ancient Greek society, rather than documenting a specific historical voyage.
Why did it take Odysseus so long to get home?
Odysseus's 10-year journey was prolonged by a curse from the sea god Poseidon. Odysseus angered the god by blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. Poseidon ensured the sea became his primary antagonist, creating the hardships and storms that eventually cost Odysseus his ships and his entire crew.
How was the Odyssey composed?
Scholars believe the Odyssey was originally an oral poem, performed by bards from memory. The poem's repetitive phrases and rigid rhythm were tools for improvisation. It was likely written down and standardized in the 6th century BCE.
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