Odysseus
Odysseus, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, is known as the clever and resourceful king of Ithaca. He plays a crucial role in Homer’s epic poems, particularly the "Iliad," which recounts the Trojan War, and the "Odyssey," which details his ten-year journey home after the war's conclusion. Celebrated for his leadership qualities, intelligence, and eloquence, Odysseus is favored by the goddess Athena but faces the wrath of Poseidon, the sea god, who complicates his return journey. The story of Odysseus includes notable events such as his clever strategy involving the Trojan Horse, which ultimately leads to the fall of Troy, and his numerous adventures at sea, including encounters with mythical creatures like the Cyclopes and nymphs.
Throughout his odyssey, he overcomes various challenges, including temptations and battles, while also being away from his devoted wife, Penelope, who remains loyal in his absence. His eventual return to Ithaca culminates in a confrontation with suitors vying for Penelope’s hand, which he resolves through cunning and strength. The narrative of Odysseus extends beyond mere adventure; it explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the human spirit's resilience against adversity. His character has inspired countless interpretations in literature and art, affirming his lasting legacy in both ancient and contemporary culture.
Odysseus
Odysseus, often referred to as Ulysses in Roman texts, is a male character central to the pantheon of Greek mythology. According to Greek legend, he was the king of the island of Ithaca. He is an important character in Homer's the Iliad, an epic poem detailing the events of the Trojan War. Odysseus is the main character of Homer'sthe Odyssey, a follow-up to the Iliad that charts Odysseus's ten-year journey back to Ithaca after the end of the Trojan War. The character is described as a natural born leader who is courageous, intelligent, and articulate. He is favored by Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who often helps him in his trials. The sea god Poseidon dislikes Odysseus and regularly attempts to sabotage his adventures. The character of Odysseus has been referred to in the works of many other writers from antiquity to modern times. He is also commonly depicted in ancient Greek art, appearing on pottery, coins, and sculptures—making him one of the most well-known figures of Greek mythology.
Background
According to Greek mythology, Odysseus is the son of Laertes and Antikleia. He is the King of Ithaca, reigning over the land with his wife, Penelope. He has a son named Telemachos with Penelope right before the start of the Trojan War. A prophecy foretells Odysseus he will be away from home for a very long time if he goes to fight in the war. In an attempt to avoid being called to war, Odysseus pretends to be crazy. He takes an ox and a donkey and begins plowing the seashore. When a Greek soldier places his newborn son in front of the plow, Odysseus swerves to miss the baby, revealing his scheme. He reluctantly leaves Ithaca to join the Greeks in their fight against Troy. Odysseus later persuades Greek warrior Achilles to join the fight by presenting him with an array of fine weaponry. With Achilles's support, the Greek army absorbs the warrior's private army, the Myrmidons of Thessaly.
In the Iliad, Odysseus serves in the Greek army for the ten years the Trojan War is waged. He is often utilized for his cleverness and persuasive skills throughout the conflict, but his presence remains minimal until the end of the war. Odysseus accomplishes three important tasks that the prophets say will ensure a Greek victory. First, he convinces Achilles's son to get involved in the war. He then secures the mythical weapon of Hercules. Finally, he steals the Palladium—a sacred Trojan statue of Athena thought to bring protection and power to Troy.
Eager to end the decade-long war, Odysseus—with the help of Athena—concocts a plan to get soldiers past the Trojan gates. He orders the army to build a giant wooden horse. Hollowed out on the inside, the horse is filled with soldiers and presented to the leaders of Troy as a gift. The Trojans accept the horse and bring it into the city. Later that night, the soldiers come out of their hiding place and attack Troy, opening the gates so the rest of the Greek army can enter. Troy is sacked and most of its citizens are killed. The ploy effectively ends the Trojan War, but trouble remains for the Greeks. Angry that the Greek army destroyed their altars and temples, the Greek gods create a storm to scatter the army's fleet of ships as they sail home. Odysseus and his men become lost as sea, commencing the hero's ten-year journey back home.
Overview
Following the events of the Iliad, Odysseus reappears as the main character of Homer's next epic, the Odyssey. Aboard one of the few ships to survive the wrath of the angry gods, Odysseus and his crew are thrown off course and end up at many strange ports. Odysseus encounters a number of foes throughout his journey. Arriving on the island of the Cyclopes—one-eyed, man-eating giants—Odysseus and his men become trapped by the cyclops Polyphemos, a son of the sea god Poseidon. Polyphemos eats several of Odysseus's men before the group escapes by blinding the cyclops in his sleep. Polyphemos curses Odysseus and asks Poseidon to punish the hero.
Odysseus experiences a number of setbacks that continually prolong his journey throughout the Odyssey. His ships continue to be thrown off-track, many of his men are killed, and he becomes distracted by a sorceress named Circe on the island of Aiaia. Circe instructs Odysseus to visit the underworld, and he meets his mother and many fallen soldiers while there. Odysseus and Circe become lovers, and she later bears him a son, whom she names Telegonus, without telling Odysseus. Before Odysseus leaves, Circe warns him about the Sirens, female winged-creatures whose beautiful singing enchants sailors to their deaths.
Avoiding the Sirens, Odysseus and his crewmen continue on, encountering further hurdles in the form of monsters, nymphs, and wrathful gods. Odysseus is imprisoned for five years by the nymph Calypso, who bears him yet another son, named Nausithous. He eventually escapes on a raft that is capsized by Poseidon. After washing up on the island of Scheria, Odysseus is nursed back to health by Nausikaa, daughter of the island's king. The king gives him a magic ship on which he sails back to Ithaca. At this point, his entire crew has perished and Odysseus sails home alone. His trip is successful despite the intervention of Poseidon.
Despite Odysseus being away for ten years, his wife, Penelope, has not remarried. She believed Odysseus was still alive and refused all suitors. Some of the suitors were planning to kill their son, Telemachos, to force Penelope into marriage. Odysseus hears of this plot and enters the palace disguised as a beggar. He reveals his identity to Penelope and the suitors after successfully piercing twelve axe heads with an arrow—a challenge the queen had issued to her suitors. Odysseus slays Penelope's suitors, and the two are happily reunited. In his later years, Odysseus is tragically murdered by his son Telegonus, who does not recognize his father in a battle at Ithaca.
Bibliography
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