Odysseus

(Art by Ditlev Blunck)

**Odysseus** was a king of the land of Ithaca, tracing his lineage back to the great god Hermes. His military prowess shone in the Trojan War, where his strategic brilliance played a pivotal role in the eventual downfall of the city. Yet, it was not just his triumphs in war that etched his name into the annals of legend. Odysseus is equally celebrated for his harrowing odyssey, a grueling decade-long journey fraught with peril as he fought against monsters, giants, and even the divine will of the gods themselves, all in his quest to return home.

## Overview

According to Dante Alighieri's account, he encountered Odysseus during his descent into Hell, where the legendary Greek hero was condemned to the 8th circle.

## Personality

Odysseus is often seen as a stark contrast to Achilles. While Achilles is known for his consuming and self-destructive anger, Odysseus is regarded as a man of moderation, celebrated for his self-control and diplomatic talents. He is also, in some ways, the opposite of Ajax. While Ajax relies on his physical strength, Odysseus is not only clever, as seen in his idea for the Trojan Horse, but he is also an eloquent speaker. This eloquence is most evident in his role during the embassy to Achilles. These two heroes not only serve as abstract foils but frequently clash in practice, engaging in numerous conflicts and confrontations.

## History

### Before the Trojan War

When Helen was abducted, Menelaus rallied the other suitors to fulfill their oaths and assist him in the quest to recover her, ultimately setting in motion the events that led to the Trojan War. Meanwhile, Odysseus sought to avoid participation due to an oracle's prediction of a prolonged and delayed return home if he went to war. To feign madness, he harnessed both a donkey and an ox to his plow, despite their differing stride lengths, causing the plow's inefficiency. He even went so far as to sow his fields with salt, a peculiar act.

At the behest of Agamemnon, Menelaus' brother, Palamedes aimed to expose Odysseus' pretense of madness. He placed Telemachus, Odysseus' infant son, directly in the path of the plow. However, Odysseus averted the plow to safeguard his child, inadvertently revealing his ruse. Throughout the course of the war, Odysseus harbored a deep grudge against Palamedes for diverting him from his longing for home.

Subsequently, Odysseus and other envoys representing Agamemnon embarked on a journey to the island of Scyros to recruit Achilles, prompted by a prophecy that the fall of Troy required his involvement. To conceal Achilles from the recruiters, Thetis, his mother, disguised him as a woman, as an oracle had foretold that Achilles would either live a long, uneventful life or achieve everlasting glory while dying young. Odysseus shrewdly identified Achilles among the women by observing his unique interest in the concealed weapons among the array of gifts meant for the host's daughters.

Odysseus further orchestrated the sounding of a battle horn, which prompted Achilles to instinctively reach for a weapon and reveal his martial prowess. With his disguise exposed, Achilles abandoned his role as a woman and joined Agamemnon's call to arms among the Hellenes.

### During the Trojan War

Odysseus stands out as one of the most influential and trusted Greek champions during the Trojan War. Alongside Nestor and Idomeneus, he serves as a respected counselor and advisor among the Achaeans. He consistently champions the Achaean cause, particularly when there are doubts about Agamemnon's leadership. For instance, when Thersites questions Agamemnon's command, Odysseus is quick to defend the Achaean leader. Additionally, when Agamemnon tests the morale of the Achaeans by announcing his intention to leave Troy, Odysseus steps in to restore order in the Greek camp.

During the course of the war, when many heroes are forced to leave the battlefield due to injuries, including Odysseus and Agamemnon, it is Odysseus who once again persuades Agamemnon not to withdraw, ensuring their commitment to the conflict. Furthermore, he is chosen as one of the envoys in the ill-fated embassy tasked with convincing Achilles to return to battle.

When Hector proposes a one-on-one combat duel, Odysseus initially volunteers to face him on behalf of the Danaans, but it's Ajax who ultimately takes on Hector in the duel. Odysseus also plays a crucial role in the nighttime mission to kill Rhesus. This operation is conducted to prevent Rhesus's horses from drinking from the Scamander River, as a prophecy had foretold that such an event would make Troy unconquerable.

After the death of Patroclus, Odysseus provides counsel to Achilles, advising him to allow the Achaean men to eat and rest rather than acting solely on his rage-driven desire to immediately rejoin the offensive and kill Trojans. Achilles eventually, albeit reluctantly, agrees to follow this advice.

During the funeral games held in honor of Patroclus, Odysseus participates in a wrestling match against Ajax the Greater and a foot race against Ajax the Lesser. The wrestling match ends in a draw, while with the assistance of the goddess Athena, Odysseus emerges victorious in the foot race.

In their quest to find Achilles, whose participation in the Trojan War was foretold by a prophecy, Odysseus and several other Achaean leaders journeyed to Skyros. Odysseus used a clever ruse to locate Achilles. He offered gifts, including adornments, musical instruments, and weapons, to the king's daughters, and then had his companions simulate the sounds of an enemy attack on the island. Notably, they created a trumpet blast to mimic the enemy's approach. This prompted Achilles to reveal himself by selecting a weapon to defend the island. Together, they departed for the Trojan War.

After Achilles is slain in battle by Paris, it is Odysseus and Ajax the Great who brave the thick of heavy combat to retrieve the fallen warrior's body and his precious armor. During the funeral games held in honor of Achilles, Odysseus once again competes with Ajax. Thetis declares that the arms of Achilles will go to the bravest of the Greeks, and only these two warriors dare lay claim to that title. A bitter dispute ensues between the two Argives regarding each other's merits to receive this coveted reward.

Fearing to make a decision that could insult one of them and lead to their withdrawal from the war effort, the Greeks hesitate to declare a winner. Nestor proposes a solution: they will allow the captive Trojans to decide the victor. In the end, the Trojans choose Odysseus as the winner. Enraged and humiliated by this decision, Ajax is driven to madness by the goddess Athena. When he regains his senses and realizes the shame of his actions, including the senseless slaughter of livestock in his madness, Ajax takes his own life with the sword that Hector had given him after their duel.

Odysseus and Diomedes embark on a crucial mission to retrieve Achilles' son, Neoptolemus, recognizing that an oracle had foretold that Troy could not be conquered without his assistance. After a successful accomplishment of their mission, Odysseus ceremoniously bestows Achilles' revered armor upon Neoptolemus, solidifying his pivotal role in the Achaean cause.

It is discovered that the war cannot be won without the poisoned arrows of Heracles, which are in the possession of the abandoned Philoctetes. In response, Odysseus and Diomedes embark on a mission to retrieve these arrows. When they arrive, they find Philoctetes still harboring intense anger toward the Danaans, especially Odysseus, for abandoning him. Initially, Philoctetes is inclined to shoot Odysseus, but eventually, Odysseus, with his persuasive abilities and the influence of the gods, manages to diffuse Philoctetes' anger. He convinces Philoctetes to return to the Argive camp along with his precious arrows.

Arguably, one of Odysseus' most renowned contributions to the Greek war effort is his ingenious plan involving the Trojan Horse. This stratagem enables the Greek army to clandestinely enter Troy under the cover of darkness. The Trojan Horse is constructed by Epeius and is filled with Greek warriors, led by Odysseus himself. Additionally, Odysseus and Diomedes manage to steal the Palladium, a sacred statue within Troy's walls, as the Greeks were informed that the city could not be sacked without first obtaining it.

### Journey home to Ithaca

On the long and arduous journey home from Troy, Odysseus and his fleet of twelve ships face a series of perilous adventures. First, they raid the land of the Cicones at Ismarus, but after the plunder, they are driven off course by fierce storms.

Next, they encounter the lethargic Lotus-Eaters, whose intoxicating lotus plants cause some of Odysseus' men to forget their desire to return home. Odysseus must forcibly drag these men back to their ships to continue the journey.

The crew's troubles escalate when they reach the island of the Cyclops, and they are captured by the one-eyed giant Polyphemus. After Polyphemus consumes several of Odysseus's men, Odysseus devises a clever plan. He tells Polyphemus that his name is "Nobody." Odysseus offers the Cyclops wine, and when Polyphemus falls into a drunken slumber, the Greeks heat a wooden stake and use it to blind him. When Polyphemus cries out in pain and the other Cyclopes ask what is wrong, he replies, "Nobody has blinded me!" They think he is delusional.

Odysseus and his crew escape from the cave where Polyphemus keeps them, but as they depart, Odysseus recklessly reveals his real name. This mistake leads to Polyphemus praying to his father, Poseidon, the god of the sea, for revenge.

Continuing their journey, they reach the island of Aeolus, the master of the winds, who offers Odysseus a leather bag containing all the winds except the west wind. This gift should have ensured their safe return home. However, the curious sailors open the bag, thinking it contains gold, and release the winds. The storm drives the ships back to where they started, just as Ithaca comes into view.

Despite pleading with Aeolus to assist them again, they set sail once more and encounter the man-eating Laestrygonians, who destroy all the ships except Odysseus's. Odysseus and his crew then find themselves on the island of the witch-goddess Circe.

Circe, with her enchanting powers, bewitches half of Odysseus's crew, transforming them into swine after tempting them with cheese and wine. However, Hermes, the messenger god, intervenes to protect Odysseus and his remaining men. Hermes warns Odysseus about Circe's sorcery and offers him a magical herb called moly, which renders him impervious to her enchantments.

Circe, taken by Odysseus's remarkable resistance to her charms, becomes enamored with him. Consequently, she decides to release his crew from their swine forms, captivated by the hero's allure and determination.

They remain on her island for a year, enjoying feasts and revelry. Eventually, Odysseus's men convince him to continue the journey home to Ithaca.

Following Circe's guidance, Odysseus and his crew continue their epic journey. They cross the ocean and reach the harbor of Hades, the land of the dead. Here, Odysseus conducts a solemn sacrifice to the departed spirits and summons the spirit of the wise prophet Tiresias for counsel and guidance. Tiresias provides crucial advice for Odysseus's further travels.

Next, Odysseus encounters the spirit of his own mother, who had passed away from grief during his lengthy absence. It is through this poignant reunion that Odysseus gains valuable information about his household and the dire situation unfolding there, as Penelope's suitors are greedily vying for her hand. Additionally, he converses with the spirits of his fallen war comrades.

With the insights he has gathered, Odysseus and his men return to Circe's island. She imparts further guidance for the remaining stages of their journey. They navigate past the treacherous Sirens, whose enchanting songs could lure sailors to their doom. Then, they face the perilous choice between the six-headed monster Scylla and the deadly whirlpool Charybdis. In this dire situation, they decide to row directly between the two, but Scylla seizes the ship and devours six of Odysseus's men, leaving them to continue their journey with heavy hearts.

Odysseus and his remaining men land on the island of Thrinacia, despite the explicit warnings from Tiresias and Circe to avoid it. His crew, driven by hunger and disregard for the sacred cattle of the sun god Helios, hunt down and kill these divine animals. Helios is infuriated by their actions and pleads with Zeus for vengeance, threatening to shine the sun in the Underworld. Zeus accedes to Helios's request and orchestrates a thunderstorm-induced shipwreck. In this tempest, all of Odysseus's crew perishes except for Odysseus himself. He is cast ashore on the island of Ogygia, where the nymph Calypso detains him as her lover for seven long years.

Finally, with the intervention of Hermes, Calypso is compelled to release Odysseus. He builds a makeshift raft and sets sail, enduring numerous hardships on the way, until he reaches the land of the Phaeacians. Here, he is shipwrecked again but is befriended by the Phaeacians. Odysseus recounts his adventures to King Alcinous and his court, and they agree to help him return home. The Phaeacians secretly transport him to Ithaca while he is asleep, landing him in a hidden harbor. From there, he makes his way to the hut of his former slave, the loyal swineherd Eumaeus, and reunites with his son Telemachus, who has returned from Sparta.

Athena disguises Odysseus as a wandering beggar to assess the state of affairs in his household and to plan his return. When he comes back to Ithaca after a 20-year absence, only his faithful dog, Argos, recognizes him but then dies peacefully. Penelope, in her ongoing interview with the disguised hero, devises a challenge for her suitors. She announces that whoever can string Odysseus's rigid bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axe shafts may win her hand in marriage. After all the suitors fail, the disguised Odysseus asks to participate, and Penelope allows him to do so. Odysseus effortlessly strings the bow and wins the contest.

Having achieved this feat, Odysseus proceeds to reveal his true identity and unleashes his wrath upon the suitors, aided by Telemachus, Eumaeus the swineherd, and Philoetius the cowherd. Together, they exact retribution and put an end to the suitors' reign of arrogance and destruction.

He then ordered his son to kill all the men who aided the suitors, and to gather up all the slave girls who had ever lain with one of them and make them clean the blood-soaked floor, and when they were finished, he was to kill them all. Telemachus, who couldn't believe his father's cruelty, did not kill them with his sword but hang them instead.

Odysseus, now revealed in his resplendent form, courtesy of Athena's subtle transformation, stands before Penelope. She is filled with doubt, unable to fully believe that her husband has truly returned. Her fear lingers, suspecting that this man might be a deity in disguise, akin to the tale of Alcmene and Heracles. To test his authenticity, she instructs her servant Euryclea to move the bed in their marital chamber. Odysseus vehemently objects, explaining that he constructed the bed himself, and he knows one of its legs is a living olive tree. At last, Penelope yields to the truth, acknowledging him as her beloved husband, a poignant moment that underscores their deep connection.

On the following day, Odysseus, accompanied by Telemachus, pays a visit to his father Laërtes' rustic estate. The citizens of Ithaca trail behind Odysseus, seeking vengeance for the slain Suitors, their sons. After a skirmish ensues, with Odysseus dispatching some of his adversaries and instructing Telemachus to deal with the rest, the goddess Athena intervenes. With her persuasive influence, she convinces both sides to reconcile and embrace peace.

### Life after the Odyssey

Shortly after he killed the suitors' fathers, the fathers of his soldiers who went with him to Troy and the Odyssey came, asking for their sons. When they learned their sons were dead, they began demanding their sons' share of the treasure won fighting at Troy. Even after Odysseus tried to reason with them time and time again, they kept coming and eventually, his patient went thin. He beaten them before yelling out how their sons were dead, how their sons were greedy and stupid and disobeyed the gods. The soldiers' parents kept themselves away from the palace after that, but Odysseus was plagued by paranoia that they were plotting against them.

When Telemachus confronted him of his paranoid behaviors, he openly mocked his son, saying that there were boys younger than him at the Trojan War, barely thirteen and fourteen yet still openly fought as warriors and men, that even Achilles himself was seventeen when he entered the war. He said he was a disgrace, a coward, that he should have fought off the suitors single-handedly, that he should have been able to shoot his great bow, and how he wouldn't survive a single day in Troy.

When Telemachus tried to defend himself, Odysseus' smile dropped. He believed his son was a traitor who wanted him to die so that he could take the throne. This eventually led a huge fight between them that ended in Telemachus' pseudo-exile. He was shut from his councils, he was barred from the hall. During a drunken state, Odysseus even yelled at Penelope for "she had nursed a viper".

The only one in the palace Telemachus could speak to was Eurycleia, who had been both him and his father's nurse. Despite this, when she died not long after, Odysseus did not stay to watch her pyre burn, saying that he was "tired of living among ashes". He went out on a skiff and came back a month later with gold belts and cups and a new breastplate, with dried blood on his clothes. Telemachus noted that this was the happiest his father had ever been since his return to Ithaca, but it did not last, by the next morning he was railing about the smoky hall and the clumsiness of the servants.

Penelope noted how Odysseus would often talk to the air, which gathered around him, glowing the brightest silver on his skin. This was, in reality, Athena, who came everytime he was calm again. She whispered in his ears, darting down from the clouds to fill him up with dreams of all the adventures he was missing.

### Vovaye to Thesprotia

Following the past events, Odysseus would go on a raid every month and rarely returned to his queen and son.

Eventually, on one of his piracy raids, he traveled to Thesprotia where he wed the Thesprotian queen Callidice, who bore him a son, Polypoetes. He fought for the Thesprotians in a way against the neighbouring Brygoi, with his patron Athena on his side. However, Callidice was killed in the war and Polypoetes was made king.

Sometimes in Thesprotia, he visited an oracle who foretold him that he would be killed by his son. He also lost the favor of Athena, as the goddess did not like to see her favorite could never be allowed to grow dull and domestic, he must live in action's eye, bright and polished, aways striving and seeking, always delighting her with new twist of cleverness, some brilliance he summoned out of the air.

### Telegonus

When he returned to Ithaca, he saw a young man walking by the beach, wearing the finest of clothes and waving a funny-looking spear. Thinking he was a pirate who came to ravage his home, he drew out his sword with the intention to kill, unbeknownst to him that the young man was Telegonus, one of the three sons he sired with the witch-goddess Circe during his Odyssey.

When he asked who let him come to Ithaca, Telegonus answered it was Telemachus which angered him even more, as he believed he had summoned pirates and mercenaries to overthrow him. He commanded Telegonus to put down his spear, which he did not as his mother had commanded he never let the spear out of his hand, as the spear was crafted from Hephaestus and covered in the poison of the Elder God Trygon - A god of stingrays and the depths who was more ancient than any Olympian or Titan - so that Athena, who had been out for Telegonus' blood since birth, could not harm him.

Not caring for his son warning, he grabbed the spear and placed upon him an absolute death sentence, for Trygon's poison could kill any mortal and place any immortal under excruciating pain. However, before he died, Odysseus recognized Telegonus to be his son and realized the patricide prophecy had been fulfilled because of his foolishness. His funeral was held in Ithaca, with only few people arrived for many had lost their respect for their king because of his ways.

Telegonus then took Penelope and Telemachus back to Aeaea at their request, as there were nothing bound them to Ithaca anymore. There, the two were immortalized by Circe, with Telemachus becoming Circe's new husband and Penelope becoming Telegonus' new wife.