History Geek: ‘The Odyssey’

[This is for you tech geeks, a condensed description of ‘The Odyssey’ in just a few paragraphs :-)].

The Odyssey is one of two Greek epic poems written by Homer. I found an excellent interactive map of Odysseus’ journey to supplement the story.

Homer’s epic poem ‘The Odyssey’ tells of the travels of Ulysses, King of Ithaca and hero of the Trojan War. Following the epic ten-year war, Ulysses wandered for a further ten years, suffering many hardships and adventures in his quest to reach home.

Ulysses and his crew narrowly escaped being eaten by the giant one-eyed Cyclops Polyphemus, by blinding him. Polyphemus’ father, the sea-god Poseidon subsequently took revenge on Ulysses by creating storms to send him off course. Following one of these storms Ulysses was shipwrecked on the island of Calypso, having lost all his crew. Calypso fell in love with Ulysses and kept him with her for many years, though he yearned for home. The gods finally persuaded the reluctant Calypso to let him go, and she gave him wood for a raft and provisions.

When he finally reached Ithaca, Ulysses found his palace overrun with suitors for his wife Penelope. He disguised himself as a beggar and with the help of his son Telemachus suggested an archery contest to win Penelope’s hand. Ulysses’ bow was used, which only he could string, and he won the contest. He then revealed his true identity, had all the doors to the palace locked, and slaughtered all the suitors.

(above: bust of Homer)