The Odyssey by Homer

The Trojan War As the story begins, the 10-year Trojan War has just ended, and Odysseus is ready to return to his beloved home, faithful wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus. Odysseus, one of the heroes of the war, built the Trojan Horse that won the war. A strong leader, he is also proud and arrogant.

The Land of the Lotus-Eaters Odysseus’ men explore a mysterious island and join the Lotus-Eaters, losing their drive and forgetting all their goals and ambitions.

The Land of the Cyclopes Odysseus’ arrogance causes problems. He disrespects the Cyclopes’ lifestyle and customs.

Aeolus’ Gift Aeolus’ gift helps speed Odysseus and his men back home to Ithaca. The men disobey Odysseus’ command and become lost at sea.

Circe the Sea-Witch Circe turns Odysseus’ men into pigs and entices him to stay with her for a year instead of returning home to Penelope.

Descent into Hades The most valuable lessons come from the most difficult challenges. Only the greatest heroes return from Hades, the Underworld, or Land of the Dead.

Tiresias, the Blind Prophet The wisdom Odysseus needs in order to survive is only available from Tiresias, who is dead and in the Underworld. This is the most fearsome journey of all. What is the irony of a blind prophet?

The Sirens From Circe, Odysseus learns the trick to get his ship past the Sirens. The Sirens were fantastic creatures (bird-fish- woman) whose song was irresistible to all men. Once a man was caught, he was lured onto their island and killed or destroyed--or even eaten!

The Cattle of the Sun-God, Helios Tiresias had warned Odysseus that his men had to learn self-discipline and not take what was not theirs. But when they land on Helios’ island, they’re hungry and steal Helios’ sacred cattle.

Scylla & Charybdis Scylla, a 6-headed monster, would eat 6 men if the ship came too close. Charybdis, the whirlpool, would swallow the whole ship. What’s a captain to do?

Calypso Odysseus is washed ashore alone and nearly dead on Calypso’s island. She loves him and keeps him captive for 5 years-- although he longs for home and Penelope. Athena finally intervenes, and Zeus makes Calypso release him.

The Land of the Phaeacians Odysseus’ raft washes up in the Land of the Phaeacians where he is recognized as the great hero of the war. He tells his story to King Alcinous and is given a ship to take him home to Ithaca. (This retelling, or flashback, is the section of the book we read in class.)

The Homecoming— Return to Ithaca Odysseus finally arrives at home, but after 20 years, much has changed. He needs to know if Penelope has been faithful to him and who still honors him as king.

The Test of the Bow Disguised as an old beggar, Odysseus finds that his home has been over-run by suitors who want to marry Penelope and take his kingdom. Penelope hates them, but they won’t leave. She finally creates a test she hopes no one will win.

The Blood-Bath With Telemachus at his side, Odysseus slays the suitors in a terrible blood-bath.

Penelope’s Test Although Penelope wants to believe Odysseus has returned, she needs to be sure, and has one last test for him.

The End of the Odyssey After 10 years of war and 10 years of travel, Odysseus finally finds peace in his beloved home, Ithaca, with Penelope and Telemachus.