Illustration of Odysseus tied to a ship's mast

The Odyssey

by Homer

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Books 1 Summary and Analysis

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Summary

The Odyssey opens with the narrator invoking the Muse, asking her to sing of Odysseus’s long journey home to Ithaca after the end of the Trojan War.

Ten years after the fall of Troy, Odysseus is being held as a captive guest on the island of Ogygia by the nymph Calypso. The goddess Athena implores her father, Zeus, to pity Odysseus and send the god Hermes to Ogygia to command Calypso to release him. Athena then comes to Ithaca in order to rouse Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, into action.

Disguised as Odysseus’s friend Mentes, Athena arrives at a banquet at Odysseus’s house, where Telemachus receives her hospitably. Telemachus privately complains to Athena about the current state of affairs: his father never returned from Troy, and young suitors have flocked to his mother, Penelope, each hoping to replace Odysseus as her husband. Moreover, the suitors have been eating up the stock of their estate. Athena assures Telemachus that Odysseus is alive and will soon return. She encourages Telemachus to stand up to the suitors and demand that they go home, then to embark on a voyage to speak with Nestor of Pylos and Menelaus of Sparta for news of his father. Telemachus addresses the suitors and insists that though he might not succeed his father as king, he should remain the ruler of his own house.

Analysis

The very first adjective Homer applies to Odysseus is the Greek word polytropos, which comes from poly- (meaning “many”) and trope (meaning “turn”). This adjective has a certain complexity to it that does not carry over easily to English translations. In the Fitzgerald translation, polytropos is rendered as “skilled in all ways of contending,” and in the Fagles, it is “a man of many twists and turns.” The word carries with it the connotation of cleverness (as one who has many “twists and turns” will tend to find unexpected ways around obstacles), but it also carries with it the suggestion of a lost wanderer, as Odysseus is (the “turns” in this case meaning that Odysseus is constantly “turned” about by the whims of the gods). There is also the connotation of “turn” as “becoming,” as in “he turned bad,” and so there is also some nod here to the complexity and changing nature of Odysseus’s reputation and character.

The word polytropos captures much of the spirit of The Odyssey: invention and cleverness, journeys and changes and transitions, lies and stories, caprice and destiny and responsibility. And in the lines that follow, one of the central questions of the poem arises: the implicit question of Odysseus’s failure to come home safely with his original spoils and compatriots. After all, if he is so clever, then how did he come to lose so much? Part of this, as the narrative explains, can be attributed to the gods and, as some of the language suggests, to the foolishness and greed of his own men. But as Zeus quickly points out in the beginning (though it is a point broadly applicable in the story), quite often the failings of men fall squarely on their own shoulders, however they like to blame the heavens. In later books, Odysseus himself will recount these disasters—a fact that in itself creates room for critical doubt, given that Odysseus presents his misfortunes in a situation where he has to frame them in a way that builds up his own reputation.

Another feature worth discussing in these books is the decision to begin at home with Telemachus and Penelope, rather than immediately with Odysseus. For one thing, this creates the opportunity for Odysseus to tell his story in retrospect, allowing the tale to be more compact and well-shaped (as well as filtered by his own motivations). It also puts the end point of the story in clear view, as the reader is liable to infer that Odysseus will return just in time to put things right.

Expert Q&A

Why does Athena favor Odysseus in Book 1 of the Odyssey?

Athena favors Odysseus in Book 1 due to her deep respect and affection for him, recognizing his longing to return home to his wife, Penelope. She sympathizes with his plight, being trapped by Calypso, and appeals to Zeus to intervene on his behalf. Athena's involvement reflects the Greek belief in the gods' close relationship with humans. Her admiration for Odysseus's character and determination to aid him are evident throughout the narrative.

What quote in Book 1 of Homer's Odyssey shows the Greek value of family?

In Book 1 of The Odyssey, Athena's conversation with Zeus highlights the Greek value of family. She expresses the importance of reuniting Odysseus with his family, emphasizing his son's role in this quest. Athena intends to inspire Telemachus to seek news of his father, showcasing the cultural importance of filial duty and family honor. This underscores the significance ancient Greeks placed on family bonds and loyalty.

What events occur on Ismarus in Part One of The Odyssey?

On Ismarus, Odysseus and his men raid the city of the Cicones, killing the men and dividing the women and plunder. Despite Odysseus's advice to leave quickly, his men linger, celebrating with wine and feasting. Meanwhile, the Cicones gather reinforcements and attack the next day, resulting in heavy losses for Odysseus's crew, with six men per ship killed. Notably, Odysseus spares Maron, a priest, who gifts him potent wine used later to intoxicate Polyphemus.

In book 1 of The Odyssey, how does Telemachus show strength with Penelope and Athena's visit?

In Book 1, Telemachus demonstrates strength by confronting the suitors, demanding they leave his father's estate, which is a bold move for his age. He also rebukes his mother, Penelope, when she is upset by a bard's song, showing unexpected assertiveness. Additionally, he plans a journey to Pylos and Sparta to seek news of Odysseus. These actions, influenced by Athena's visit disguised as Mentes, highlight his maturation and determination.

What is the correlation between Agamemnon's family and Odysseus' household in The Odyssey, Book 1?

The correlation between Agamemnon's family and Odysseus' household in Book 1 of The Odyssey highlights themes of loyalty and revenge. Agamemnon's wife, Clytemnestra, is disloyal, contrasting with Odysseus's loyal wife, Penelope. Their sons, Orestes and Telemachus, both face challenges of avenging dishonor. Orestes avenges Agamemnon's murder, while Telemachus is urged to mature and defend his father's household. This parallel underscores the importance of familial duty and loyalty.

How does the Odyssey start?

The Odyssey starts with an invocation to the Muse, in which the poet asks for her help in describing the travels of Odysseus after he left Troy.

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Book 2 Summary and Analysis

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