Odysseus faces many challenges on his journey home. To name a few: his sailors are captivated by teh lotus-eaters, he engages in battle with Polyphemus the cyclops, he is caught in a storm sent by Poseidon, and he is captivated by the Sirens. His entire journey home is ridden with challenges.

Odysseus did not immediately return home after the Trojan War because he angered the gods, particularly Poseidon and Helios. He provoked Poseidon's wrath by blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. Additionally, his crew angered Helios by killing and eating his cattle, leading to their destruction and further delays in Odysseus's journey, including his captivity by Calypso.

Odysseus instructs his men not to harm the cattle on Helios' island, warning them that doing so would lead to their destruction. Despite his clear warnings, the men, influenced by Eurylochus, eventually kill the sacred oxen, sealing their fate. This act of defiance results in Zeus sending a storm that destroys their ship and kills all the crew, illustrating the theme of human folly. Odysseus survives but faces further hardships.

Odysseus didn't take the Cyclops' belongings and leave the cave due to his curiosity and desire to meet the Cyclops, Polyphemus, hoping to receive a gift. His pride overruled his men's sensible suggestion to steal the cheese and flee. This decision led to them being trapped when Polyphemus returned and blocked the cave's entrance. Odysseus's immaturity and bravado ultimately endangered his crew, although they eventually escaped through a clever ruse.

Odysseus promises Eumaeus and Philoetius marriages, cattle, houses near his own, and the status of "brothers-in-arms" to his son Telemachus if they support him. These rewards signify significant social and economic advancement for the servants, honoring their years of loyalty and service during Odysseus's long absence.

Before the war, Odysseus and Penelope's relationship is characterized by mutual love and loyalty, with Penelope embodying the ideal faithful wife. During Odysseus's 20-year absence, Penelope cleverly avoids suitors while Odysseus remains emotionally devoted despite physical infidelities. After the war, their reunion involves testing each other's loyalty and identity, ultimately reaffirming their strong, intelligent, and resilient partnership.

Athena assists Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca by disguising him as an old beggar to meet his swineherd, Eumaeus, without being recognized. She also guides Telemachus safely to the farm, avoiding the suitors' plot to kill him. Once there, Athena transforms Odysseus into a younger version of himself and advises him on how to deal with the suitors before reverting him back to the aged beggar disguise.

Odysseus travels to the underworld to summon the ghost of the prophet Tiresias. He seeks Tiresias's guidance on how to return home, as advised by Circe in Book X. In Book XI, Odysseus makes sacrifices to attract the spirits, but he fends off other ghosts to focus on Tiresias. Although he encounters other spirits, including his mother, the primary goal of the sacrifices is to gain Tiresias's counsel.

Examples of Odysseus's pride and boastfulness in The Odyssey include his taunting of the Cyclops Polyphemus after blinding him, revealing his name and thereby incurring Poseidon's wrath. Additionally, Odysseus's confidence in his own cleverness often leads him to take unnecessary risks, such as when he insists on hearing the Sirens' song despite the danger it poses to him and his crew.

Odysseus and Polyphemus could both describe each other as deceptive, abusive, and lacking social norms. Odysseus uses cunning to deceive Polyphemus and escape, while Polyphemus withholds his divine parentage. Both act cruelly: Odysseus blinds Polyphemus, and Polyphemus eats Odysseus's men. Additionally, both are greedy and violate social norms; Odysseus steals from the Cyclops, who hoards resources. Finally, both display hubris and poor judgment, leading to their conflicts.