In book 9, Odysseus is explaining that he was held captive by the "lustrous goddess" Calypso, as well as by Circe, the "bewitching queen of Aeaea." Obviously, these immortal women are incredibly beautiful, and they would have been quite happy to keep Odysseus with them, as their lover, forever. However, he suggests that—no matter where he was or what beautiful goddess he was with—he has never forgotten his home and family back in Ithaca. He says that even if a man leaves home and finds a place that seems better or more lovely, it can never, ever, take the place of his home in his heart. No matter what beauty or luxury he finds abroad, it can never equal the beauty of his own home and family.

Odysseus' remark, which he makes on the island of Calypso, is perhaps one of the driving forces in his journey. Despite all of the exciting adventures he has and people (not to mention, goddesses) he meets, Odysseus yearns to return to Ithaca, his home. Nowhere else will he find happiness but at home where he can be reunited with his family, including his father, the only parent still surviving. Odysseus could have chosen to remain at any number of places where he was treated lavishly, but he continues his quest for home, even daring to visit the Land of the Dead to ask Tiresias for directions. He makes this comment shortly before he is allowed to leave Ogygia; soon after the Phaeacians will take him back to Ithaca. Until he is home again, Odysseus will not be satisfied.

His words remind readers of The Odyssey of the importance of home and family.