Head of Odysseus from a Greek 2nd century BC marble group representing Odysseus blinding Polyphemus, found at the villa of Tiberius at Sperlonga

Odysseus or Ulysses (Greek Ὀδυσσεύς Odysseus; Latin: Ulixes or, more commonly, Ulysses), pronounced /oʊˈdɪsiəs/, was a legendary Greek king of Ithaca and the hero of Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey. Odysseus also plays a key role in Homer's Iliad. King of Ithaca, husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, and son of Laërtes and Anticlea, Odysseus is renowned for his guile and resourcefulness (known by the epithet Odysseus the Cunning) (see mētis, or "cunning intelligence"), and is most famous for the ten eventful years it took him to return home after the Trojan War. Odysseus can refer to:- Odysseus, a character in Greek mythology, Odysseus (crater), a crater on a moon of Saturn, 1143 Odysseus, an asteroid. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x2130, 1874 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Talk:Baroque Odysseus Scheria Ogygia Aeaea Template:Places visited by Odysseus in the Odyssey Metadata This file contains... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x2130, 1874 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Talk:Baroque Odysseus Scheria Ogygia Aeaea Template:Places visited by Odysseus in the Odyssey Metadata This file contains... Sperlonga is a coastal town in the province of Latina, Italy, about half way between Rome and Naples. ... Latin was the language originally spoken in the region around Rome called Latium. ... The name Ulysses can mean: The Roman equivalent of Odysseus A 1922 novel by James Joyce: Ulysses (novel) A 1967 movie based on the novel, Ulysses (movie) A solar probe: Ulysses (spacecraft) A poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson A anime television program produced by DiC Entertainment: Ulysses 31 An indie... For other places or objects named Ithaca, see Ithaca (disambiguation). ... This article is about the Greek poet Homer and the works attributed to him. ... For other meanings of epic, see Epic. ... This article is about Homers epic poem. ... title page of the Rihel edition of ca. ... For other places or objects named Ithaca, see Ithaca (disambiguation). ... The Vatican Penelope: a Roman marble copy of an Early Classical 6th-century Greek work (Vatican Museums) For other uses, see Penelope (disambiguation). ... Slaughter of the suitors by Odysseus and Telemachus, Campanian red-figure bell-krater, ca. ... For the Shakespearean character, see Laertes (Hamlet). ... In Greek mythology, Anticlea, (Ἀντίκλεια), was the daughter of Autolycus and Amphithea, and mother of Odysseus or Ulysses by Laërtes (though some say by Sisyphus). ... Look up epithet in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Metis can refer to a number of things: Metis was a Titaness and the first wife of Zeus. ... For other uses, see Intelligence (disambiguation). ... The fall of Troy, by Johann Georg Trautmann (1713–1769). ...

Parentage

Relatively little is known of Odysseus' background except that his paternal grandfather (or step-grandfather) is Arcesius, son of Cephalus and grandson of Aeolus, whilst his maternal grandfather is the thief Autolycus, son of Hermes and Chione. According to the Odyssey, his father is Laertes^[1] and his mother is Anticleia, although there was a non-Homeric tradition^[2] that Sisyphus was his true father.^[3] Ithaca, an island along the Ionian northwestern coastline of Greece, is one of several islands that would have comprised the realm of Odysseus' family, but the true extent of the Cephallenian realm and the actual identities of the islands named in Homer's works are unknown. In Greek mythology, Arcesius, or Arkêsios, was the King of Ithaca and father of Laertes. ... Cephalus and Aurora, by Nicolas Poussin (c. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... In Greek mythology, Autolycus (Greek - Lone Wolf) was the son of Chione and Hermes. ... For other uses, see Hermes (disambiguation). ... Chione (Snow White) was the daughter of Daedalion. ... For the genus of dung beetle, see Sisyphus (beetle). ... The Ionian Islands (Modern Greek: Ιόνια νησιά, Ionia nisia; Ancient Greek: , Ionioi Nēsoi) are a group of islands in Greece. ...

The bust of Zeus found at Otricoli (Sala Rotonda, Museo Pio-Clementino, Vatican) Greek mythology is the body of stories belonging to the Ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. ... The ancient Greeks proposed many different ideas about the primordial gods in their mythology. ... This article is about the race of Titans in Greek mythology. ... For other uses, see Zeus (disambiguation). ... The Twelve Olympians by Monsiau, circa late 18th century. ... Pan (Greek , genitive ) is the Greek god of shepherds and flocks, of mountain wilds, hunting and rustic music: paein means to pasture. ... In Greek mythology, a nymph is any member of a large class of female nature entities, either bound to a particular location or landform or joining the retinue of a god or goddess. ... For other uses, see Apollo (disambiguation). ... This article is about the ancient deity. ... The ancient Greeks had a very small number of see gods. ... For other uses, see Chthon (disambiguation). ... Alcides redirects here. ... Hercules and the Hydra by Antonio Pollaiuolo The Twelve Labours (Greek: dodekathlos) of Heracles (Latin: Hercules) are a series of archaic episodes connected by a later continuous narrative, concerning a penance carried out by Heracles, the greatest of the Greek heroes. ... For other uses, see Achilles (disambiguation). ... The fall of Troy, by Johann Georg Trautmann (1713–1769). ... This article is about Homers epic poem. ... This article is about the hero from Greek mythology. ... Jason returns with the golden Fleece on an Apulian red-figure calyx krater, ca. ... Perseus with the head of Medusa, by Antonio Canova, completed 1801 (Vatican Museums) Perseus, Perseos, or Perseas (Greek: Περσεύς, Περσέως, Περσέας), the legendary founder of Mycenae and of the Perseid dynasty there, was the first of the mythic heroes of Greek mythology whose exploits in defeating various archaic monsters provided the founding myths... For other uses, see Medusa (disambiguation). ... This article is about the Greek mythological monster. ... For other uses, see Oedipus (disambiguation). ... Wikisource has original text related to this article: Επτά επί Θήβας The Seven Against Thebes is a mythic narrative that finds its classic statement in the play by Aeschylus (467 BCE) concerning the battle between the Seven led by Polynices and the army of Thebes headed by Eteocles and his supporters, traditional Theban... Theseus (Greek ) was a legendary king of Athens, son of Aethra, and fathered by Aegeus and Poseidon, with whom Aethra lay in one night (By some accounts, this was presented as a rape). ... This article is about the mythological monster. ... Triptolemus (threefold warrior; also Buzyges), in Greek mythology always connected with Demeter of the Eleusinian Mysteries, might be accounted the son of King Celeus of Eleusis in Attica, or, according to Apollodorus (Library I.v. ... The Eleusinian Mysteries (Greek: Ἐλευσίνια Μυστήρια) were initiation ceremonies held every year for the cult of Demeter and Persephone based at Eleusis in ancient Greece. ... A mystery religion is any religion with an arcanum, or body of secret wisdom. ... A bald, bearded, horse-tailed satyr balances a winecup on his erect penis, a trick worthy of note, on an Attic red-figured psykter, ca. ... This article is about the mythological creatures. ... Dragons play a role in Greek mythology. ... Greek religion encompasses the collection of beliefs and rituals practiced in Ancient Greece in form of cult practices, there for the practical counterpart of Greek mythology. ...

Variants and meanings of name

The name has several variants: Olysseus (Ὀλυσσεύς), Oulixeus (Οὐλιξεύς), Oulixes (Οὐλίξης)^[4] and he was known as Ulysses in Latin or Ulixes in Roman mythology. For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ... A head of Minerva found in the ruins of the Roman baths in Bath Roman mythology, the mythological beliefs of the people of Ancient Rome, can be considered as having two parts. ...

The verb odussomai (ὀδύσσομαι), meaning "hate",^[5] suggests that the name could be rendered as "the one who is wrathful/hated". This interpretation is reinforced by Odysseus' and Poseidon's mutual wrath. In Odyssey 19, in which Odysseus' early childhood is recounted, Eurycleia asks Odysseus' grandfather, Autolycus, to name him. Eurycleia tries to guide him to naming the boy Polyaretos, "for he has much been prayed for" (19.403f)^[6] in Greek, however, Polyaretos can also take the opposite meaning: much accursed. Autolycus seems to infer this connotation of the name, and accordingly names his grandson Odysseus. Odysseus often receives the patronymic epithet Laertiades (Greek: Λαερτιάδης), son of Laërtes. Neptune reigns in the city of Bristol. ... Odysseus and Euryclea, by Christian Gottlob Heyne In Greek mythology, Euryclea, or Eurýkleia was the wet-nurse of Odysseus. ... Look up patronymic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For the Shakespearean character, see Laertes (Hamlet). ...

His name and stories were adopted into Etruscan religion under the name Uthuze.^[7] The Etruscans were a race of unknown origin from North Italy who were eventually integrated into Rome. ...

"Cruel Odysseus"

Homer's Iliad and Odyssey portrayed Odysseus as a hero because of his many virtues. However, the Romans, who believed themselves to be scions of Prince Aeneas of Troy, considered him a villainous falsifier. In Virgil's Aeneid he is constantly referred to as "cruel Odysseus" (Latin"dirus Ulixes") or "deceitful Odysseus" ("pellacis", "fandi fictor"). Turnus, in Aeneid ix, reproaches the Trojan Ascanius with images of rugged, forthright Latin virtues, declaring, in John Dryden's translation, "You shall not find the sons of Atreus here, Nor need the frauds of sly Ulysses fear." While the Greeks admired his cunning and abilities at deception, these qualities did not recommend themselves to the Romans. In Euripides' tragedy Iphigenia at Aulis, Odysseus, having convinced Agamemnon to consent to the sacrifice of his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis, he then facilitates the sacrifice by telling her mother, Clytemnestra, that the girl is to be wed to Achilles. His attempt to avoid his sacred oath to defend Menelaus and Helen offended Roman notions of duty; the many stratagems and tricks he employed to get his way offended Roman notions of honor. Aeneas flees burning Troy, Federico Barocci, 1598. ... Aeneas flees burning Troy, Federico Barocci, 1598 Galleria Borghese, Rome The Aeneid (IPA English pronunciation: ; in Latin Aeneis, pronounced — the title is Greek in form: genitive case Aeneidos) is a Latin epic written by Virgil in the 1st century BC (between 29 and 19 BC) that tells the legendary story... For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ... John Dryden John Dryden (August 19 {August 9 O.S.}, 1631 - May 12 {May 1 O.S.}, 1700) was an influential English poet, literary critic, translator and playwright, who dominated the literary life of Restoration England to such a point that the period came to be known in literary circles... Iphigeneia at Aulis, written in 410 BC, is the last surviving work of the playwright Euripides. ... For other uses, see Artemis (disambiguation). ... Clytemnestra trying to awake the Erinyes while her son is being purified by Apollo, Apulian red-figure krater, 480–470 BC, Louvre (Cp 710) After the murder (1882 painting) Clytemnestra (or Clytaemestra) ‘‘(Eng. ...

Before the Trojan War

When Helen was abducted by Paris of Troy, Menelaus called upon the other suitors to honour their oaths and help him retrieve her, thus bringing about the Trojan War. Odysseus, however, tried to avoid the war by feigning madness, as an oracle had prophesied a long-delayed return home for him were he to go. He did this by hooking a donkey and an ox to his plough (as they have different stride lengths, hindering the efficiency of the plough) and sowing his fields with salt. Palamedes, at the behest of Menelaus' brother Agamemnon, sought to disprove Odysseus' madness, and placed Telemachus, Odysseus' infant son, in front of the plough. Odysseus veered the plough away from his son, thus destroying his ruse. Odysseus held a grudge against Palamedes during the war for dragging him away from his home. Helen of Troy redirects here. ... See List of King Priams children Statue of Paris in the British Museum This article is about the prince of Troy. ... For other uses of Troy or Ilion, see Troy (disambiguation) and Ilion (disambiguation). ... Menelaus regains Helen, detail of an Attic red-figure crater, ca. ... The fall of Troy, by Johann Georg Trautmann (1713–1769). ... In Greek mythology, Palamedes was the son of Nauplius and Clymene. ... This article is about a character in Greek mythology. ... Slaughter of the suitors by Odysseus and Telemachus, Campanian red-figure bell-krater, ca. ...

Odysseus and other envoys of Agamemnon travelled to Scyros to recruit Achilles because of a prophecy that Troy could not be taken without him. In most accounts, Thetis, Achilles' mother, disguised the youth as a woman to hide him from the recruiters because an oracle had predicted that Achilles would either live a long, uneventful life or achieve everlasting glory while dying young. Odysseus cleverly discovered which of the women before him was Achilles when the youth stepped forward to examine an array of weapons (some accounts say that Odysseus arranged for the sounding of a battle horn, which prompted Achilles to clutch a weapon). Skyros (Greek: Σκύρος) is the southernmost island of the Sporades, a Greek archipelago in the Aegean Sea. ... For other uses, see Achilles (disambiguation). ... This article is about the Greek sea nymph. ... This article is about prophetic oracles in various cultures. ...

Just before the war began, Odysseus accompanied Menelaus and Palamedes in an attempt to negotiate Helen's peaceful return. Menelaus made unpersuasive emotional arguments, but Odysseus' arguments very nearly persuaded the Trojan court to hand Helen over.

During the Trojan War

Main article: Iliad

Odysseus was one of the main Achaean leaders in the Trojan War. The others were "godlike" Achilles, Agamemnon "lord of men", Menelaus, Nestor, Telamonian Ajax and Ajax the Lesser, Diomedes and Teucer the master archer. title page of the Rihel edition of ca. ... This article is about the ancient people of the Achaeans. ... For other uses, see Achilles (disambiguation). ... This article is about a character in Greek mythology. ... Menelaus regains Helen, detail of an Attic red-figure crater, ca. ... In Greek mythology, Nestor of Gerênia (Greek: Νέστωρ) was the son of Neleus and Chloris, and the King of Pylos. ... Ajax Ajax or Aias (ancient Greek: ) was a mythological Greek hero, the son of Telamon and Periboea and king of Salamis. ... Ajax (Greek: Αἴας), a Greek hero, son of Oïleus the king of Locris, called the lesser or Locrian Ajax, to distinguish him from Ajax, son of Telamon. ... Diomēdēs or Diomed (Gk:Διομήδης - God-like cunning or advised by Zeus) is a hero in Greek mythology, mostly known for his participation in the Trojan War. ... In Greek mythology Teucer, also Teucrus or Teucris from Greek Τεύκρος, was the son of King Telamon of Salamis and his second wife Hesione, daughter of King Laomedon of Troy. ...

When the Achaean ships reached the beach of Troy, no one would jump ashore, since there was an oracle that the first Achaean to jump on Trojan soil would die. Odysseus tossed his shield on the shore and jumped on his shield. He was followed by Protesilaus, who jumped on Trojan soil and later became the first to die. This article is about prophetic oracles in various cultures. ... In Greek mythology, Protesilaus was the son of Iphicles and the leader of the Phylaceans. ...

Odysseus never forgave Palamedes for unmasking his madness ruse, leading him to frame Palamedes as a traitor. At one point, Odysseus convinced a Trojan captive to write a letter pretending to be from Palamedes, in which a sum of gold was mentioned to have been sent as a reward for Palamedes' treachery. Odysseus then killed the prisoner and hid the gold in Palamedes tent. He caused the letter to be found and received by Agamemnon and also gave hints as to direct the Argives to the gold. This was evidence enough for the Greeks and they had Palamedes stoned to death. Other sources say Odysseus and Diomedes goaded Palamedes to descend a wall with the prospect of treasure being at the bottom. When Palamedes reached the bottom the two then proceeded to bury Palamedes with stones, killing him. In Greek mythology, Palamedes was the son of Nauplius and Clymene. ...

Odysseus was one of the most influential Greek champions during the Trojan War. Along with Nestor and Idomeneus he was one of the most trusted advisers and counsellors. He always championed the Achaean cause and was unwavering in his cause when the king was in question, such as in one instance when Thersites spoke against him. When Agamemnon (to test the morale of the Achaeans) announced his intention to depart Troy, Odysseus restored order to the Greek camp. Later on in the Iliad, after many of the heroes had left the battlefield due to injuries (including Odysseus and Agamemnon), Odysseus once again persuaded Agamemnon not to withdraw. Odysseus, along with two other envoys, was chosen in the failed embassy to try to persuade Achilles to return to combat. The word may have one of the following meanings. ... In Greek mythology, Idomeneus was a Cretan warrior, grandson of Minos. ... In Greek mythology, Thersites, son of Agrius, was a rank-and-file soldier of the Greek army during the Trojan War. ...

When Hector proposed a single combat duel, Odysseus was one of the Danaans who volunteered to battle him (Telamonian Ajax was the volunteer who did fight Hector, though). Odysseus aided Diomedes during the successful night operations in order to kill Rhesus, because it had been foretold that if his horses drank from the Scamander river Troy could not be taken. For other uses, see Hector (disambiguation). ... This article is about the ancient people of the Achaeans. ... In Greek mythology, King Rhesus of Thrace fought for Troy during the Trojan War. ... In Greek mythology, Scamander (Skamandros) was an Oceanid, son of Oceanus and Tethys. ...

After Patroclus had been slain, it was Odysseus who counselled Achilles to let the Achaean men eat and rest, for Achilles, driven by rage, wanted to go back on the offensive - and kill Trojans - immediately. Eventually, Achilles reluctantly consents. For other uses, see Achilles (disambiguation). ... This article is about the ancient people of the Achaeans. ... For other uses, see Achilles (disambiguation). ...

During the funeral games for Patroclus, Odysseus becomes involved in a wrestling match with Telamonian Ajax, as well as a foot race. With the help of Athena, who favors him, and despite Apollo helping another of the competitors, he wins the race and manages to draw the wrestling match, to the surprise of all. A cup depicting Achilles bandaging Patroklos arm, by the Sosias Painter. ... Ajax Ajax or Aias (ancient Greek: ) was a mythological Greek hero, the son of Telamon and Periboea and king of Salamis. ... This is the Greek name of the capital of the Hellenic Republic (Greece). ... For other uses, see Apollo (disambiguation). ...

When Achilles was slain in battle, it was Odysseus and Telamonian Ajax who successfully retrieved the fallen warriors' body and armour in the thick of heavy fighting. During the funeral games for Achilles, once again Odysseus competed with Telamonian Ajax in funeral games. Thetis said that the arms of Achilles would go to the bravest of the Greeks, only these two warriors dared to lay claim to that title. The two Argives then got in a heavy dispute about each other's merits to receive the reward. The Greeks feared to decide a winner, for they did not want one of the heroes insulted and abandoning the war effort, so Nestor suggested that they allow the captive Trojans decide the winner. Some accounts say a secret vote was held by the Greeks to decide the winner. In either case, Odysseus was the winner and Ajax was defeated. Enraged and humiliated, Ajax killed himself by the sword Hector had given him after being driven mad by Athena to protect Odysseus from his vengeance. The word may have one of the following meanings. ...

Together with Diomedes, Odysseus went to fetch Achilles' son, Pyrrhus, to come to the aid of the Achaeans, because an oracle stated that Troy could not be taken without him. Pyrrhus was a great warrior and was named Neoptolemus (Greek: "new hero"). Upon the success of the mission Odysseus gave Neoptolemus the armaments of his father.

Later on, it was learned that the war could not be won without the poison arrows of Heracles, which were owned by the abandoned Philoctetes. Odysseus and Diomedes (or, according to some accounts, Odysseus and Neoptolemus) went out to retrieve them. In any event, upon their arrival Philoctetes (still suffering from the wound) was still very angry with the Danaans, especially Odysseus, for abandoning him. While his first instinct was to shoot Odysseus when they arrived to retrieve him, Philoctetes' anger was eventually diffused due to Odysseus' persuasive powers and the influence of the gods. Odysseus returned with Philoctetes and his arrows to the Argive camp. Alcides redirects here. ... In Greek mythology, Philoctetes (also Philoktêtês or Philocthetes, Φιλοκτήτης) was the son of King Poeas of Meliboea in Thessaly. ... Neoptolemus killing Priam In Greek mythology, Neoptolemus, also Neoptólemos or Pyrrhus, was the son of the warrior Achilles and the princess Deidamea. ... This article is about the ancient people of the Achaeans. ...

Later on in the war, Odysseus captured Priam's son Helenus the prophet. Helenus told the Greeks that Troy could not be taken without the capture of the Palladium, located in the city of Troy. Once again Odysseus and Diomedes went on a mission together to fulfill a prophecy. Some say that Diomedes crawled on Odysseus' shoulders to enter the city and would not let Odysseus up and into the city. When Diomedes returned from stealing the Palladium and met back up with Odysseus, who was infuriated at Diomedes for not letting him up, he thought to kill Diomedes and take credit for himself and stepped behind Diomedes in order to stab him with his sword. Diomedes caught the glint of the sword in the moonlight and spun around and disarmed the Ithacan king, and proceeded to drive Odysseus back to the Argive camp with the flat of his sword. Another account of the stealing of the Palladium states that both Odysseus and Diomedes entered the city together. King Priam killed by Neoptolemus, son of Achilles, detail of an Attic red-figure amphora In Greek mythology, Priam (Greek Πρίαμος, Priamos) was the king of Troy during the Trojan War, and youngest son of Laomedon. ... Helenus was a Trojan soldier in the Trojan War. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Palladion. ...

Some myths state that Odysseus in the disguise of a beggar covered in rags and blood entered the Trojan city secretly and alone. He was recognized by no one except for Helen and Hecuba, questioned by them, and allowed to return to the Greek camp unharmed. This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

The Trojan Horse, the famous stratagem, was devised by Odysseus. It was built by Epeius and filled with Greek warriors led by Odysseus. Before hand, Odysseus made Menelaus swear to give him whatever he asked after they had taken Troy. Menelaus agreed. When the Horse was brought inside Troy, Odysseus and Menelaus descended from it and went directly to Prince Deiphobos' house, where they engaged in a most ferocious battle (although some accounts say it was Odysseus who fought him and Menelaus came to find the dead body). Ultimately, Deiphobos, who was then the leading son of Priam and Helen's third husband, was killed. Menelaus was also about to kill Helen for leaving him but Odysseus took advantage of the promise earlier and made Menelaus swear not to kill her. For other uses, see Trojan Horse (disambiguation). ... Epeus redirects here. ... In Greek mythology, Deiphobus was a son of Priam and Hecuba. ...

In Euripedes' "The Trojan Women", it is Odysseus who convinces the other Argives to kill Hector's young son, so he has no chance to avenge his city.

Odysseus has traditionally been viewed as a contrast to Achilles in the Iliad – while Achilles’ anger is all-consuming and of a self-destructive nature, Odysseus is frequently viewed as a man of the mean, world-renown for his self-restraint and diplomatic skills. Yet Professor Adele Haft, in her essay Odysseus’ Wrath and Grief in the “Iliad,” observes that there might be more to Odysseus’ nature than initially appears on the surface. Haft makes several interesting observations that raise questions about the traditional approach to Odysseus’ character. Haft notes that Odysseus is the only other character besides Achilles to receive a verbal reprimand from Agamemnon^[8], and Haft notes that there are repeated suggests that Agamemnon and Odysseus’ relationship is strained – for instance, it is never Agamemnon, but rather Nestor, who selects Odysseus for every mission he goes on in the Iliad. Haft explains Odysseus’ displays of wrath, as well as his strained relationship with Agamemnon, as indicators that Odysseus will ultimately be responsible for the sacking of Troy. For example, Haft points to the death of Democoon in Book IV as a as a prime example of the consequences of Odysseus’ anger. Democoon’s death results in a massive reduction of Trojan morale as well as a retreat. Haft goes on to suggest that Democoon’s death, in conjunction with the death of Simoeisius, suggests the destruction of Troy.^[9]

Journey home to Ithaca

Main article: Odyssey

This article is about Homers epic poem. ...

The Ciconians

After Odysseus and his men depart from Troy, they are greeted by friendly and calm waters, the ship nears land and Eurylochus, convincing Odysseus that the gods were on their side, told him to go ashore and loot the nearby city. The city was not at all protected, and all of the inhabitants fled without a fight into the nearby mountains. Odysseus and his men looted the city and robbed it of all its goods. Odysseus wisely told the men to board the ships quickly, but they refused, ate dinner and fell asleep on the beach. The next morning, the Ciconians (also known as the Cicones), allies of Troy and great warriors, returned with their fierce kinsmen from the mountains. Odysseus and his men fled to the ships as fast as they could, but "six benches were left empty in every ship" (Odyssey. Book IX. line 64). Odysseus, however, had spared Maron, a priest of Apollo, who gives him twelve jars of wine which would be later used against the cyclops. In Greek mythology, Eurylochus, or Eurýlokhos appears in Homers Odyssey as second-in-command of Odysseus ship during the return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. ... The Cicones or Ciconians (Greek Κίκονες) were a Thracian tribe, whose stronghold in the time of Odysseus was the city of Ismara (or Ismarus), located at the foot of mount Ismara, on the south coast of Thrace. ...

The Lotus-Eaters

When Odysseus and his men landed on the island of the Lotus-Eaters, Odysseus sent out a scouting party of three or so men who ate the lotus with the natives. This caused them to fall asleep and stop caring about even going home, and desire only to eat the lotus. Odysseus went after the scouting party, and dragged them back to the ship against their will. Odysseus set sail, with the drugged soldiers tied to the rudder benches to prevent them from swimming back to the island. Lotus-eaters beckon Odysseus and his men In Greek mythology, the Lotophagi (lotus-eaters) were a race of people from an island near Northern Africa dominated by lotus plants. ... Binomial name Ziziphus zizyphus (L.) H. Karst. ...

Polyphemus

Odysseus offering wine to the Cyclops

A scouting party led by Odysseus and his friend Misenus, lands in the territory of the Cyclops and ventures upon a large cave. They enter the cave and proceed to feast on the livestock such as sheep they find there. Unknown to them, the cave is the dwelling of Polyphemus, a one-eyed giant who soon returns. Polyphemus refuses hospitality to his uninvited guests and traps them in the cave by blocking the entrance with a boulder that could not be moved by mortal men. He then proceeds to eat a pair of the men each day, but Odysseus devises a cunning plan for escape. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1670x2540, 2109 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Odysseus Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1670x2540, 2109 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Odysseus Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create... In Greek mythology, there were two people called Misenus. ... This page is about the mythical creature. ... For the collection of short stories by Michael Shea, see Polyphemus (book). ...

To make Polyphemus unwary, Odysseus gives him a bowl of strong, unwatered wine that was given to them by Maron, the priest of Apollo. When Polyphemus asks for his name, Odysseus tells him that it is "Nobody". (Οὔτις, "Nobody", is also a short form of his own name). In appreciation for the wine, Polyphemus offers to return the favour by eating him last. Once the giant falls asleep, Odysseus and his men turn an olive tree branch into a giant spear, which they had previously prepared while Polyphemus was out of the cave shepherding his flocks, and blind Polyphemus. Hearing Polyphemus' cries, other Cyclopes come to his cave and ask what is wrong. Polyphemus replies "Οὖτίς με κτείνει δόλῳ οὐδὲ βίηφιν." ("Nobody is killing me either by treachery or brute violence!"). The other Cyclopes leave him alone, thinking that his outbursts must be madness or the gods' doing.

In the morning, Polyphemus rolls back the boulder to let the sheep out to graze. Now blind, Polyphemus cannot see the men, but feels the tops of his sheep to make sure the men are not riding them, and spreads his arm at the entrance of the cave. Odysseus and his men escape, however, having tied themselves to the undersides of three sheep each. Once Odysseus and his men are out, they load the sheep on board their ship and set sail.

As Odysseus and his men are sailing away, he reveals his true identity to Polyphemus. Enraged, Polyphemus tries to hit the ship with boulders, but because he is blind, he misses (although the rocks get close to the ship). When the ship appears to be getting away at last, Polyphemus raises his arms to his father, Poseidon, and asks him to not allow Odysseus to go back home to Ithaca, and if he does, he must arrive back alone, his crew dead and in a stranger's ship.

This event is the setting for the only surviving complete satyr play, Cyclops by Euripides. This version contains a more humorous version of the story by including the cowardly satyrs. Papposilenus playing the crotals, theatrical type of the satyr play, Louvre Satyr plays were an ancient Greek form of tragicomedy, similar to the modern-day burlesque style. ... The Cyclops is an Ancient Greek satyr play by Euripides, the only complete satyr play that has survived. ... A statue of Euripides. ... Satyrs (Satyri) in Greek mythology are half-man half-beast nature spirits that haunted the woods and mountains, companions of Pan and Dionysus. ...

According to Virgil's Aeneid, Achaemenides was one of Odysseus' crew who stayed on Sicily with Polyphemus until Aeneas arrived and took him with him. Here, Virgil is probably trying to interweave his tale as much as possible with Homer's already ancient, great work, especially as Achaemenides has nothing to do with the story at all and is in fact never mentioned again. For other uses, see Virgil (disambiguation). ... Aeneas flees burning Troy, Federico Barocci, 1598 Galleria Borghese, Rome The Aeneid (IPA English pronunciation: ; in Latin Aeneis, pronounced — the title is Greek in form: genitive case Aeneidos) is a Latin epic written by Virgil in the 1st century BC (between 29 and 19 BC) that tells the legendary story... In Greek mythology, Achaemenides was one of Odysseus crew who stayed on Sicily with Polyphemus until Aeneas arrived and took him with him. ... Sicily ( in Italian and Sicilian) is an autonomous region of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, with an area of 25,708 km² (9,926 sq. ... For the collection of short stories by Michael Shea, see Polyphemus (book). ... Aeneas flees burning Troy, Federico Barocci, 1598. ...

Aeolus

Odysseus stopped at Aeolia, home of Aeolus, the favoured mortal of the gods who received the power of controlling the winds. Aeolus gave Odysseus and his crew hospitality for a month in return for Odysseus telling interesting stories. Aeolus also provided a bag filled with all the winds but the one to lead him home. Odysseus' crew members suspected that treasure was in the bag (due to Odysseus guarding the bag for the entire voyage home without a wink of sleep). A couple of the men decided to open it as soon as Odysseus fell asleep - just before their home was reached. They were blown back to Aeolia by a violent storm emerging from the sack of wind, whereupon Aeolus refused to provide any more help because he realized Odysseus was cursed by the gods. Odysseus had to start his journey from Aeolia to Ithaca over again; he was heartbroken, but hid his feelings from his crew. Aeolia may mean: Another name for Aeolis in Anatolia. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

The Laestrygonians

They came to Telepylos, the stronghold of Lamos, king of the Laestrygonians. Odysseus's ships entered a harbor surrounded by steep cliffs, with a single entrance between two headlands. The captains took their ships inside and made them fast close to one another, where it was dead calm. Odysseus kept his own ship outside the harbour, moored to a rock. He climbed a high rock to reconnoiter, but could see nothing but some smoke rising from the ground. He sent two of his company with an attendant to investigate the inhabitants. Telepylos (or Telepylus) is the mythological city of the Laestrygonians. ... Lamos (or Lamus) was a mythological ruler of the Laestrygonians, who were encountered by Odysseus and his company during their travels. ... The Laestrygonians (or Laestrygones, Laistrygones, Laistrygonians, Lestrygonians) were a tribe of giant cannibals from ancient Greek mythological times. ...

The men followed a road and eventually met a young woman, who said she was a daughter of Antiphates, the king, and directed them to his house. However, when they got there they found a gigantic woman, the wife of Antiphates who promptly called her husband, who immediately left the assembly of the people and upon arrival snatched up one of the men and started to eat him. The other two men ran away, but Antiphates raised a hue-and-cry, so that they were pursued by thousands of Laestrygonians, giants, not men. They threw vast rocks from the cliffs, smashing the ships, and speared the men like fish. In Greek mythology, Ant phat s was King of the Laestrogynes. ...

Odysseus made his escape with his single ship due to the fact that it was not trapped in the harbour; the rest of his company was lost. The surviving crew went next to the island of Circe.

Circe

The next stop was Aeaea, the island of Circe the enchantress, where Odysseus sent a scouting party ahead of the rest of the group. She invited the scouting party to a feast, the food laced with one of her magical potions to make them sleep, and she then changed all the men into pigs with a wand after they ate the food. Only Eurylochus, suspecting treachery from the outset, escaped by hiding, to warn Odysseus and the others who had stayed behind at the ships. In Greek mythology, Aeaea (sometimes Aiaia) was the home of the sorcerer Joesph. ... Circe, a painting by John William Waterhouse. ... In Greek mythology, Eurylochus, or Eurýlokhos appears in Homers Odyssey as second-in-command of Odysseus ship during the return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. ...

Odysseus set out to rescue his men, but was intercepted and told by Hermes to procure some of the herb moly to protect him from the same fate. When her magic failed she fell in love with Odysseus and she offered to sleep with him. Odysseus demanded that she first turn his crew back into humans; this she did, and Odysseus obliged, remaining with Circe for a year. Odysseus eventually left Aeaea at the insistence of his crew; Circe also agreed with his men, and gave him advice about the remainder of the journey homewards. During the preparation for departure, Odysseus' youngest crewman, Elpenor fell from a roof and died. For other uses, see Hermes (disambiguation). ... 1. ... In Greek mythology, Elpenor was a good friend of Odysseus. ...

Circe subsequently bore Odysseus a son, Telegonus, who eventually brought about his death. In Greek mythology, Telegonus (born afar) was the youngest son of Circe and Odysseus. ...

Journey to the Underworld

Odysseus wanted to talk with Tiresias, so he and his men journeyed to the River Acheron in Hades, where they performed sacrifices which allowed them to speak to the dead. Odysseus sacrificed a ram and the dead spirits were attracted to the blood. Odysseus held them at bay and demanded to speak with Tiresias, who told him how to pass by Helios' cattle and the whirlpool Charybdis. Tiresias also tells Odysseus that after he returns to Ithaca, he must take a well-made oar and walk inland with it to parts where no one mixes sea salt with their food, until someone asks him why he carries a winnowing fan. At that place, he was to fix the oar in the ground and make a sacrifice to appease Poseidon. He also told Odysseus that, after all that was done, that he would die an old man, "full of years and peace of mind", that his death would come from the sea and that his life would ebb away very gently. (Some read this as meaning that his death would come away from the sea.) Everes redirects here. ... Acheron river near the village of Glyki. ... Hades, Greek god of the underworld, enthroned, with his bird-headed staff, on a red-figure Apulian vase made in the 4th century BC. For other uses, see Hades (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Helios (disambiguation). ... In Greek mythology, Charybdis, or Kharybdis (sucker down, Greek Χάρυβδις), is a sea monster, daughter of Poseidon and Gaia, who swallows huge amounts of water three times a day and then belches it back out again. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... The Winnowing Oar appears in the epic of Odysseus. ...

He also meets Achilles, who tells Odysseus that he would rather be a slave on earth than the king of the dead; Agamemnon; and his mother. The soul of Ajax, still resentful of Odysseus over the matter of Achilles's armor, refuses to speak, despite the latter's pleas of regret. For other uses, see Achilles (disambiguation). ...

Odysseus also meets his comrade, Elpenor, who tells him of the manner of his death and begs him to give him an honorable burial.

The Sirens

Odysseus and the Sirens by John William Waterhouse

Circe warned Odysseus of the dangers of these singing creatures who pulled men to their death. She advised him to avoid hearing the song but that if he really felt he had to hear, then he should be tied to the mast. His men should have their ears stopped with beeswax and be ordered not to heed his screams. Odysseus, moved by curiosity and worried that no one would be able to guide the ship, twisted the words and told the men that Circe had told him that he had to listen to the song. He obeyed her instructions and listened to the song while he was tied to the mast. As he sailed by the Sirens, he noted that they had the most beautiful voices he had ever heard. He became crazed and attempted to throw himself into the water to go to the Sirens. He broke his rawhide bonds, and was started to jump, but two of his strongest men bound him with chains. He could not break these. When he saw the Sirens however, he was horrified, because their appearance could not have been more different than their voices. They were horrendous half women, half vulture Harpies, and for a minute, he was so horrified that he could ignore their voices. When he closed his eyes, however, their song overpowered him again, so he forced his eyes to remain open. But Odysseus's men could not hear the Sirens, so at the sight of them, became so horrified that they rowed faster than ever, ignoring Odysseus' struggling and screaming. Finally, they rowed past the dangerous Sirens and could hear them no longer. This episode shows Odysseus's curious nature and his determination to lead his ship effectively. In Greek mythology, the Sirens or Seirenes (Greek Σειρῆνας) were sea nymphs who lived on an island called Sirenum scopuli which was surrounded by cliffs and rocks. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1296x641, 198 KB) John William Waterhouse (1849-1917), Ulysses and the Sirens (1891). ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1296x641, 198 KB) John William Waterhouse (1849-1917), Ulysses and the Sirens (1891). ... John William Waterhouse. ...

Scylla and Charybdis

Odysseus was told by Tiresias that he would have a choice of two paths home. One was the Wandering Rocks, where either all make it through or all die and which had been passed only by Jason with the help of Zeus, but he chooses the second path. On one side was a whirlpool, called Charybdis, which would sink the ship. However, on the other side of the strait was a monster called Scylla, daughter of Crataeis with six heads who would seize and eat six men. Fusslis Romance painting of Odysseus facing the choice between Scylla and Charybdis. ... Everes redirects here. ... In Greek mythology, the Symplegades were a pair of rocks at the Hellespont that clashed together randomly. ... This article is about the hero from Greek mythology. ... This article is about the water movement. ... In Greek mythology, Charybdis, or Kharybdis (sucker down, Greek Χάρυβδις), is a sea monster, daughter of Poseidon and Gaia, who swallows huge amounts of water three times a day and then belches it back out again. ... Three of Scyllas heads as portrayed in The Odyssey (1997) TV miniseries; the film depicts each head striking with snake-like speed and accuracy and devouring men whole. ... In Greek mythology, Crataeis was a nymph. ...

The advice was to sail close to Scylla and lose six men but not to fight, lest he lose more men. However, he did not dare tell his crew of the sacrifice, or they would have cowered below and not rowed and everyone would have ended up in Charybdis. Six men died, and Odysseus announced that the desperate cries of the wretched betrayed men were the worst thing he had ever known. Undoubtedly, this affected morale and left the survivors feeling mutinous.

The Cattle of Helios

Finally, Odysseus and his surviving crew approached an island, Thrinacia, sacred to Helios, where he kept sacred cattle. Odysseus had been warned by Tiresias and Circe not to touch these cattle. Odysseus told his men that they would not be landing on the island. Eurylochus argued that the men were mourning, refused to travel by night and then threatened mutiny. Outnumbered, Odysseus gave in. The men were trapped by adverse winds on the island and, after their food stores had run out,and they began to get hungry. Odysseus went inland to pray for help and fell asleep. In his absence Eurylochus reasoned to the men that they might as well eat the cattle and be killed by the gods rather than die of starvation; and claims that they would offer sacrifices and treasure to the gods to appease them if they managed back alive to Ithaca. Thus they slaughtered oxen. The guardians of the island, Helios' daughters, Lampetia and Phaethusa, told their father. Helios complained to Zeus and said that he would take the sun down to Hades if justice was not done. Zeus destroyed the ship with a thunderbolt and all the men died except for Odysseus. Odysseus was swept past Scylla and Charybdis whom he luckily escaped and was washed up on Calypso's island. Thrinicia, mentioned in Homers Odyssey, is the island home of Helios cattle, is said to have been Sicily since the name Thrinicia implies an island connected to the number 3 and Sicily has three corners. ... For other uses, see Helios (disambiguation). ... Everes redirects here. ... Circe, a painting by John William Waterhouse. ... In Greek mythology, Eurylochus, or Eurýlokhos appears in Homers Odyssey as second-in-command of Odysseus ship during the return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. ... In Greek mythology, Eurylochus, or Eurýlokhos appears in Homers Odyssey as second-in-command of Odysseus ship during the return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. ... In Greek mythology, Lampetia (shining) was the daughter of Helios and Neaera; she was the personification of light. ... In Greek mythology, Phaethusa, or Phaetusa (radiance) was a daughter of Helios and Neaera, the personification of the brilliant, blinding rays of the sun. ... Hades, Greek god of the underworld, enthroned, with his bird-headed staff, on a red-figure Apulian vase made in the 4th century BC. For other uses, see Hades (disambiguation). ...

Odysseus and Nausicaä by Charles Gleyre.

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1152x781, 181 KB)Odysseus and Nausicaä - by Charles Gleyre - from Project Gutenberg eText 13725 - http://www. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1152x781, 181 KB)Odysseus and Nausicaä - by Charles Gleyre - from Project Gutenberg eText 13725 - http://www. ... Odysseus and Nausicaä - by Charles Gleyre In Greek mythology, Nausicaa, (also Náusikaa or Nausicaä) was a daughter of King Alcinous of the Phaeaceans. ... Categories: Stub | 1806 births | 1874 deaths | Swiss painters | Natives of Vaud ...

Calypso and the Phaeacians

Odysseus was washed ashore on Ogygia, where the nymph Calypso, daughter of Atlas lived. She made him her lover for seven years and would not let him leave, promising him immortality if he stayed. As a result, Odysseus was strongly attracted to her by night yet wept by the shore for his home and family by day. On behalf of Athena, Zeus intervened and sent Hermes to tell Calypso to let Odysseus go. Odysseus left on a small raft furnished with provisions of water, wine and food by Calypso, only to be hit by a storm launched by his old enemy Poseidon and washed up on the island of Scheria and found by Nausicaa, daughter of King Alcinous and Queen Arete of the Phaeacians, who entertained him well and escorted him to Ithaca. While upon Scheria, the bard sings a song of the Trojan war. As Odysseus was at Troy and longed to return to his home, he wept at the song. Alcinous, realizing this decided to press Odysseus for his true identity. Ogygia was believed to have been an island in the Mediterranean that sank following a huge and powerful earthquake, which shook the area before the bronze age. ... Now hes left to pine on an island, wracked with grief (Odyssey V): Calypso and Odysseus, by Arnold Böcklin, 1883 Calypso (Greek: Καλυψώ, I will conceal, also transliterated as Kalypsó or Kālypsō), was a naiad, daughter of Atlas who lived on the island of Gozo in Greek mythology. ... Lee Lawries colossal bronze Atlas, Rockefeller Center, New York For the Transformers character see King Atlas (Transformers). ... This is the Greek name of the capital of the Hellenic Republic (Greece). ... For other uses, see Zeus (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Hermes (disambiguation). ... Nausicaa takes Odysseus to the palace Σχερία (Scheria, Skhería) or Phaeacia was a phantom island mentioned in the Greek mythology and literature as the homeland of the Phaeacians and the last destination of Odysseus before coming back home to Ithaca. ... Odysseus and Nausicaä — by Charles Gleyre In ancient Greek literature, Nausicaa (often rendered Nausicaä; Greek: Ναυσικάα[1]), burner of ships, a daughter of King Alcinous (Alkínoös) of the Phaeacians and Queen Arete, appears in Homers Odyssey (Odysseía). ... In Greek mythology, Alcinous (sometimes with the diacritical mark Alcinoüs; also transliterated as Alkínoös) was a son of Nausithous and father of Nausicaa and Laodamas with Arete. ... In Greek mythology, Queen Arete of Scheria was a queen of the Phaeacians, wife of Alcinous and mother of Nausicaa and Laodamas. ... In Greek mythology, Scheria, Skhería, or Phaeacia, is an island, the land of the Phaeacians. ...

It is here that we get the actual story of Odysseus' trip from Troy to Scheria taking up books nine to twelve of the epic. After the recital, the Phaecians offer Odysseus passage home, with all of the hoardings he obtained on the way and the gifts the Phaecians themselves had bestowed upon him (showing xenia, the idea of guest friendship). King Alcinous provided one fast Phæacian, ship that soon^[10] carried Odysseus home to Ithaca. However, Poseidon, upon seeing Odysseus return home, was furious and intended to cast a ring of mountains around Scheria so they could never sail again. This naturally would have been damaging to the Phaecians, as they were seafarers. Zeus, however, managed to persuade Poseidon not to do this. Instead, he turned the ship which carried Odysseus home to stone. Xenia is a city in Greene County, Ohio, near Dayton. ... In Greek mythology, Alcinous (sometimes with the diacritical mark Alcinoüs; also transliterated as Alkínoös) was a son of Nausithous and father of Nausicaa and Laodamas with Arete. ... In Greek mythology, Scheria, Skhería, or Phaeacia, is an island, the land of the Phaeacians. ... For other places or objects named Ithaca, see Ithaca (disambiguation). ...

Odysseus reaches Ithaca

In Ithaca, Penelope was having difficulties. Her husband had been gone for twenty years, and she did not know for sure whether he was alive or dead. She was beset with numerous men who thought that a (fairly) young widow and queen of a small but tidy kingdom was a great prize: they pestered her to declare Odysseus dead and choose a new husband from among them. Meanwhile, these suitors hung around the palace, ate her food, drank her wine, and consorted with several of her maidservants. Penelope was despondent by her husband's long absence and especially the mystery about his fate. He could come home at any time — or never. Temporizing, she fended them off for years, using stalling tactics that were wearing thin. Meanwhile, Odysseus' mother, Anticlea, had died of grief; and his father, Laërtes, was nearly so. In Greek mythology, Anticlea, (Ἀντίκλεια), was the daughter of Autolycus and Amphithea, and mother of Odysseus or Ulysses by Laërtes (though some say by Sisyphus). ... For the Shakespearean character, see Laertes (Hamlet). ...

Odysseus arrived alone. Upon landing, he was disguised as an old man or a beggar by Athena, and was welcomed by his old swineherd, Eumaeus, who did not recognize him but still treated him well. Odysseus' faithful dog Argos was the first to recognize him in his rags; he had waited twenty years to see his master. Aged and decrepit, he did his best to wag his tail, but Odysseus did not want to be found out, and had to maintain his cover, so the weary dog died in peace. The first human to recognize him was his old wet nurse, Euryclea, who knew him well enough to see through the rags, recognizing him by an old scar on his leg received when hunting boar with Autolycus's sons. Odysseus's son Telemachus didn't see through the disguise, but Odysseus revealed his identity to him. This is the Greek name of the capital of the Hellenic Republic (Greece). ... In a draw in a mountainous region, a shepherd guides a flock of about 20 sheep amidst scrub and olive trees. ... In Greek mythology, Eumaeus, or Eumaios, was Odysseus swineherd and friend before he left for the Trojan War. ... In Greek mythology, Argos was Odysseus faithful dog. ... A wet nurse is a woman who nurses a baby not her own. ... Odysseus and Euryclea, by Christian Gottlob Heyne In Greek mythology, Euryclea, or Eurýkleia was the wet-nurse of Odysseus. ... Slaughter of the suitors by Odysseus and Telemachus, Campanian red-figure bell-krater, ca. ...

Odysseus learned that Penelope had remained faithful to him. She pretended to weave a burial shroud for Odysseus' father, Laërtes, and claimed she would choose one suitor when she finished. Every day she wove a length of shroud, and every night she unwove the same length of shroud, until one day a maid of hers betrayed this secret to the suitors and they demanded that she finally choose one of them to be her new husband. When Odysseus arrived to his house, disguised as a beggar, he sat in the hall and observed the suitors, and was repeatedly humiliated by them. For the Shakespearean character, see Laertes (Hamlet). ...

Still in his disguise, Odysseus went to Penelope and told her that he had met Odysseus and told a tale of how Odysseus was a brave solider and bragged about himself. Penelope, still unknowing of this beggar's identity, started to cry in hearing of her husband. Penelope went to the suitors and said whoever can string Odysseus' bow and shoot an arrow through 12 axe-handles, would marry her. This was to Odysseus' advantage, as only he could string his own bow. (It is believed that Odysseus' bow was a composite bow, requiring great skill and leverage to string, rather than mere brute strength.) Penelope then announced what Odysseus had said.

The suitors each tried to string the bow, but in vain. Odysseus then took the bow, strung it, lined up twelve axe-handles, and shot an arrow through all twelve. Athena then took off his disguise and, with the help of his son Telemachus, a cattleherd, and Eumaeus, the swineherd, Odysseus killed all. Antinous is the first of the suitors to be killed, being slain by an arrow to the throat by Odysseus in the Great Hall while drinking. At first, Odysseus shot as many as he could with his bow, but when out of arrows he reached for spears. Caught by surprise and unarmed by Telemachus, the suitors were easy prey, but later on during the conflict they started arming themselves. This, however, did not save their lives. In Greek mythology, Eumaeus, or Eumaios, was Odysseus swineherd and friend before he left for the Trojan War. ...

When all the suitors were killed, the goatherd Melanthius, who had provided the suitors with arms but had been strung up by Eumaeus, was taken into the courtyard where his nose, ears, hands and feet were cut off, and his genitals pulled out and fed to the dogs. Telemachus hung the female servants who were availing themselves to the suitors. Melanthius was a noted Greek painter of the 4th century BC. He belonged to the school of Sicyon, which was noted for fine drawing. ...

Penelope, still not quite sure that the beggar was indeed her husband, tested him. She ordered her maid to make up Odysseus' bed and move it from their bedchamber into the hall outside his room. Odysseus was initially furious when he heard this because one of the bed posts was made from a living olive tree - he himself had designed it this way, and thus it could not be moved unless done by a god; he told her this, and since only Odysseus and Penelope knew this, Penelope accepted