Odysseus's Homecoming

Odysseus's long and arduous journey from Calypso's island to his return to Ithaca, culminating in his revenge.

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Calypso's Captivity

Odysseus's Captivity on Ogygia The Goddess's Prisoner Odysseus is held captive by the nymph Calypso on the island of Ogygia for seven years. Calypso desires to marry him and offers him immortality, but Odysseus longs for his home and wife. He spends his days weeping on the shore, gazing at the sea. The Gods' Decision Athena pleads with Zeus to free Odysseus. Zeus sends Hermes to command Calypso to release him. Calypso reluctantly agrees and helps Odysseus build a raft. Departure Odysseus sets sail on a raft, but Poseidon, still angry over the blinding of Polyphemus, raises a storm that destroys the raft. Odysseus is saved by the goddess Ino and swims to the shore of Scheria.

Phaeacian Hospitality

Odysseus Among the Phaeacians Nausicaa's Help Odysseus meets Nausicaa, the daughter of King Alcinous, who provides him with clothes and guidance to the palace. He is received with great hospitality by the Phaeacians. The Games and Storytelling At a banquet, Odysseus reveals his identity and recounts his adventures from Troy to Calypso. The Phaeacians are moved and provide him with a ship and treasures. Return to Ithaca The Phaeacian ship carries a sleeping Odysseus to Ithaca, where he is left on the shore with his treasures. Poseidon punishes the Phaeacians by turning their ship to stone.

Arrival in Ithaca

Odysseus Wakes in Ithaca Disorientation Odysseus wakes on the shore of Ithaca but does not recognize his homeland due to a mist sent by Athena. He fears he has been betrayed by the Phaeacians. Athena's Revelation Athena appears to Odysseus in disguise and reveals that he is indeed in Ithaca. She helps him hide his treasures in a cave and devises a plan for him to reclaim his house. Disguise as a Beggar Athena transforms Odysseus into an old beggar so he can approach the suitors unnoticed. She instructs him to go to the swineherd Eumaeus.

Reunion with Telemachus

Father and Son Meet Eumaeus's Hut Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, stays with the loyal swineherd Eumaeus. Telemachus, returning from his journey, visits Eumaeus and is reunited with his father. Recognition Athena restores Odysseus's appearance, and Telemachus recognizes him. They embrace and weep. Odysseus reveals his plan to kill the suitors. Planning the Revenge Odysseus instructs Telemachus to hide the weapons and to act as if nothing has changed. They agree to work together.

The Beggar in the Palace

Odysseus Enters His Own House Insults and Endurance Odysseus, still disguised as a beggar, enters the palace and is mocked and abused by the suitors, especially Antinous and Eurymachus. He endures their insults and even a thrown stool. Meeting Penelope Penelope speaks with the beggar and tells him her dreams and her plan for the bow contest. Odysseus assures her that her husband will return. Signs and Omens Odysseus receives signs from Zeus and a servant that the time for revenge is near.

The Bow Contest

The Trial of the Bow Penelope's Challenge Penelope announces that she will marry the suitor who can string Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axes. The suitors try and fail. Odysseus Strings the Bow Odysseus, still disguised, asks to try. Despite protests, he easily strings the bow and shoots through the axes. Revelation and First Kill Odysseus reveals himself by shooting Antinous. He declares his identity and begins the slaughter.

Slaughter of the Suitors

The Massacre The Battle Odysseus, Telemachus, Eumaeus, and Philoetius fight the suitors. With Athena's help, they kill all the suitors, including Eurymachus and Amphinomus. Punishment of the Disloyal Odysseus orders the execution of the maids who consorted with the suitors and mutilates the goatherd Melanthius. Purification The house is purified with sulfur. Odysseus is reunited with Penelope after she tests him about their bed.

Reconciliation with Ithaca

Peace Restored Visit to Laertes Odysseus visits his aged father Laertes and reveals himself. Laertes recognizes him by the scar and the trees. The Ithacan Uprising The families of the suitors, led by Eupeithes, rise up against Odysseus. Athena, with Zeus's permission, intervenes to stop the fighting. The Covenant Athena, in the form of Mentor, establishes a peace covenant between Odysseus and the Ithacans. Odysseus resumes his rule.

Seventh year of Odysseus's stay on Ogygia

After the shipwreck on Scheria

Morning after the Phaeacian voyage

After Telemachus returns from Pylos

The day before the contest

The day of the contest

Immediately after the bow contest

The day after the slaughter