Odysseus vs. Poseidon

The Odyssey

The divine conflict between Odysseus and Poseidon, stemming from the blinding of Polyphemus.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Poseidon's Wrath BeginsPoseidon's Wrath Begins
The Curse Polyphemus's Prayer Polyphemus prays to Poseidon to curse Odysseus. Poseidon hears and becomes Odysseus's enemy. The First Storm Poseidon sends storms that delay Odysseus and cause him to lose ships and men. The Ongoing Grudge Poseidon continues to hinder Odysseus throughout his journey.
The ShipwreckThe Shipwreck
Poseidon's Attack The Storm Poseidon raises a storm that destroys Odysseus's raft. Odysseus nearly drowns. Ino's Help The goddess Ino gives Odysseus a veil that saves him. The Escape Odysseus swims to Scheria, escaping Poseidon's wrath for now.
Poseidon's Revenge on the PhaeaciansPoseidon's Revenge on the Phaeacians
Punishing the Helpers The Ship Turned to Stone Poseidon turns the Phaeacian ship to stone as punishment for helping Odysseus. The Threat Poseidon threatens to bury their city under a mountain, but Zeus advises moderation. The Conflict Resolved Poseidon's anger is somewhat appeased, but he remains hostile to Odysseus.
Final ReconciliationFinal Reconciliation
Appeasing Poseidon Tiresias's Prophecy Tiresias told Odysseus he must make a sacrifice to Poseidon to end his wrath. The Journey Inland Odysseus must carry an oar inland until someone mistakes it for a winnowing fan, then sacrifice to Poseidon. Peace Achieved Odysseus fulfills the prophecy, and Poseidon's anger is finally resolved.
After the blinding of Polyphemus
After leaving Calypso's island
After Odysseus reaches Ithaca
After the slaughter of the suitors