The Odyssey

Where Do We Begin…• Setting:• Odysseus is on Calypso’s Island

• Time:• It picks up 10 years after the fall of Troy, which means he

is 20 years away from home.

Ody’ Not in Da House• The Conflict:• A huge crowd of suitors, who think Odysseus is dead after

20 years, are occupying Odysseus’ house, and they refuse to leave until Penelope (Odysseus’ wife) selects one of them to be her new husband.• They feast and carouse at her and Telemachus’

(Odysseus’ son) expense.

Help From Above• Athena’s Help:• Persuades the gods to allow Odysseus to return home.• Takes the form of a friend of Odysseus from overseas, and

she convinces Telemachus to go in search of his father.

• Hermes’ Help:• At the same time, Hermes (the messenger god) goes to

Calypso’s Island and tells Odysseus that it is time to go home, and he claims this was a message directly from Zeus.

Important Characters Introduced• Odysseus• King of Ithica• Currently on Calypso’s Island

• Penelope• Odysseus’ wife• Has yet to remarry, but is being harassed by suitors

• Telemachus• Odysseus’ son• Sent out by Athena to find Odysseus

• Athena• Goddess who helps Odysseus get home

Our Story Begins…