The Odyssey

The story begins ten years after the end of the Trojan War. Odysseus has not been able to return home due to the wrath of the god Poseidon. The play is structured in 24 cantos and is divided into several main parts:

• Telemachus searching for his father The story begins with Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, trying to find news of his missing father. He visits several kings who fought at Troy with his father, including Nestor and Menelaus.
• Odysseus and Calypso It is revealed that Odysseus is trapped on the island of the nymph Calypso. The gods, at a meeting on Olympus, decide that he must be freed. Hermes is sent to Calypso to order her to let Odysseus go.
• Odysseus’ return and adventures After leaving Calypso’s island, Odysseus sets out on a journey full of mythical adventures. He meets the Cyclops Polyphemus, visits the realm of the dead, encounters mermaids, sails between Scylla and Charybdis and survives many other trials.
• The suitors in Ithaca Meanwhile, in Ithaca, a group of suitors are courting Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, and consuming the resources of her household. Penelope, however, remains faithful to Odysseus and tries to delay her decision to remarry.
• Odysseus’ return to Ithaca Odysseus finally arrives in Ithaca disguised as a beggar. With the help of his son Telemachus, he defeats the suitors and reveals himself to Penelope.