The Odyssey: Troy Story II

General Overview

• Sequel to the Iliad
• Chronicles the adventures and misfortunes of Odysseus
• Highlights the theme of divine intervention and human suffering

Key Characters

• Odysseus: Hero of the story, trying to return home post-Troy
• Penelope: Odysseus’ wife, beset by suitors
• Telemachus: Son of Odysseus and Penelope
• Athena: Goddess who aids Odysseus and Telemachus
• Poseidon: Sea god who holds a grudge against Odysseus

Major Plot Points

Odysseus on Calypso's Island

• Odysseus stranded for 7 years with Calypso
• Desires to return to Ithaca to see Penelope and Telemachus

Telemachus’ Journey

• Athena advises Telemachus to find his father
• Visits King Nestor and Menelaus seeking news
• Learns from Menelaus that Odysseus is on Calypso's island
• Returns to Ithaca to find suitors plotting against him

Odysseus' Journey Home

1. Release from Calypso:
   • Zeus orders Calypso to release Odysseus
2. Encounter with Poseidon:
   • Poseidon sends a storm, but Odysseus survives with help from a goddess
3. Arrives at Phaeacia:
   • Athena guides Nausicaa to find Odysseus
   • Odysseus tells his story to the Phaeacians
4. Island Adventures:
   • Lotus-Eaters: Crew becomes enchanted, but Odysseus pulls them away
   • Cyclops Polyphemus: Blinds Cyclops, incurs Poseidon's wrath
   • Aeolian Island: Gains and loses a pouch of wind due to crew's curiosity
   • Laestrygonians: Encounters cannibal giants
   • Circe's Island: Crew turned into pigs, but Odysseus gets help from Hermes
5. Underworld Trip:
   • Consults Tiresias; warned against harming Helios' cattle
6. Return Journey:
   • Encounters Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis
   • Crew defies warning, kills Helios' cattle; Zeus destroys ship
   • Only Odysseus survives, drifts to Calypso’s island

Odysseus' Return to Ithaca

• Phaeacians transport Odysseus home
• Disguised by Athena, plots against suitors
• Reunites with Telemachus, plans revenge

The Suitors

• Penelope's contest with Odysseus' bow
• Odysseus wins contest, reveals identity
• Father-son duo kills the suitors

Conclusion

• Odysseus reunites with Penelope
• Athena ensures peace in Ithaca
• Story ends with the restoration of order and happiness