Odysseus Reflection Paper

The beginning of the story takes place after the Trojan War. All of the Greek gods have returned home besides Odysseus. He was the only survivor of the Trojan War but now he has been taken captive by the nymph. Calypso has falling in love with him and won’t let him leave. But while this is happening his wife Penelope is watching his kingdom in Ithaca. Athena goes to her father Zeus and begs him to allow Odysseus to come home. She goes to Ithaca to talk to Telemachus. Athena believes that Odysseus is alive and tries to convince him to stand up and find more information about his father. By the 9th book Odysseus identifies himself and starts talking about his journey. He and his men sail to Ismarus. They then terminate the city. They kill the

He eats some of his men and traps the rest for his future meals. By the next day Odysseus comes up with a plan to get Polyphemus drunk so he can attack. He gets him drunk with wine from the ship and as he falls with intoxication he stabs him in the eye with a wooden stick and they escape. After escaping Polyphemus, Odysseus and him men head towards the home of Aeolus god of the winds. They were greeted warmly, taken care of and they stayed there for a month. Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag containing all of the winds that might send them in the wrong direction. He tells him that only the West Wind can bring them to Ithaca. After sailing for 10 days, they are so close to home they can see it. Odysseus goes to sleep and his men open the bag that Aeolus gave him thinking that there was going to be gold and treasures in there. When they open it they are automatically sent back to Aeolus’ land and he refuses to help them anymore. Now they must row their way to the land of cannibalistic giants, Laestrygonians. The giants suddenly attack and eat some of his men. The remaining men and Odysseus run towards the ship. He and his men then travel to Aeaea, the home of a beautiful yet dangerous

Athena disguised as a shepherd meets Odysseus. She disguises him as an old beggar so he can gain information without being recognized. He meets Eumaeus and is pleased with his kindness. As Eumaeus asks him questions, Odysseus has to lie. In book 21 it starts off with Penelope announcing the contest getting a bow that is Odysseus’s. Telemachus tries to string the bow but ends up failing. Odysseus meets with Eumaeus and Philoetius outside. He makes sure of their loyalty and reveals his true identity and they support his plan. When they go back, Antinous suggests that the contest should be held for the next day. Odysseus asks if he can give the bow a try. He easily strings the weapon and fires an arrow straight to the axes. He and Telemachus go against the suitors together. Before anyone notices what is happening, Odysseus fires an arrow straight to Antinous’ throat. Everyone is confused and he finally reveals himself. Eurymachus tries to talk his way out of the situation and tries convincing him that Antinous was the bad one. Odysseus rips through Eurymachus ' chest and liver with an