THE ODYSSEY

The Odyssey

The Odyssey: Chapter Summaries

Book 1: Athene Visits Telemachus

In the beginning Odysseus has spent many long years, yearning for home, on the isle of Ogygia where he is held prisoner by the Nymph Calypso. That being said, the gods on Olympia take pity on his aching heart and wish for his return to Ithaca, that is all but one, the god Poseidon, who begrudges Odysseus for maiming his Cyclops Polyphemus. However the goddess Athene grows tired of Odysseus' imprisonment and urges the Father of Gods, Zeus to release him.

While talking with Telemachus, Athene inspires a new hope in him of his father's survival and of his possible return to Ithaca. She also confirms in him the shameful actions of the suitors and his own fault in allowing them to have the run of his house ultimately convincing him to throw them out after her departure. Before leaving, Athene gives Telemachus two tasks in which he must complete to be sure of his father's return.

Odysseus is left with the feeling that he has been visited by a god and he takes the advice given immediately to heart. This leaves the suitors in surprise when Telemachus tells them all that they must leave that night.

Book 2: The Debate in Ithaca

Telemachus begins by calling all of the Achaeans to Assembly where he proceeds to declare that his estate is being misused in his father's absence and that he no longer wishes for the Suitors to be present. Upon this declaration Telemachus also invokes the wrath of the gods to any who choose to linger still in his home and further destroy his livelihood.

Outraged, the Suitors retort that it is actually Penelope's fault for their nightly gathering, since it is she, they claim, who encourages their presence. In the eyes of the Suitors, Penelope is highly deceptive because fooled them all for three years by promising that after finishing a shroud for the great Laertes, she would take a husband all the while unraveling her daily progress so that the shroud would never be completed.

All the while Athene, disguised as Telemachus, procures the best ship in Ithaca with a good crew and before the night is over, puts all of the Suitors into a drowsy state and sends them all back to their houses. After, Athene returns to Odysseus, again as Mentor, and leads him to the ship where he finds the crew waiting on the beach. That night the ship took sail and the crew poured libations to the gods, most especially to Athene (Ahl & Roisman, 1996).

Book 3: Telemachus with Nestorbn

Upon landing in Pylos, the crew of the ship was welcomed by a large party of sailors all burning offerings to the god Poseidon and was invited to join in the feasting. Out of respect Nestor handed the glass of suppliant wine first to Athene who, with all her influence, prayed to Poseidon, asking for glory to be bestowed on Nestor and his kin, ...