In chapter one of the Odyssey, Athena (a.k.a. Minerva), the Greek goddess of wisdom, takes the form of Mentor, Odysseus’s friend. Disguised, she persuades Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, to become a man and search for news of his father, who has not been heard of for 17 years.
Odysseus, king of Ithaca and Greek military leader, fought in the Trojan War (modern Turkey) for 10 years. While trying to return home, he was shipwrecked and trapped on an island for 7 years by an immortal woman named Calypso.
Many would have given up, but not Odysseus. He is intelligent, inventive, and temperate. He desires to return to his wife, son, and kingdom, and for these, he suffers a lot of difficulties.
Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, and Telemachus endure difficulties, too. Evil suitors devour their food and property, hoping Penelope will marry one of them.
Chapter one introduces the reader to this famous epic poem’s plots and main characters.
Recommended translations:
Emily Wilson’s poetic translation
Samual Butler’s prose translation
Guide:
Leland Ryken’s Homer’s The Odyssey
Leave a reply. Keep it clean.