Books 1–4 of Odyssey (Exposition)

Main thing

Books 1-4 of the Odyssey introduce Odysseus as the epic's central character, a hero facing numerous conflicts as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. Though Odysseus himself is absent in these opening books, his presence looms large as his family and homeland deal with the repercussions of his long absence. The poet invokes the Muse and reveals that Odysseus is being held captive by the nymph Calypso. On Mount Olympus, Athena pleads with Zeus to help Odysseus, and Zeus sends Hermes to order Calypso to release him. Meanwhile, in Ithaca, Odysseus' son Telemachus emerges as a key character who must mature and assert himself against the unruly suitors vying for his mother Penelope's hand in marriage. With Athena's guidance, Telemachus sets out on a journey to find news of his father, visiting Nestor in Pylos and Menelaus in Sparta. Penelope herself is presented as a faithful wife using her wits to keep the suitors at bay. The gods, particularly Athena, play a crucial role in setting events in motion to bring about Odysseus' return.

Terms

• Odyssey - an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, telling the story of Odysseus' journey home after the Trojan War. Example: The Odyssey is one of the foundational works of Western literature.

• Trojan War - a legendary conflict between the city of Troy and a coalition of Greek forces, which forms the backdrop for the events of the Odyssey. Example: Odysseus played a crucial role in the Greeks' victory in the Trojan War through his cunning strategies.

• Athena - the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts in Greek mythology, who serves as Odysseus' patron and ally throughout the Odyssey. Example: Athena disguises herself as Mentor to guide and protect Telemachus on his journey.

• Zeus - the king of the gods in Greek mythology, who ultimately decides to help Odysseus return home. Example: Zeus sends Hermes to order Calypso to release Odysseus from captivity.

• Hermes - the messenger god in Greek mythology, tasked by Zeus to deliver the order for Odysseus' release. Example: Hermes is sent to Calypso's island to ensure Odysseus can begin his journey home.

• Calypso - a nymph who holds Odysseus captive on her island, Ogygia, for seven years. Example: Calypso is forced to release Odysseus when Hermes delivers Zeus' command.

• Nestor - the wise king of Pylos, who provides Telemachus with information about his father's journey after the Trojan War. Example: Telemachus visits Nestor to gather news of Odysseus' whereabouts.

• Menelaus - the king of Sparta and Odysseus' former comrade-in-arms, who offers Telemachus hospitality and news of his father. Example: Menelaus tells Telemachus about Odysseus' encounter with the seer Proteus in Egypt.

• Telemachus - Odysseus' son, who grows from a helpless youth into a young man determined to protect his father's household. Example: Telemachus confronts the suitors in the assembly and sets out to find news of his father.

• Penelope - Odysseus' faithful wife, who cleverly fends off the suitors' advances for many years. Example: Penelope devises a ruse of weaving and unweaving a burial shroud to delay choosing a new husband.

An analogy

The situation in Ithaca is like a garden overrun with weeds in the absence of its caretaker. Just as the weeds choke out the flowers and vegetables, threatening to destroy the garden's beauty and productivity, the suitors' presence disrupts the proper order of Odysseus' household and endangers his family's well-being. Telemachus and Penelope are like tender shoots struggling to survive amid the chaos, waiting for Odysseus to return and restore balance, just as the garden awaits the caretaker's nurturing hand.

A main misconception

Many readers believe that the Odyssey is solely focused on Odysseus' journey, but the first four books demonstrate that the epic is equally concerned with the struggles of his family and the impact of his absence on his homeland. The "Telemachy" establishes the conflicts and characters that will drive the story forward, even before Odysseus himself appears.

The history

1. 8th century BCE: The Odyssey is composed by Homer, drawing on a rich oral tradition of storytelling.

2. 6th-5th centuries BCE: The Odyssey is performed at religious festivals and public gatherings, becoming an integral part of ancient Greek culture.

3. 3rd century BCE: The Alexandrian scholars create the first critical editions of the Odyssey, dividing it into 24 books.

4. 15th century CE: The first printed version of the Odyssey in Greek is produced in Florence, marking a new era in the epic's transmission.

"Homer has taught all other poets the art of telling lies skillfully." - Aristotle, the renowned Greek philosopher and scholar, emphasizing the enduring influence and craftsmanship of Homer's epics.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. When facing a challenging situation that requires patience and resourcefulness, draw inspiration from Penelope's clever tactics in fending off the suitors. Adapt to circumstances and find creative solutions to maintain control.

2. If you feel overwhelmed by external pressures or expectations, remember Telemachus' journey towards self-assertion and independence. Believe in your ability to grow, learn, and take action to protect what matters most to you.

3. When separated from loved ones or feeling disconnected from your goals, think of Odysseus' unwavering determination to return home despite the obstacles in his path. Stay focused on your ultimate objectives and trust that your efforts will eventually lead you back to where you belong.

Interesting facts

• The Odyssey is composed of 12,109 lines of dactylic hexameter verse, divided into 24 books.

• In ancient Greece, the Odyssey was likely performed by rhapsodes, professional reciters who chanted the epic to the accompaniment of a lyre.

• The Odyssey is set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, which is believed to have taken place around the 12th or 13th century BCE.

• The name "Odysseus" is related to the Greek verb "odyssomai," meaning "to suffer" or "to be grieved," foreshadowing the hero's arduous journey.

• The first four books of the Odyssey, known as the "Telemachy," were sometimes treated as a separate work in antiquity.