O is for Odysseus


The Greek Poet Homer wrote his epic, and I feel I should write like this...EPIC, because it is indeed an EPIC poem, - The Odyssey, which recounts the tale of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his woeful journey home from the Trojan war. I recall studying this piece in Sixth Form Classical Studies, a jolly long time ago...and it pains me today as it did back then.  If you are looking to provide conflict for your novels, Odysseus EPIC Odyssey is a great place to start.  Please, allow me to be your guide on this journey...

Odysseus, a King, a hero, -weary and homesick embarks on his return journey from the Trojan War, to his homeland, the Island of Ithaca...it takes him 10 years, yes...that's right 10, TEN.  I know, what was Homer thinking really?

So, over the course of 10 years, our beloved King must endure conflict upon conflict...so much drama.

1.  His ships are blown off course by a great storm.
2.  He must resist the sassy singing of Sirens and his men take on a six-headed sea monster.
3.  He must slay the fierce Cyclops Polyphemus.
4.  His dear old Mother dies, heart-broken, waiting for his return.
5.  He is kidnapped by a Witch-Goddess, who has fallen in love with him and keeps him captive on her island for 1 whole year!  I mean, really, how awful for him.
6.  And, in his absence -his beautiful wife, Penelope is pursued by the most unsuitable suitors.  (mon dieu!)
7.  He must return to his land in the disguise of a beggar and fight off the unsuitable suitors.
8.  His wife provides his final test, and it is to do with their marital bed.  Not what you're thinking ladies and gents.  You see, there is a secret only known to our dear hero and his wife, -and that is...well, you may have to read the EPIC poem yourself.

There, you have it, our dear Odysseus, in a nutshell, - so tell me, do your main protagonists have as many issues as he did?


AN: What's that? What's the secret? Well, alright.  The good wife asks if he can move their bed from where it is situated in their room, and he says... 'my dear, you know it cannot be moved, for I carved it myself, from the great olive tree and its roots are in the ground...'  well, something like that.  
Happy Monday all! I am still chasing my tail from last week...much to do this week.  Have a wonderful week.
Talei xox

Comments

catdownunder said…
If I wrote something like that I am quite certain it would be rejected. Fashion has changed - or perhaps children's books should not have so many issues?
Kiernan said…
I love Homer! I wrote about him under "H" in the A to Z challenge. :-)

I've never put that many issues in something that I've written, either. I think our realist tendencies cause us to think it's "too far fetched."

Great post!
Jennifer Shirk said…
No, my goodness, my characters seem like they lead boring lives now! LOL
I love the part when he returns and his old dog, who is the only one to recognize him, wags his tail one last time...before dying. Same story, right?
notesfromnadir said…
Talei,
I appreciate your summary of this book that I admittedly haven't read. I have it, along w/ The Iliad, but just haven't delved into it.

Sure, our characters need lots of issues, but it might not take 10 years to get them solved!
Danette said…
I cannot think of any of the great Epic poems without remembering a recording I heard in college of Oedipus Rex. The reader had a lisp and each time he said the king's name it came out "Oe-diputh Re-kth" We all just cracked up! I can just imagine the same reader trying to say the Odethey of Odytheuth!!! :)
TS Hendrik said…
Poor Homer, writing such an epic poem... Must have really sucked before TV. haha

I read it in school forever ago, but I don't really remember it. Perhaps I should revisit it now that I'm older.
Liz said…
Love the Odyssey. Was a classics minor in college and have always loved Greek and Roman mythology, poetry, theater, etc.
David Macaulay said…
this is brilliant - I struggled to get through yhje Odyssey back in the day, although I'd probably have more luck now. Great summary.
TL Conway said…
This is one of my favorites! I loved reading the Odyssey! Nice little summation made it sound so easy but could you imagine writing a book like that today? :)
that is epic. I can't say my characters have gone through as much.
B's Mom said…
Sadly, I've never read the poem. I will now because I want to know what happened in the marital bed!
Talei said…
Thank you, everyone. Good to others have also studied Homer, an EPIC poet in his time indeed. I loved Classical Studies for introducing me to a many poems and plays.

Thank you for comments too, as of today, I have followed back on everyone's on this post thus far. ;-)

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