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