the odyssey hero's journey quotes

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Odysseus Hero's Journey in Homer's Odyssey

In this activity, activity overview, template and class instructions, more storyboard that activities, this activity is part of many teacher guides.

Related to both plot diagram and types of literary conflict, the "Hero’s Journey" is a recurring pattern of stages that the hero encounters over the course of their stories. Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist, writer, and lecturer, articulated this cycle after researching and reviewing numerous myths and stories from a variety of time periods and regions of the world. He found that they all share fundamental principles. This spawned the Hero’s Journey, also known as the Monomyth. The most fundamental version has 12 steps that the hero faces, while more detailed versions can have up to 17.

Teachers may wish for students to collaborate on this activity which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature. This can help cut down on the time it takes to complete the entire storyboard while also helping students to develop communication, self-management and leadership skills. Teachers can enable collaboration for the assignment and students can either choose their partner(s) or have one chosen for them. It is suggested that since the Hero's Journey storyboard is 12 cells, it is best if completed by students in groups of 2, 3 or 4.

Odysseus Hero's Journey Example

Hero’s journey project examples and more ideas for the odyssey.

Creating a storyboard that illustrates each of Odysseus’ hero’s journey steps is engaging and creative. However, there are lots of other ways for students to show what they have learned about Odysseus’ monomyth! Check out some of our ideas below:

• Using the timeline layout, make a timeline of Odysseus’ epic journey. You don’t need to include the 12 stages of the hero’s journey for this activity, but be sure to include events in chronological order.
• Create a the hero’s journey chart for another character in literature that you have read and compare that journey to Odysseus' journey. Use our blank template as the hero’s journey graphic organizer to help you plan.
• Make a map of Odysseus’ journey.
• Using one of Storyboard That’s board game templates , create a game based on Odysseus’ hero’s journey for your classmates to play! Think about the setting of the story and use that as the theme of your game.
• Using one of Storyboard That’s biography poster templates, create a poster about the story’s hero, Odysseus.

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Use the story of The Odyssey and map it to the narrative structure of the Hero's Journey. This can be done in place of The Odyssey plot diagram.

• Depict and describe how the chosen character's story fits (or does not fit ) into each of the stages of the Hero's Journey.
• Finalize images, edit, and proofread your work.

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-10

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: The Hero's Journey

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric .)

How To Encourage Collaboration in Activities

Establish specific goals and objectives, make diverse teams, organize brainstorming sessions, set roles and responsibilities, offer rewards and incentives, reflect and learn, frequently asked questions about odysseus hero's journey, what is the call to adventure in the odyssey .

In The Odyssey , Odysseus’ call to adventure is that he is called to fight the Trojans by King Menelaus.

How does The Odyssey follow the hero’s journey?

The Odyssey hero’s journey follows the 12 steps perfectly. Odysseus is called to adventure, causing him to leave his hometown, and must conquer many challenges and obstacles during his epic journey. Eventually, he makes his journey home after his supreme ordeal.

What is the hero’s journey in The Odyssey ?

Odysseus’ journey begins when he is called to fight in the Trojan War. He goes through all 12 stages of the hero’s journey during Homer’s incredible tale of adventure.

How does Odysseus escape the cyclops cave?

This was one of the many obstacles that Odysseus’ faced, because the blind Polyphemus felt the backs of all the sheep when they left the cave to make sure the men were not riding on them. To escape and continue his journey back, Odysseus and his men tied themselves underneath the sheep to hide from the cyclops.

Odyssey, The

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30 Best The Odyssey Quotes With Image

1. The power of perseverance : One of the major themes in The Odyssey is the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Odysseus faces numerous obstacles and setbacks on his journey home, but he never gives up. His determination and resilience are key factors in his eventual success.

2. The role of fate and divine intervention: Throughout the book, the gods and goddesses play a significant role in shaping the events and fate of the characters. They intervene in various ways to either help or hinder Odysseus' journey. This highlights the belief in ancient Greek culture that human actions are ultimately subject to the will of the gods.

3. The consequences of pride and hubris: The Odyssey highlights the consequences of excessive pride and hubris. Odysseus' arrogance and pride often result in negative outcomes, such as when he reveals his true name to the Cyclops. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive pride and the importance of humility.

4. The power of storytelling: The Odyssey is known for its complex narrative structure and the use of storytelling as a way to navigate the past. Odysseus himself is a masterful storyteller, weaving tales to captivate both gods and mortals. The book celebrates the power of storytelling as a means of preserving history, passing down wisdom, and connecting individuals across generations.

5. The consequences of disrespecting hospitality: The concept of hospitality, or xenia, is emphasized throughout the book. Odysseus encounters both generous hosts who provide safety and comfort, as well as inhospitable individuals who seek to harm him. The Odyssey emphasizes the importance of respectful guest-host relationships and the dire consequences that can come from dishonoring these customs.

Introduction

5 key lessons from the odyssey, 30 best the odyssey quotes, related quotes.

'The Odyssey' Quotes Explained

"Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns"

• M.A., Classics, Catholic University of Milan
• M.A., Journalism, New York University.
• B.A., Classics, Catholic University of Milan

The Odyssey , an epic poem by Homer, tells the tale of war hero Odysseus and his long journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Odysseus is known for his wit, craft, and cunning, traits he uses to escape danger and eventually return to Ithaca. The quotes that follow contain some of the most important examples of Odysseus' cunning, as well as the importance of other key characters and the significance of poetry and storytelling throughout the text.

Opening Lines

“Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns driven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy. Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds, many pains he suffered, heartsick on the open sea, fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home. But he could not save them from disaster, hard as he strove — the recklessness of their own ways destroyed them all, the blind fools, they devoured the cattle of the Sun and the Sungod wiped from sight the day of their return. Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus, start from where you will —sing for our time too.” (1.1-12)

These opening lines provide a brief synopsis of the plot of the poem. The passage begins with an invocation of the muse and a request for the story of "the man of twists and turns." As readers, we learn that we are about to hear the tale of Odysseus—“the man of twists and turns"—who went on a long, difficult journey and attempted (but failed) to bring his comrades home. 

The unidentified narrator then requests, “Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus, / start from where you will.” Indeed, The Odyssey starts not at the beginning of Odysseus' journey but in the middle of the action: 20 years after his initial departure from Ithaca. By jumping forward and backward in time, Homer provides important details at crucial moments without interrupting the narrative flow.

Odysseus's Request to Demodocus

“Odysseus, master of many exploits, praised the singer: I respect you, Demodocus, more than any man alive — surely the Muse has taught you, Zeus’s daughter, or god Apollo himself. How true to life, all too true . . . you sing the Achaeans’ fate, all they did and suffered, all they soldiered through, as if you were there yourself or heard from one who was. But come now, shift your ground. Sing of the wooden horse. Epeus built with Athena’s help, the cunning trap that good Odysseus brought one day to the heights of Troy, filled with fighting men who laid the city waste. Sing that for me —true to life as it deserves — and I will tell the world at once how freely the Muse gave you the gods’ own gift of song.” (8.544-558)

In these lines, Odysseus asks the blind bard Demodocus to regale him with his own story—the story of the Trojan War. Odysseus praises Demodocus for his skill as a storyteller, which "surely the Muse has taught [him]," and his ability to express powerful, "true to life" emotions and experiences. Later on in this scene, Odysseus himself weeps as he listens to the tale Demodocus tells.

This scene offers insight into the performance of epic poems during Homer's era. Poetry was considered a divine gift, bestowed upon storytellers by the muses and capable of inspiring powerful emotions. At the same time, poetic activity was also considered a type of rote work, as storytellers had vast repertories of tales that listeners could request. These lines convey the power and importance of storytelling in the world of The Odyssey , which is itself one of the most famous epic poems in world literature.

"Nobody"

“So, you ask me the name I’m known by, Cyclops? I will tell you. But you must give me a guest-gift as you’ve promised. Nobody —that’s my name. Nobody — so my mother and father call me, all my friends. But he boomed back at me from his ruthless heart, ‘Nobody? I’ll eat Nobody last of all his friends — I’ll eat the others first! That’s my gift to you!” (9.408-14)

In this scene, Odysseus uses his wit to escape death by telling the cyclops Polyphemus that his name is “nobody." After Polyphemus falls asleep, Odysseus and his comrades stab and blind him. Polyphemus cries for help, shouting that "Nobody's killing me now by fraud and not by force," but the other Cyclopes misunderstand the statement, believing that Polyphemus is not being killed at all.

This scene is representative of Odysseus' characteristic trickery. Unlike other classical heroes who overpower their antagonists through brute force, Odysseus uses wordplay and clever schemes to escape danger. The scene is also significant because it provokes the wrath of Polyphemus' father Poseidon, who serves as Odysseus' primary antagonist for the remainder of his journey.

Athena Reveals Herself

“Any man —any god who met you —would have to be some champion lying cheat to get past you for all-round craft and guile! You terrible man, foxy, ingenious, never tired of twists and tricks — so, not even here, on native soil, would you give up those wily tales that warm the cockles of your heart! Come, enough of this now. We’re both old hands at the arts of intrigue. Here among mortal men you’re far the best at tactics, spinning yarns, and I am famous among the gods for wisdom, cunning wiles, too. Ah, but you never recognized me, did you? Pallas Athena, daughter of Zeus —who always stands beside you, shields you in every exploit: thanks to me the Phaeacians all embraced you warmly. And now I am here once more, to weave a scheme with you and to hide the treasure-trove Phaeacia’s nobles lavished on you then —I willed it, planned it so when you set out for home —and to tell you all the trials you must suffer in your palace...” (13.329-48)

Athena speaks these lines, revealing her identity, after Odysseus has finally returned to the shores of Ithaca. Athena defines herself as Odysseus' helper, ally, and protector; as the goddess presiding over intelligent warfare and the crafts, she is eager to “weave a scheme” in order to get rid of the suitors threatening Odysseus' domain over Ithaca. During the reunion, Athena is full of admiration, categorizing both herself and the cunning Odysseus as “old hands at the arts of intrigue."

Odysseus's Name

“Give the boy the name I tell you now. Just as I have come from afar, creating pain for many — men and women across the good green earth — so let his name be Odysseus... the Son of Pain, a name he’ll earn in full.” (19.460-464)

These lines, spoken by Odysseus' grandfather Autolycus, offer insight into the origins of Odysseus' name. We learn that Autolycus named Odysseus when the hero was an infant. The passage includes another example of word play: the name “Odysseus” is associated with the Greek verb odussomai —to feel anger toward, to rage or hate. True to his own name, Odysseus both causes and experiences pain throughout his travels.

Penelope Issues Her Test

"Strange man, wary Penelope said. “I’m not so proud, so scornful, nor am I overwhelmed by your quick change... You look —how well I know —the way he looked, setting sail from Ithaca years ago aboard the long-oared ship. Come, Eurycleia, move the sturdy bedstead out of our bridal chamber — that room the master built with his own hands, Take it out now, sturdy bed that it is, and spread it deep with fleece, blankets and lustrous throws to keep him warm." (23.192-202)

At this point in the poem, Penelope has already tricked the suitors by weaving and unweaving Laertes’ funeral shroud, as well as by making them compete in a rigged game of bow and arrows that only Odysseus could win. Now, in these lines, Penelope tests her very own husband.

Odysseus has returned to Ithaca, but Penelope does not yet believe that it's really him. As a test, she slyly asks the housekeeper Eurycleia to move their marital bed from her chambers. This is an impossible task, as the bed is built out of an olive tree and cannot be moved, and Odysseus' immediate reaction confirms to Penelope that he is indeed her husband. This final trial proves not only that Odysseus has returned at last, but also that Penelope's cunning equals that of her husband.

• 'The Odyssey' Characters: Descriptions and Significance
• 'The Odyssey' Themes and Literary Devices
• 'The Odyssey' Overview
• 'The Odyssey' Summary
• Scenes in Art Based on the Odyssey
• Summary of Odyssey Book IV
• The Odyssey Book IX - Nekuia, in Which Odysseus Speaks to Ghosts
• Ulysses (Odysseus)
• The Greek Mythological Creature Cyclops
• The Greek God Poseidon, King of the Sea
• 'The Odyssey' Vocabulary
• Polyphemus the Cyclops
• The Life and Work of Homer
• Cannibals in Greek Mythology
• Who Is Who in Greek Legend

The Odyssey

Ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Ah how shameless – the way these mortals blame the gods. From us alone, they say, come all their miseries, yes, but they themselves, with their own reckless ways, compound their pains beyond their proper share.

You should be ashamed yourselves, mortified in the face of neighbors living round about! Fear the gods' wrath – before they wheel in outrage and make these crimes recoil on your heads.

Some of the words you'll find within yourself, the rest some power will inspire you to say. You least of all – I know – were born and reared without the gods' good will.

Outrageous! Look how the gods have changed their minds about Odysseus – while I was off with my Ethiopians. Just look at him there, nearing Phaeacia's shores where he's fated to escape his noose of pain that's held him until now. Still my hopes ride high – I'll give that man his swamping fill of trouble!

Three, four times blessed, my friends-in-arms who died on the plains of Troy those years ago, serving the sons of Atreus to the end. Would to god I'd died there too and met my fate that day …. A hero's funeral then, my glory spread by comrades – now what a wretched death I'm doomed to die!

But here's an unlucky wanderer strayed our way, and we must tend him well. Every stranger and beggar comes from Zeus.

The belly's a shameless dog, there's nothing worse. Always insisting, pressing, it never lets us forget – destroyed as I am, my heart racked with sadness, sick with anguish, still it keeps demanding, ‘Eat, drink!' It blots out all the memory of my pain, commanding, ‘Fill me up!'

The gods don't hand out all their gifts at once, not build and brains and flowing speech to all. One man may fail to impress us with his looks but a god can crown his words with beauty, charm, and men look on with delight when he speaks out. Never faltering, filled with winning self-control, he shines forth at assembly grounds and people gaze at him like a god when he walks through the streets. Another man may look like a deathless one on high but there's not a bit of grace to crown his words.

A bad day for adultery! Slow outstrips the Swift.

Calypso the lustrous goddess tried to hold me back, deep in her arching caverns, craving me for a husband. So did Circe, holding me just as warmly in her halls, the bewitching queen of Aeaea keen to have me too. But they never won the heart inside me, never. So nothing is as sweet as a man's own country.

Since we've chanced on you, we're at your knees in hopes of a warm welcome, even a guest-gift, the sort that hosts give strangers. That's the custom. Respect the gods, my friend. We're suppliants – at your mercy! Zeus of the Strangers guards all guests and suppliants: strangers are sacred – Zeus will avenge their rights!

Even so, you and your crew may still reach home, suffering all the way, if you only have the power to curb their wild desire and curb your own.

I tell you this – bear it in mind, you must – when you reach your homeland steer your ship into port in secret, never out in the open… the time for trusting women's gone forever!

No winning words about death to me , shining Odysseus! By god, I'd rather slave on earth for another man – some dirt-poor tenant farmer who scrapes to keep alive – than rule down here over all the breathless dead.

So stubborn! … Hell-bent again yet again on battle and feats of arms? Can't you bow to the deathless gods themselves? Scylla's no mortal, she's an immortal devastation.

Any man – any god who met you – would have to be some champion lying cheat to get past you for all-round craft and guile! You terrible man, foxy, ingenious, never tired of twists and tricks – so, not even here, on native soil, would you give up those wily tales that warm the cockles of your heart!

Even too much sleep can be a bore. … We two will keep to the shelter here, eat and drink and take some joy in each other's heartbreaking sorrows, sharing each other's memories.

Would I were young as you, to match my spirit now, or I were the son of great Odysseus, or the king himself returned from all his roving – there's still room for hope! Then let some foreigner lop my head off if I failed to march right into Odysseus's royal halls and kill them all. And what if I went down, crushed by their numbers – I, fighting alone? I'd rather die, cut down in my own house than have to look on at their outrage day by day.

Odysseus was torn… Should he wheel with his staff and beat the scoundrel senseless? – or hoist him by the midriff, split his skull on the rocks? He steeled himself instead, his mind in full control.

You know how you can stare at a bard in wonder – trained by the gods to sing and hold men spellbound – how you can long to sit there, listening, all your life when the man begins to sing. So he charmed my heart.

Shame?... How can you hope for any public fame at all? You who disgrace, devour a great man's house and home! Why hang your heads in shame over next to nothing?

Like an expert singer skilled at lyre and song – who strains a string to a new peg with ease, making the pliant sheep-gut fast at either end – so with his virtuoso ease Odysseus strung his mighty bow.

No fear of the gods who rule the skies up there, no fear that men's revenge might arrive someday – now all your necks are in the noose – your doom is sealed!

What good sense resided in your Penelope – how well Icarius's daughter remembered you, Odysseus, the man she married once! The fame of her great virtue will never die. The immortal gods will lift a song for all mankind, a glorious song in praise of self-possessed Penelope.

Now that royal Odysseus has taken his revenge, let both sides seal their pacts that he shall reign for life, and let us purge their memories of the bloody slaughter of their brothers and their sons. Let them be friends, devoted as in the old days. Let peace and wealth come cresting through the land.

27 Important 'The Odyssey' Quotes By Homer

'The Odyssey' is an ancient Greek epic poem written by Homer in the 8th Century BC.

'The Iliad' is followed by the 'The Odyssey'. 'The Odyssey' contains the concluding part of the Trojan war and the story of Odysseus's journey back home.

After the Trojan War, Odysseus spent seven years on the island of the nymph Calypso. He breaks out of the island and journeys homewards.

On his way, he comes across other adventures and dangers caused by the siren, Circe, and Poseidon. The main message of 'The Odyssey' is overcoming the obstacles of the journey of life. Odysseus suffered a lot by losing his men on his voyage, hurting his heart.

Fate is often depicted by the actions of a person in this epic work. As Odysseus blinded Polyphemus, Polyphemus' father, Poseidon, sent storms to Odysseus's ships. 'The Odyssey' is a great piece of work, that even has icon status in literature, for the hero it depicts.

You can hear and feel the suffering of the heart of the characters in this work of literature. The word 'Odyssey' has thus been known as the voyage of a hero.

If you find our content interesting, check out our   'The Iliad' quotes and [ Greek quotes ].

Best Quotes From The 'The Odyssey'

Here you'll find the best Homer quotes, Poseidon quotes in 'The Odyssey' and Poseidon quotes from 'The Odyssey'.

1. "Among mortal men

you’re far the best at tactics, spinning yarns,

and I am famous among the gods for wisdom,

cunning wiles, too."

2. "Outrageous! Look how the gods have changed their minds

about Odysseus – while I was off with my Ethiopians.Just look at him there, nearing Phaeacia's shores

where he's fated to escape his noose of pain

that's held him until now."

3. "From us alone, they say, come all their miseries, yes,

but they themselves, with their own reckless ways,

compound their pains beyond their proper share."

4. "Father Zeus, if you really willed it so—to bring me home over land and sea-lanes, home to native groundafter all the pain you brought me—show me a sign, a good omen voiced by someone awake indoors, another sign, outside, from Zeus himself!"

5. "Nevertheless I long—I pine, all my days—

to travel home and see the dawn of my return."

6. "Fly, dotard fly,

With thy wise dreams, and fables of the sky.

Go prophesy at home, thy sons advise:

Here thou art sage in vain--I better read the skies…"

-Eurymachus.

7. "[In] silence you must bear a world of pain, subject yourself to the cruel abuse of men."

8. "But you, Achilles,

there’s not a man in the world more blest than you—

there never has been, never will be one."

9. "But if you only knew, down deep, what pains

are fated to fill your cup before you reach that shore,

you’d stay right here, preside in our house with me

and be immortal."

10. "But here's an unlucky wanderer strayed our way,

and we must tend him well. Every stranger and beggar

comes from Zeus."

11. Once he hears to his heart's content, sails on, a wiser man.

We know all the pains that the Greeks and Trojans once endured

on the spreading plain of Troy when the gods willed it so—

all that comes to pass on the fertile earth, we know it all!"

- Siren's Song.

'The Odyssey' Book Quotes

Below are some of the most important quotes from 'The Odyssey'.

12. Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns

driven time and again off course, once he had plundered

the hallowed heights of Troy."

13. "My name is Nobody."

- Odysseus.

14. “There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.”

― The Odyssey.

15. "Some of the words you'll find within yourself, the rest some power will inspire you to say. You least of all I know we're born and reared without the gods' good will."

16. "We must see that he comes to no harm on his homeward journey, but when he is once at home he will have to take the luck he was born with, like other people."

-King Alcinous.

17. "O pride of words, and arrogance of mind!

Would'st thou to rise in arms the Greeks advise?

Join all your powers? in arms, ye Greeks, arise!

Yet would your powers in vain our strength oppose."

-Leocritus.

18. "You should be ashamed yourselves,

mortified in the face of neighbors living round about!

Fear the gods' wrath – before they wheel in outrage

and make these crimes recoil on your heads."

-Telemachus.

19. "Of all creatures that breathe and move upon the earth, nothing is bred that is weaker than man."

20. "Mentor, no more--the mournful thought forbear;

For he no more must draw his country's breath,

Already snatch'd by fate, and the black doom of death!"

21. "So, surrender to sleep at last. What a misery, keeping watch through the night, wide awake—you'll soon come up from under all your troubles."

22. "Much have I suffered, labored long and hard by now

in the waves and wars. Add this to the total—bring the trial on!"

23. "Why still awake? The unluckiest man alive! Here is your house, your wife at home, your son, as fine a boy as one could hope to have."

24. "Ah how shameless—the way these mortals blame the gods."

25. "No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus!

By god, I'd rather slave on earth for another man –

some dirt-poor tenant farmer who scrapes to keep alive –

than rule down here over all the breathless dead."

Loyalty Quotes From 'The Odyssey'

Here you may find some of the finest quotes and examples depicting loyalty , even one may inspire you.

26. "All the nobles who rule the islands about... they court me against my will, they lay waste my house... I yearn for Odysseus, always, my heart pines away."

27. "Three whole years

I deceived them blind, seduced them with this scheme."

Here at Kidadl , we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 'The Odyssey' quotes then why not take a look at our [ancient quotes] or ['Achilles' quotes].

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The Hero's Journey in The Odyssey: How Odysseus Transforms the Mythical Landscape

05.14.2023 // By Tome Tailor

The Odyssey, an epic poem by the ancient Greek poet Homer, tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his long and perilous journey home after the fall of Troy. This classic work is a masterpiece of world literature and one of the earliest examples of the hero’s journey archetype. In The Odyssey, Homer not only portrays Odysseus as a heroic, courageous figure, but also as a symbol of resilience and transformation. In this blog post, we will explore how The Odyssey is a prime example of the hero’s journey in literature, and how Odysseus’ character enriches the mythical landscape of the classical Greek world.

The Hero’s Journey in The Odyssey

According to schorlar Joseph Campbell, the hero’s journey is a narrative pattern present in many myths and stories from various cultures around the world. It consists of twelve stages that the hero goes through in their quest for transformation or knowledge. In The Odyssey, Odysseus undertakes this journey, and his experiences transform not only himself but also the mythical world in which he lives.

Here are the twelve stages of the hero’s journey as they appear in The Odyssey:

The Ordinary World : Before his journey, Odysseus is the king of Ithaca and a brave, respected warrior. However, he is also proud and arrogant, traits that lead to the beginning of his troubles on his journey home from Troy.

The Call to Adventure : Odysseus receives the call to adventure when he sets sail to fight in the Trojan War. This act marks the beginning of his journey, thrusting him into a realm of danger and uncertainty.

Refusal of the Call : Unlike many other heroes, Odysseus does not refuse the call to adventure. Instead, his hubris and arrogance lead him to believe he can outsmart the gods and make his journey home without their help or interference.

Meeting with the Mentor : Though Odysseus does not have a singular mentor figure, he encounters various characters throughout his journey who provide him with guidance and assistance, such as the god Hermes, the enchantress Circe, and the blind prophet Tiresias.

Crossing the Threshold : Odysseus crosses the threshold into a new and unknown world when he and his crew become lost at sea and are destined to wander for a decade before returning home.

Tests, Allies, and Enemies : Throughout his journey, Odysseus faces various tests and trials. Some of these include battling the Cyclops Polyphemus, resisting the enchanting Sirens, and escaping the clutches of the sea monster Scylla.

Approach to the Inmost Cave : The inmost cave can be seen as the island of the goddess Calypso, where Odysseus is held captive for seven years. Here, he is forced to confront his deepest fears and desires, ultimately realizing the importance of returning home to his family.

The Ordeal : Odysseus’ ordeal is likely his journey to the Underworld to consult the prophet Tiresias. In this dark, terrifying place, he gains crucial insights about himself and his journey’s purpose.

Reward : After his ordeal, Odysseus receives help from the gods to make his way home. They assist him in overcoming the final challenges that stand in his way, such as Poseidon’s wrath and the suitors who have taken over his palace.

The Road Back : The road back is marked by Odysseus’ return to Ithaca, where he must reclaim his throne and restore order to his kingdom.

The Resurrection : Odysseus is ultimately transformed by his journey, having learned humility, patience, and wisdom. With the help of Athena, he defeats the suitors and reclaims his throne, symbolizing his rebirth as a just and rightful ruler.

Return with the Elixir : As king, Odysseus uses the lessons he has learned on his journey to create a more balanced, harmonious kingdom. He has not only transformed himself but has also altered the mythical landscape of Ithaca.

In The Odyssey, Homer masterfully tells the story of a hero’s journey that transcends time and culture. Through his transformation, Odysseus becomes a symbol of resilience and change. His journey home can serve as an inspiration for readers today, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we too can overcome challenges and grow as individuals.

If you haven’t yet read The Odyssey, consider picking up a copy to experience Odysseus’ transformative journey for yourself. Several translations are available, including the celebrated translations by Robert Fagles View on Amazon and Emily Wilson View on Amazon .

To explore similar works of classical literature, consider checking out the Iliad View on Amazon , also by Homer, which tells the story of the Trojan War and is deeply intertwined with the events of The Odyssey.

If you’re interested in learning more about the hero’s journey, consider reading Joseph Campbell’s seminal work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces View on Amazon , which analyzes the patterns and archetypes found in myths and stories from around the world.

Lastly, if you’re ready to dive into the world of Odysseus, purchase The Odyssey View on Amazon and experience this epic journey for yourself.

Recommended Articles:

• Discover the Epic Tales: In-Depth Guide to The Odyssey by Homer
• 5 Essential Themes in The Odyssey: Uncover the Depth of Homer’s Epic
• Understanding Greek Mythology: The Gods and Heroes of The Odyssey
• 5 Books Like The Odyssey: Epic Stories of Adventure and Self-Discovery
• Women in The Odyssey: The Roles and Influence of Female Characters

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Home — Guides — The Odyssey — Journey of the Odyssey: review and analysis of the plot

Plot summary

• Introduction
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• Odysseus Strengths and Weaknesses
• Hero’s Journey
• Biography of author

The Odyssey: Plot Summary

Table of contents, full book summary, plot summary by chapters.

The Odyssey tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus and his ten-year journey home from the Trojan War.

The poem begins with Odysseus’ son Telemachus, who is living on the island of Ithaca with his mother Penelope and a host of unwelcome suitors who are vying for her hand in marriage. Telemachus is distraught over his father’s absence, and he sets out on a journey to find him. Meanwhile, Odysseus is stranded on the island of Ogygia, where he has been held captive by the nymph Calypso for seven years.

With the help of the goddess Athena, Telemachus travels to Pylos and Sparta, where he seeks advice from the wise king Nestor and the beautiful queen Helen, respectively. Meanwhile, Odysseus is finally released from Calypso’s grasp and begins his journey home. However, he faces many obstacles along the way, including the wrath of Poseidon, who is angry with him for blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus.

Odysseus and his men are also confronted by the sorceress Circe, who turns some of them into pigs, and by the Sirens, whose enchanting songs lure sailors to their deaths. They narrowly avoid disaster when they pass through the narrow straits of Scylla and Charybdis, and they land on the island of Thrinacia, where they are warned not to harm the sacred cattle of the sun god Helios.

However, Odysseus’ men ignore the warning and slaughter the cattle, incurring the wrath of the gods. As punishment, they are shipwrecked and all but Odysseus are killed. He washes up on the island of the nymph Calypso, where he is held captive for seven years.

Eventually, the gods intervene and Hermes is sent to order Calypso to release Odysseus. With the help of the sea god Poseidon, Odysseus builds a raft and sets out to sea. He is shipwrecked again, this time on the island of the Phaeacians, where he is welcomed by the king and queen and tells them his story. They are so moved by his tale that they offer to help him return to Ithaca.

The Phaeacians provide Odysseus with a ship and a crew, and they set sail for Ithaca. However, when they arrive, Odysseus is still disguised as a beggar, and he must devise a plan to defeat the suitors and regain his throne. With the help of his son Telemachus, the goddess Athena, and his loyal swineherd Eumaeus, Odysseus is able to defeat the suitors and reclaim his kingdom.

The Odyssey: Book 1 Summary

Book 1 of The Odyssey opens with the Greek gods in council on Mount Olympus. The goddess Athena, a fierce champion of Odysseus, pleads with Zeus to intervene and free the hero from Calypso’s island. Zeus agrees and sends the messenger god Hermes to order Calypso to release Odysseus. Meanwhile, Odysseus has been stranded on the island for seven years, longing to return to his wife Penelope and their home in Ithaca. The book also introduces Odysseus’ son Telemachus, who is struggling to maintain control of their home while fending off the suitors who are courting his mother. Athena disguises herself as a family friend and visits Telemachus, urging him to find out what happened to his father and to confront the suitors. The book ends with Telemachus setting sail for Pylos to seek information about his father’s fate.

The Odyssey: Book 2 Summary

Book 2 of The Odyssey begins with Telemachus arriving in Pylos and being welcomed by King Nestor. Nestor tells Telemachus of his own experiences in the Trojan War and of the bravery of Odysseus. However, Nestor is unable to offer any information about Odysseus’ whereabouts, and Telemachus sets out for Sparta to visit King Menelaus, another veteran of the Trojan War. Menelaus and his wife Helen give Telemachus a warm welcome and tell him more tales of Odysseus’ bravery. Menelaus also reveals that he has recently seen the prophet Proteus, who informed him that Odysseus is still alive and being held captive by the goddess Calypso. Telemachus is heartened by this news and returns to Ithaca with a renewed sense of purpose. Meanwhile, back in Ithaca, the suitors plot against Telemachus, believing that he is a threat to their plans to win Penelope’s hand in marriage.

The Odyssey: Book 3 Summary

Book 3 of The Odyssey sees Telemachus arriving in Pylos and being welcomed by King Nestor. Nestor tells Telemachus of his own experiences in the Trojan War and of the bravery of Odysseus. However, Nestor is unable to offer any information about Odysseus’ whereabouts, and Telemachus sets out for Sparta to visit King Menelaus, another veteran of the Trojan War. Menelaus and his wife Helen give Telemachus a warm welcome and tell him more tales of Odysseus’ bravery. Menelaus also reveals that he has recently seen the prophet Proteus, who informed him that Odysseus is still alive and being held captive by the goddess Calypso. Telemachus is heartened by this news and returns to Ithaca with a renewed sense of purpose. Meanwhile, back in Ithaca, the suitors plot against Telemachus, believing that he is a threat to their plans to win Penelope’s hand in marriage.

The Odyssey: Book 4 Summary

Book 4 of The Odyssey begins with Telemachus returning to Ithaca and seeking out the help of his father’s loyal friend, the swineherd Eumaeus. Together, they hatch a plan to confront the suitors and restore order to their home. Meanwhile, Athena travels to Sparta to persuade Telemachus to return home. She disguises herself as Mentor, an old friend of Odysseus, and gives Telemachus a warning about the suitors’ plans to ambush him upon his return. She then urges him to return home and take action against the suitors. Telemachus agrees and sets sail for Ithaca. Upon his arrival, he is greeted by Eumaeus, who brings him to the palace to confront the suitors. The book ends with Telemachus meeting with Penelope and reassuring her that he will protect their home and honor his father’s legacy. Meanwhile, Odysseus remains trapped on Calypso’s island, longing to return home to his wife and son.

The Odyssey: Book 5 Summary

Book 5 of The Odyssey begins with Zeus ordering the release of Odysseus from Calypso’s island. The goddess reluctantly agrees and provides Odysseus with the tools and materials he needs to build a raft to escape. As he sets sail, Poseidon, the god of the sea, unleashes a storm that destroys Odysseus’ raft and nearly drowns him. However, the goddess Ino appears to him and gives him a magical veil that will keep him safe in the water. Odysseus manages to swim to the island of the Phaeacians, where he is rescued by the princess Nausicaa and brought to her father’s court. There, he is welcomed and treated as a guest, and he begins to tell the story of his adventures to his hosts.

The Odyssey: Book 6 Summary

Book 6 of The Odyssey continues with Odysseus telling his story to the Phaeacians. He describes his encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus, who nearly kills him and his men before they manage to blind him and escape. He then tells of his encounter with the sorceress Circe, who turns his men into pigs but is ultimately convinced by Odysseus to release them. He also tells of his journey to the underworld, where he speaks with the spirit of the prophet Tiresias and learns of the obstacles he will face on his journey home. The Phaeacians are fascinated by Odysseus’ tales and offer him gifts before sending him on his way. As he sets sail, he is once again guided by the goddess Ino, who helps him safely reach the island of Ithaca. There, he disguises himself as a beggar and seeks out the loyal swineherd Eumaeus, with whom he forms a plan to take on the suitors and reclaim his home.

The Odyssey: Book 7 Summary

Book 7 of The Odyssey begins with Odysseus being welcomed as a guest by the Phaeacians. The king, Alcinous, arranges for a feast and entertainment to honor his guest, including a performance by the blind bard Demodocus. As Odysseus listens to Demodocus’ song, he becomes emotional and reveals his true identity to the Phaeacians, recounting his many adventures and struggles on his journey home. The Phaeacians are moved by Odysseus’ story and offer to help him return home, providing him with a ship and supplies for his journey.

The Odyssey: Book 8 Summary

Book 8 of The Odyssey sees Odysseus departing from the land of the Phaeacians and making his way towards Ithaca. Along the way, he encounters the god Poseidon, who is still angry about Odysseus’ blinding of his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. However, the goddess Athena intervenes and guides Odysseus safely to Ithaca, where he disguises himself as a beggar and seeks out his loyal swineherd Eumaeus. Meanwhile, the suitors continue to plague Penelope and her household, and they plot to ambush and kill Telemachus upon his return to Ithaca. However, the goddess Athena intervenes and sends a sign to Penelope, reassuring her that her son will return safely. The book ends with Odysseus and Eumaeus devising a plan to take on the suitors and reclaim their home.

The Odyssey: Book 9 Summary

Book 9 of The Odyssey sees Odysseus and his men continuing their journey, facing new challenges and obstacles along the way. They land on the island of the Cyclops, where they encounter the giant Polyphemus. Despite Odysseus’ attempts to negotiate with Polyphemus, the Cyclops eats several of his men and traps the rest in his cave. Odysseus devises a plan to blind Polyphemus and escape, which he successfully carries out. However, as they sail away from the island, Odysseus taunts Polyphemus, revealing his true identity and earning the wrath of the Cyclops, who calls upon his father Poseidon to seek revenge.

The Odyssey: Book 10 Summary

Book 10 of The Odyssey sees Odysseus and his men facing new challenges and dangers as they continue their journey. They land on the island of Aeolus, who gives Odysseus a bag of winds to help him sail home. However, his men open the bag, releasing the winds and blowing them off course. They next land on the island of Circe, who turns Odysseus’ men into pigs. With the help of the god Hermes, Odysseus is able to resist Circe’s magic and convince her to release his men. They stay on the island for a year before Circe advises Odysseus to visit the underworld and seek guidance from the prophet Tiresias. There, he speaks with the spirits of several famous figures from Greek mythology, including his mother and Achilles. Tiresias warns him of the dangers he will face on his journey home and advises him to appease the gods with sacrifices upon his return. Odysseus and his men then make their way back to Circe’s island, where they stay for another year before finally setting sail once again.

The Odyssey: Book 11 Summary

Book 11 of The Odyssey sees Odysseus continuing his journey through the underworld, speaking with the spirits of famous figures from Greek mythology. He speaks with the prophet Tiresias, who warns him of the dangers he will face on his journey home and advises him to make sacrifices to the gods upon his return. He also speaks with the spirits of his mother, other famous heroes, and the shade of the Cyclops Polyphemus, who curses him. After leaving the underworld, Odysseus and his crew return to Circe’s island, where they stay for another year. She advises Odysseus to continue his journey, warning him of the dangers ahead. They then make their way to the island of the Sirens, who lure sailors to their deaths with their enchanting songs. Odysseus orders his crew to plug their ears with wax and ties himself to the mast so he can hear the Sirens’ song without being drawn to his death.

The Odyssey: Book 12 Summary

Book 12 of The Odyssey sees Odysseus facing new challenges and obstacles as he continues his journey home. They pass through the strait of Scylla and Charybdis, two dangerous sea monsters that threaten to capsize their ship. Odysseus loses several of his men to Scylla’s six heads, but they manage to escape and continue their journey. They then land on the island of Helios, where Odysseus’ men disobey his orders and kill the sacred cattle of the sun god. This angers Helios, who demands that Zeus punish Odysseus and his men. As they sail away from the island, Zeus sends a thunderbolt to destroy their ship, killing all of Odysseus’ men except for him. He washes up on the island of Calypso, where he is held captive for several years until the goddess Athena intervenes and convinces Zeus to allow him to return home. Hermes delivers the message to Calypso, who reluctantly agrees to release Odysseus and provide him with the materials to build a raft and sail back to Ithaca. The book ends with Odysseus setting sail and facing new challenges and dangers on his journey home.

The Odyssey: Book 13 Summary

Book 13 of The Odyssey begins with Odysseus finally making it back to Ithaca after his long journey. However, he does not reveal his identity to anyone and instead seeks the counsel of the swineherd Eumaeus, who offers him hospitality. Eumaeus tells Odysseus about the suitors who have taken over his palace and are courting his wife Penelope. Meanwhile, Athena disguises herself as a young man and visits Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, in Sparta to encourage him to return home and stand up to the suitors. Telemachus sets sail for Ithaca, and Athena guides him to the swineherd’s hut where he is reunited with his father. Odysseus reveals his true identity to his son, and they begin to plan their revenge against the suitors.

The Odyssey: Book 14 Summary

In Book 14 of The Odyssey, Odysseus disguises himself as a beggar and makes his way into his own palace to assess the situation with the suitors. He is mistreated by the suitors and ignored by his own servants, but his old nurse Eurycleia recognizes him by a scar on his leg. Odysseus threatens her with death if she reveals his identity, and she agrees to keep his secret. He also speaks briefly with Penelope, who is cautious but welcoming to the beggar. The suitors continue their feasting and revelry, and Odysseus begins to plot his revenge with Telemachus. Athena appears to Odysseus in the guise of a servant and urges him to take action against the suitors. Odysseus and Telemachus plan to use the weapons in the storeroom to attack the suitors and regain control of the palace. The book ends with the arrival of a new suitor, who is treated poorly by the others and is insulted by the disguised Odysseus. The stage is set for the confrontation between Odysseus and the suitors.

The Odyssey: Book 15 Summary

In Book 15 of The Odyssey, Athena intervenes to encourage Telemachus to visit the swineherd’s hut and return home to confront the suitors. Telemachus takes Athena’s advice and visits the hut, where he meets his father Odysseus. They discuss their plan to take on the suitors and reclaim the palace. Odysseus reveals his true identity to Eumaeus, who is overjoyed to see his master returned after so many years. The next day, Odysseus and Telemachus travel to the palace and are met by the abusive suitors. They endure insults and violence, but they bide their time, waiting for the right moment to strike back.

The Odyssey: Book 16 Summary

In Book 16 of The Odyssey, Odysseus meets with his loyal swineherd Eumaeus and sends him back to the palace with a message for Penelope. Meanwhile, Telemachus returns to the palace and is greeted warmly by his mother. The suitors are angry that Telemachus has returned, but he stands his ground and warns them to leave his home. Athena appears to Penelope in a dream and encourages her to talk to the beggar in the palace, who is actually Odysseus in disguise. Penelope is hesitant, but she eventually talks to the beggar and is moved by his story of his supposed travels and hardships. She tests the beggar by offering him a place to sleep, and he reveals his knowledge of the palace and the suitors. The next day, Odysseus and Telemachus reveal themselves to the loyal servants in the palace and begin to prepare for the final confrontation with the suitors. Odysseus makes one final journey to the hut of the swineherd Eumaeus to prepare for battle, and Athena once again appears to him, promising victory in the upcoming battle.

The Odyssey: Book 17 Summary

In Book 17 of The Odyssey, Telemachus arrives back at the palace and finds his father, disguised as a beggar, sitting outside. Odysseus reveals his true identity to Telemachus, and they plot together to take revenge on the suitors. Odysseus and Telemachus hide the weapons in a storeroom and await the arrival of the suitors. One of the suitors, Antinous, discovers their plot and confronts them, but Odysseus manages to disarm him with his words. The rest of the suitors arrive and begin to feast, but they are interrupted by the arrival of a bard. Odysseus asks the bard to sing a song of the Trojan War, and the bard obliges, unaware of the underlying tensions in the room. Odysseus secretly signals to Telemachus, who retrieves the weapons from the storeroom. The book ends with the suitors completely unaware of the danger they are in, setting the stage for the upcoming battle.

The Odyssey: Book 18 Summary

In Book 18 of The Odyssey, Odysseus, disguised as the beggar, is insulted and abused by the suitors in the palace. He endures their taunts and violence, biding his time and waiting for the right moment to strike back. Penelope, meanwhile, is also feeling despair, and she prays to Athena for guidance. Athena answers her prayer and sends a divine sign, filling Penelope with renewed hope. The suitors continue their revelry, unaware of the danger that looms. One of the suitors, Irus, challenges Odysseus to a fight, but Odysseus easily overpowers him. The suitors are impressed by Odysseus’ fighting prowess and offer him food and drink, which he accepts. Later that night, the suitors retire to their beds, but Odysseus is unable to sleep, consumed with thoughts of the upcoming battle. Athena appears to him in a dream and reassures him, telling him that victory is certain. The book ends with Odysseus drifting off to sleep, ready to face the suitors and reclaim his home.

The Odyssey: Book 19 Summary

In Book 19 of The Odyssey, Odysseus and Telemachus devise a plan to defeat the suitors. Telemachus hides the weapons while Odysseus speaks with Penelope and the suitors. Penelope presents a challenge for the suitors: whoever can string Odysseus’s bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axe-helve sockets will become her new husband. After the suitors fail to string the bow, Odysseus, still disguised as a beggar, requests to try. He effortlessly strings the bow and shoots an arrow through the sockets. With the help of Telemachus, he kills the suitors and saves his home.

The Odyssey: Book 20 Summary

In Book 20 of The Odyssey, the servant Eurycleia recognizes Odysseus and helps him prepare for battle. She promises not to tell anyone that he has returned. Meanwhile, the suitors are angry that they cannot defeat the beggar who has just defeated them in the archery challenge. They plan to ambush him, but Penelope intervenes and tries to reason with them. They ignore her and continue their plan. However, they are no match for Odysseus, who easily defeats them with the help of Telemachus and a loyal servant.

The Odyssey: Book 21 Summary

In Book 21 of The Odyssey, Penelope announces that she will marry the man who can string Odysseus’s bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axe-helve sockets. She does not know that Odysseus has already done this and that he is in the room disguised as a beggar. After the suitors fail to string the bow, Odysseus requests to try. He effortlessly strings the bow and shoots an arrow through the sockets. With the help of Telemachus, he kills the suitors and saves his home.

The Odyssey: Book 22 Summary

In Book 22, the epic climax of The Odyssey takes place. After stringing his bow with ease and executing all the suitors, Odysseus reveals his identity to his loyal servants, Eumaeus and Philoetius, and orders them to lock the doors of the hall to prevent any of the suitors’ allies from aiding them. He then calls upon his son, Telemachus, to help him take revenge on the treacherous maidservants who had been aiding the suitors. After the massacre, Odysseus reveals himself to the suitors’ families, convincing them that the suitors were the ones who brought their own deaths upon themselves by their own wickedness.

The Odyssey: Book 23 Summary

In Book 23, the story of The Odyssey comes to a conclusion as Odysseus is finally reunited with his wife, Penelope. She is initially wary of him, fearing that he may not be who he claims to be, but he finally convinces her of his identity by revealing a secret detail about their bed. They embrace and recount their tales of the past 20 years. Athena then intervenes and makes peace between the families of the suitors and Odysseus, putting an end to the bloodshed that has plagued Ithaca for so long. Odysseus then sets sail once again, on a journey to make offerings to the gods and to seek further adventures.

The Odyssey: Book 24 Summary

In Book 24, the shades of the suitors visit Hades, where they are met by Achilles, who expresses his disdain for their cowardice and treachery. Meanwhile, on Ithaca, the parents of the suitors mourn for their lost children, while the families of Odysseus and his loyal servants rejoice in their victory. Hermes leads the spirits of the suitors to the Underworld, where they are tormented by the spirits of the dead. The shade of Agamemnon, king of Mycenae and a former ally of Odysseus, offers a warning to the hero about the dangers of trusting women. Finally, Odysseus goes to visit his aged father, Laertes, who has been living in seclusion. After proving his identity to him, they embrace, and Odysseus mourns for all the men he has lost throughout his journey, including his comrades and the suitors.

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Epic Explorations: Teaching the ‘Odyssey’ With The New York Times

By Ryan R. Goble and Elizabeth Wiersum

• March 21, 2019

Homer’s Muse still sings.

His epic tale follows the wily warrior Odysseus as he twists and turns his way back home to the shores of Ithaca after fighting a 10-year war at Troy. As readers everywhere know, the story’s themes of homecoming and hospitality, hubris and humility, suffering and survival continue to resonate across the centuries.

Three recent books show that much remains to be said and discovered about the epic and its relationship to our lives today. In 2017, the first English translation of the “Odyssey” by a woman, the British classicist Emily Wilson , was published to much acclaim , replacing older translations on some high school and college syllabuses. The same year, Daniel Mendelsohn’s memoir, “ An Odyssey: A Father, A Son, and an Epic, ” recounted what happened when his 81-year old father decided to sit in on the author’s seminar on the “Odyssey” at Bard College. And in the spring of 2018, Madeline Miller released “ Circe, ” a novel written from the enchantress’s perspective that expands her story both before and after her affair with Odysseus.

Below, five lesson ideas that draw on Times resources to help students navigate the wine-dark seas and discover how the “Odyssey” might speak to their own lives and the world around them.

Five Teaching Ideas

1. The Hero’s Journey

Daniel Mendelsohn explains in his memoir that the word “odyssey” has three meanings: “voyage,” “journey,” and “travel.” As an epic poem, the ”Odyssey” further prepares us for a long narrative told on a grand scale of time and place, featuring a larger-than-life protagonist who is also Western civilization’s oldest hero. Odysseus, whose very name echoes “odyssey,” is often translated to mean “son of pain.” Taken together the man and his journey seem fated for hardship.

At a time when more than 65 million people around the world are officially displaced from their homes by conflict, violence and persecution — the highest figure recorded by the United Nations since World War II — The Times has chronicled many real-life odysseys in reports of those journeys. Invite students to read articles like “ What Refugees Face on the World’s Deadliest Migration Route ” and “ Desperate Crossin g” to learn more, and to find links to themes and ideas in the “Odyssey.” (For more on teaching with this material, you might also consider some of the questions and activities suggested in this Learning Network lesson plan .)

But epic journeys have also been fodder for comedy. Examples include the cartoonist Roz Chast’s take on the hero’s journey , Brian Gordon’s modern take on the Sirens , Lapham’s Quarterly Odyssey Game (tagline: “lose years, gain strength, return to wife”) and the doughnut-fueled “ Lemon of Troy” episode of “The Simpsons” (Season 6, Episode 24), featuring America’s favorite cartoon dad.

The archetypal hero’s journey takes many forms and is particularly accessible for students through film. Have them read Times reviews of a favorite superhero film, like “ Black Panther ,” “ Wonder Woman ” or “ Iron Man ,” then write their own review explaining how the hero develops. They can do this either using the stages of Joseph Campbell’s hero cycle , or compare the journeys of their chosen protagonist to Odysseus’ journey.

While any Marvel or DC Comics hero should suffice, students can also look to animated films such as “ The Incredibles ” and “ Wall-E ,” dramas like “ The Natural ,” “ Glory ,” “ A Better Life ,” or classic comedies like “ Coming to America ,” “ Goonies ,” “ Back to the Future ” or even “ Some Like It Hot .”

2. On Xenia

Xenia is the Greek concept of hospitality. In the “Odyssey,” it is both a civic responsibility — serving the weary traveler who landed on the shores of one’s front door — and a spiritual duty, for it would always be entirely possible that the weary traveler could end up being a god in disguise.

The Learning Network runs an annual Connections Contest , in which students are invited to link anything they’re studying in school with something in the news. This year, one of the winners , Alex Iyer, a student from San Antonio, linked Homer’s “Odyssey” with the Times piece, “ As Rich Nations Close the Door on Refugees, Uganda Welcomes Them ” and talked about the role of xenia in both. Here is his essay:

In literature, we learned that in Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey,” Homer uses the tribulations of the hero Odysseus to illustrate the Ancient Grecian custom of xenia. This custom focused on extending hospitality to those who found themselves far from home. As Odysseus navigates the treacherous path back to his own home, he encounters both morally upstanding and malevolent individuals. They range from a charitable princess who offers food and clothing, to an evil Cyclops who attempts to murder the hero and his fellow men. In class, we agreed that Homer employs these contrasting characters to exemplify not only proper, but also poor forms of xenia. For the people of its time, the “Odyssey” cemented the idea that xenia was fundamental for good character; resulting in hospitality becoming engrained in the fabric of Ancient Grecian society. I saw a parallel to this in a New York Times article called “As Rich Nations Close the Door on Refugees, Uganda Welcomes Them” published on October 28, 2018. Similar to the prevalent custom of xenia in Ancient Greece, Uganda has made hosting refugees a national policy. The country is now occupied by up to 1.25 million refugees, many of whom are fleeing the violent unrest of South Sudan. The xenia of Homeric times implied a mutually beneficial relationship between host and guest. We see this in Uganda, where villagers share land with South Sudanese refugees. Grateful for this generosity, the refugees gladly help out with farming, carpentry, and even translation. Many Ugandans remember when they themselves had to look to Sudan for sanctuary. During the murderous rampages of Idi Amin and Joseph Kony, the Sudanese provided critical support to Ugandan refugees. These memories are motivating modern-day Ugandans to assist refugees, bringing the world a little closer to what xenia strived for over 2,000 years ago. Uganda and South Sudan are by no means wealthy utopias. However, xenia was never about the rich blindly giving to the poor. It aspired to foster symbiotic relationships of openness and inclusivity that would endure through time. It’s interesting that a quaint Greek ideal from thousands of years ago would find a practical application in Uganda. When Amos Chandiga was asked why he lent two acres of his own land to refugees, he simply responded “They asked me, and I gave it to them.” He then patted his chest and said “It comes from here, in my heart.” Perhaps this can serve as a lesson to Americans, as we grapple with modernizing our own asylum policies. Teaching us that, whether rich or poor, open borders give way to open hearts.

You might challenge students to find more articles in The Times that relate to xenia, the spirit behind welcoming the stranger — pieces like “ Refugees Encounter a Foreign Word: Welcome ,” “ Love Thy Stranger As Thyself, ” “ A Lesson on Immigration From Pablo Neruda ,” “ Texas Pulls Up the Welcome Mat ” and “ Where Companies Welcome Refugees .”

And since school functions as students’ September-through-June “home,” they might then work with their counselors and student government to develop a welcoming committee, mission statement, and a set of resources that would have them sharing their hospitality to all those who make their way to the shores of the school, whether incoming freshmen, transfer students, parents at an open house, or athletes visiting the school for a sporting event or competition. They may also work to propose programs and extracurricular activities to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have a welcome place at the school.

3. Epic Music Playlists

The British author and screenwriter Nick Hornby explained the art of the mixtape his 1995 novel "High Fidelity,” which was later adapted into film . His protagonist, Rob Flemings, explains:

To me, making a tape is like writing a letter — there’s a lot of erasing and rethinking and starting again. A good compilation tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. You’ve got to kick off with a corker, to hold the attention … and then you’ve got to up it a notch, or cool it a notch … and you can’t have two tracks by the same artist side by side, unless you’ve done the whole thing in pairs and … oh, there are loads of rules.

In the digital age, we still use the analog concept of a “mixtape" to talk about digital playlists or a compilation of related songs. (For example, consider the “ Hamilton Mixtape .”) Many of the playlists streamed on Pandora, Spotify and Apple Music are curated by algorithms based on listener data . That said, these services and others like Mixcloud and SoundCloud also celebrate human curation.

The Times has covered many notable playlists. A Vows column explored how songs texted between a Hollywood couple became the Spotify “mixtape” for their Palm Springs wedding; the Food section wrote about a musician who curated a soundscape for a restaurant ; Politics covered a presidential playlist ; and the Arts section featured the playlist one nonfiction writer created to accompany his book on hip-hop. (Meanwhile, this piece in The Guardian covers the playlists that fiction writers like Stephen King create that are inspired by their books’ characters or themes.)

The New York Times Music section shares weekly playlists of notable new music and videos, and they maintain a Spotify profile with playlists related to their criticism and reporting. The Learning Network has even asked students to share their favorite playlists in the past.

Inspired by these, we created a playlist for the “Odyssey,” which focuses on allusions or retellings of Homer’s epic poem.

See what you think, then tell us: What playlist might you make? Your tracks can be informed by a character’s point of view: How would Telemachus’ playlist differ from Athena’s? Would Calypso’s playlist sound anything like Penelope’s? Students might also create a playlist that addresses a theme like courage or deception, or design one that mirrors the plot in some way, as does a movie soundtrack. Whatever songs you think will capture a unique musical point-of-view of Homer’s epic tale, we invite you to share them as a comment on this lesson, or by tagging us on Twitter @NYTimesLearning .

Finally, you might check out the Learning Network lesson plan “ Nine Teaching Ideas for Using Music to Inspire Student Writing ” to find even more ideas for creating playlists related to topics you are studying in class.

4. Here Be Monsters

Monsters are here, there and everywhere in film and literature. Many Times articles have explored monsters as metaphor. Film Critics have written about what movie monsters teach us about our cultures , childhoods or, most recently, how racism ise the monster in director Jordan Peele’s award-winning film “Get Out .”

Literary and historical monsters are also rich sources for discussion. During Odysseus’ journey he encounters a wide range of supernatural creatures, including the Sirens, Cyclops and the Lotus Eaters. He is caught between the famous Scylla and Charybdis and, at Circe’s behest, visits the Underworld. Many of these places and characters can be read as metaphors for large challenges we face in life.

The New York-based nonprofit organization Artolution recently asked students, “What would creatures in a world without violence look like?” Their short film shows elementary students imagining and creating peaceful creatures. We’d like to suggest a Homeric riff on this idea. Ask students, “What type of monsters would a school-aged Odysseus encounter if he were to spend three years in your middle school or four years in your high school?” Students can draw or use a free monster-making app like this one to create their creatures. You might also share Andrew Bell’s ‘Creatures in My Head ’ website for inspiration. Artwork should be accompanied by a creative narrative or poem about their monster and how it was inspired by “The Odyssey.”

5. Lasting Legacies

It is a minor character in the “Odyssey” who develops one of its most vital themes — the importance of one’s legacy.

Elpenor, one of Odysseus’ men, suffers an unremarkable death, meeting his demise when he falls from a rooftop in a drunken stupor. His story becomes poignant when he meets his leader in the Underworld, and begs to be properly buried and remembered. He pleads:

Don’t sail off and desert me, left behind unwept … No, burn me in full armor, all my harness, heap my mound by churning gray surf — a man whose luck ran out — so even men to come will learn my story (11.79 - 85).

Elpenor’s desire for his story to outlive him highlights the human desire to achieve some mark of the immortality reserved for the gods. At The Times, a team of obituary writers does the important work of summing up those legacies, both for the famous and for those less well-known whose lives nonetheless “ put a wrinkle in the social fabric .” The 2016 documentary “ Obit ” follows that team, as you can see in the film’s trailer , embedded above. In it, Margalit Fox, one of the team, suggests that “obits have next to nothing to do with death and in fact absolutely everything to do with the life.”

While Benjamin Franklin and others did write their own epitaphs, students need not imagine their own deaths in order to ponder the legacy they would like to leave behind. Students can read a selection of Times tributes that commemorate those who have made a lasting impression on the world. Recent tributes include reflections on Aretha Franklin , John McCain , Stan Mikita , and Mac Miller , as well as a collection of tributes The Times put together called “ Overlooked ” that celebrate remarkable people, mostly women, who did not receive a Times obituary when they died.

Students can jigsaw those we suggested or choose someone who interests them . In groups, students might then use these learning experience organizers to think about what makes a life well lived. (Organizers for “cartoonist,” “framer” or “lawyer” work nicely here.) After this process students can brainstorm their life goals for school using the WOOP (Wish-Outcome-Obstacle-Plan) goal-writing method . The “Hidden Brain” podcast and related book explain the science behind the method.

Have students imagine that, 25 years after their graduation, they have been chosen to receive the distinguished alumnus or alumna award for their class. What will the nominating committee say about them? How will they describe what they have achieved and the legacy it will leave for their chosen field? Or, if students would rather write about someone else, have them reflect on the legacy of someone they know personally, such as a friend, parent or mentor.

Let students have fun and focus on making meaning of a life well lived for whatever legacy they choose to write. If they would like to muse about their own lives, invite them to contribute comments to a recent Learning Network Student Opinion question, What Legacy Do You Want to Leave Behind? They could also consider making a mixed media collage about their own or someone else’s legacy, as suggested in this lesson plan by the artist and teacher Clara Lieu.

Selected Additional Resources

From Around the Web:

• To give your students a useful summary before reading scenes and excerpts from Homer’s poem, try this resource from The Conversation that describes the story and its themes, as well as its links to films like “ O Brother Where Art Thou? ” and, more loosely, “ 2001: A Space Odyssey ” and “ Paris, Texas .”

• Creative visual retellings include Gareth Hinds’s graphic novel “ The Odyssey ,” Marvel’s comic series from 2008-2009 and the Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Eric Shanower’s multivolume Trojan War series, “ Age of Bronze .” Readers of all ages will benefit from Marcia William’s beautiful and succinct picture book retelling of the “Iliad” and “Odyssey.” And here is a rubric designed by the instructional coach Nessa Slowinski and the English teacher Lauren Schewe, our colleagues at Glenbard West High School , to help students do comic annotations of the “Odyssey,” as modeled by Nick Sousanis ’s comics studies class at San Francisco State University.

• Brandon Bourgeois has been working on a hip-hop version of the “Odyssey” since he was a graduate student in classics, while students at the University of Michigan have made modern interpretations of Homer’s work the subject of “ The Translation Game .” An anthropomorphic take can be found in Gwen Cooper’s “ Homer’s Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned about Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat .”

• If you are teaching the “Odyssey” as part of a humanities course you might explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Resource for Educators: Greek Art from Prehistoric to Classical and the Art Institute of Chicago’s resource packet that puts the African-American experience in dialogue with Homer through the Harlem Renaissance artist Romare Bearden’s collage “The Return of Odysseus (Homage to Pintoricchio and Benin).”

• Poems that consider the “Odyssey” from different angles abound. Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “ Ulysses ” imagines Odysseus years after his return to Ithaca, bored and longing again for adventure. Margaret Atwood’s much-anthologized “ Siren Song ” transfers attention to the half-female half-bird mythical creatures. And Louise Glück ’s 1996 collection, “Meadowlands,” is a poetic exploration of the relationship between Odysseus and Penelope. Teachers might also join a Twitter discussion about poems to teach with the “Odyssey.”

From The New York Times:

1997 Arts Article: All-Nighter With the ‘Odyssey’ Two Stamford High School English teachers gave their freshmen students a challenge: How about spending 17 hours overnight at the school to study nearly 500 pages of Homer’s “Odyssey,” hearing it aloud as the epic poet might have offered the adventures of Odysseus to his hungry listeners 2,700 years ago?

1998 Op-Ed: An Odyssey The children who sit before me saw in Homer’s hero that one person can be both powerful and foolish, equally full of influence and errors. When my students learn to see this in themselves, they will become — at last — good leaders.

2007 Op-Ed: The Odyssey Years There used to be four common life phases: childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. Now, there are at least six: childhood, adolescence, odyssey, adulthood, active retirement and old age. Of the new ones, the least understood is odyssey, the decade of wandering that frequently occurs between adolescence and adulthood.

2008 Science Article: Homecoming of Odysseus May Have Been in Eclipse Two scientists have concluded that the homecoming of Odysseus possibly coincided with a solar eclipse in 1178 B.C.

2008 Book Review: A Long, Strange Trip A British classics professor traces the lengthy shadow Homer’s “Odyssey” casts across Western culture.

2009 Op-Ed: Back From War, but Not Really Home A sense of dislocation has been shared by veterans returning from war since Homer conjured Odysseus’ inauspicious return some 2,800 years ago. ( Related Learning Network lesson plan )

2010 T Magazine Article: Speak Easy | Laura Marling An interview with a musician inspired by The “Odyssey.”

2011 Travel Article: Lost in the Odyssey Inspired by Odysseus, who took 10 years to get to Ithaca from the coast of Turkey, an 11-day journey of epic beauty, hospitality and frustrating ferry schedules.

2011 Video and Article: Odysseus in Socrates Sculpture Park and Odysseus Is Parading Into Queens Using puppets and much imagination, two artists are bringing “The Odyssey” to a riverfront park in Long Island City.

2015 Theater Review: ‘The Odyssey’ Takes a Populist Turn as a Musical Professional actors like Brandon Victor Dixon and amateur entertainers combine to turn this adaptation of Homer’s poem into a vibrant tapestry.

2016 Book Review: ‘Why Homer Matters,’ by Adam Nicolson For the voyager Adam Nicolson, Homer is impossible to understand while sitting behind a desk.

2017 Magazine Article: The First Woman to Translate the ‘Odyssey’ Into English The classicist Emily Wilson has given Homer’s epic a radically contemporary voice.

2017 Science Article: A Grecian Artifact Evokes Tales From the ‘Iliad’ and ‘Odyssey’ An engraved stone with a finely detailed battle scene was found in the grave of a warrior buried about 1450 B.C.

2017: Book Review: A Version of Homer That Dares to Match Him Line for Line Emily Wilson’s landmark translation of the “Odyssey” matches the original’s line count while drawing on a spare, simple and direct idiom.

2018 Book Review: Turning Circe Into a Good Witch In Madeline Miller’s latest adaptation of Greek myth, “Circe,” we encounter a thoughtful and compassionate woman who learns to love unselfishly.

Ryan R. Goble is the Teaching & Learning Coordinator at Glenbard Township High School District 87 Public Schools in Glen Ellyn, IL. and the co-author of Making Curriculum Pop: Developing Literacies across Content Areas .

Elizabeth Wiersum teaches English at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, IL.

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Joseph Campbell & The Hero’s Journey

In 1949, scholar  joseph campbell published his 1st book, the hero with a thousand faces. in this book, campbell introduced us to his theory that myths from around the globe share a fundamental structure, the monomyth ..

C ampbell formulated this theory over 5 years, spending 9 hours a day reading mythology from around the world. The Monomyth structure is divided into 3 events with additional stages in between. The stories of Osiris, Prometheus, Buddha, Moses, Jesus, and many other tales from history use this structure. It has inspired many artists and storytellers, such as, Jim Morrison of The Doors, Bob Dylan, creator of Star Wars George Lucas, Bob Weir, and Jerry Garcia of the band, The Grateful Dead. While countless stories follow this Monomyth structure, we will use the original Star Wars Trilogy as an example for exploring this process.

The Seventeen Stages of the Monomyth

The Cycle of Mythology

Stage 1: Separation

I n the first stage of the hero’s journey, we find our protangonist living life in a typically mundane situation. The  Star Wars , Luke Skywalker lives as a talented yet lowly and pretty damn whiny moisture farmer on Tatooine.

Until…

1. Call to Adventure – By some chance the hero will become aware of information or actions that call for them to go on a quest. The lovable and recently acquired droid R2-D2 plays a holographic message of Princess Leia pleading for Luke’s soon to be mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s assistance.

2. Refusal of the Call – Overwhelmed by the information, the hero refuses the call and makes excuses as to why they cannot answer it. Luke refuses Obi-Wan’s request to join him on his mission, stating that he has responsibilities at home.

Luke’s Supernatural Aid is in the form of a Lightsaber and newfound Knowledge of the Force

3. Supernatural Aid – Once a commitment to the quest is made by the hero, they are provided with a special weapon or power that will assist them along the way. Obi-Wan gifts Luke his fathers lightsaber and explains some Force 101.

4. Crossing the Threshold – The moment when the hero actually embarks upon the journey. After Luke discovers that his family has been murdered and that nothing is left for him at home, he decides to join Obi-Wan on the quest to save Princess Leia, cause that sounds way cooler than hanging at the farm where your entire family was just massacred.

5. Belly of the Whale – The final separation between the hero and their home. Luke and Kenobi bail out from Tatooine with their new bros Han Solo and Chewbacca.

Stage 2: Initiation

The Empire Strikes Back is nothing but a road of trials for our hero, Luke.

6. The Road of Trials – A series of usually 3 trials and tests, the hero often fails one or more of these test. In Luke’s journey the destruction of the Death Star is his first test and one that he passes. His second and third tests do not end so well. While training with Yoda on Dagobah, Luke fails in his truly mastering himself and the force. Thirdly, in the duel between himself and his newly revealed father, Darth Vader, he is defeated, injured, and almost killed.

7. The Meeting with the Goddess – Our hero experiences a love that has the power and significance to that of a mother. Luke begins to have strong feelings for Leia, his unbeknownst sister.

8. Woman as Temptress – The temptation to abandon the journey for material or other gain. Luke is close to being seduced to the dark side as the Emperor feeds his rage against his father and especially with the prospect that if he will not turn, perhaps his sister will.

9. Atonement with the Father – In this stage, the hero must confront and be initiated by whoever holds the ultimate power in their life. Luke battles Darth Vader and once again is on the losing side of the fight. Nearing death from the Emperor’s attacks, Luke begs his father to help save him from certain death.

Anakin & Luke Meet for the 1st Time

10. Apotheosis – The spiritual death and rebirth of the hero. Darth Vader hears his son’s cries for help and returns to the light, deciding to destroy the Emperor in a self sacrificial action. By bringing his father back to the light, Luke has finally become a true jedi.

11. The Ultimate Boon – The stage of achievement of the goal. Luke is a jedi, has defeated the Empire, the dark side, saved his father, and all his friends and family are safe.

12. Refusal of the Return – The hero basking in their newly found bliss, may not want to return to their previous life and share this bliss with his fellow man. Luke does the opposite of this, upon his reunification with his friends, he shares with Leia that they are siblings. He then goes on to train her and new jedi in the ways of the force.

Stage 3: Return

13. The Magic Flight – The daring escape made after obtaining the boon. Luke carries his fathers body onto a transport and flees the Death Star before its complete destruction.

The Millennium Falcon in Magical Flight

14. Rescue from Without – When powerful guides or mentors help bring the hero back to normal life. When Anniken, Obi-Wan, and Yoda appear from the ether to acknowledge Luke and his newfound jedi knighthood.

15. Crossing the Return Threshold – Retaining, integrating, and sharing wisdom learned on the quest. Luke shares his knowledge of the force with future jedi.

16. Master of Two Worlds – The hero has achieved a balance between the material and spiritual world. Luke has sorted all of his family issues, become a man and a jedi.

17. Freedom to Live – By becoming a master of the two worlds, the hero is free from regrets of the past and worries of the future, this leaves them to live in the moment. Luke has resolved all the  conflicts in his life, he is free to live at one with the force.

Each of Us are the Heroes in Our own Journey

The Monomyth is a method of story telling that is innate to humans. Cultures from around the world share it’s structure in their stories. Every human, whether they are aware of it or not, is on their own hero’s journey. By studying Joseph Campbell’s work we can better our own understanding of the tests, trials, and progress along our journey.

About Author

Tamlorn Chase

Tamlorn Chase hails from the coastal town of Santa Barbara, where he works as a wilderness guide, wildlife filmmaker, and environmental activist. Protecting the natural world is his profession and passion.

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