Key Characters in The Odyssey
Odysseus
The central figure of The Odyssey, Odysseus is a legendary Greek hero who fought valiantly in the Trojan War. Now he faces tremendous challenges in his quest to return to his homeland, Ithaca. He is married to Queen Penelope and is the father of Prince Telemachus. Renowned for his cleverness and resourcefulness, Odysseus is a formidable warrior, though he often relies on his intellect to navigate crises. He enjoys the favor of the goddess Athena, who frequently assists him, while he endures the wrath of Poseidon, who complicates his journey home at every opportunity.
Telemachus
The son of Odysseus, Telemachus was just a baby when his father departed for the Trojan War. Now around twenty years old, he stands as a barrier against the suitors courting his mother. Though he possesses bravery and a good heart, he initially struggles with confidence to confront these suitors. His growth as a character, particularly displayed during his travels to Pylos and Sparta in the early books, forms a significant subplot in the narrative. His journey is also accompanied by the guidance of Athena.
Penelope
As Odysseus’s wife and Telemachus’s mother, Penelope occupies her days in the palace, longing for her husband who has been absent for two decades. Homer depicts her as occasionally whimsical but undeniably intelligent and loyal to Odysseus.
Athena
The daughter of Zeus, Athena embodies wisdom and strategic warfare and is a crucial ally to both Odysseus and Telemachus throughout their adventures. She frequently intervenes on their behalf in divine assemblies on Mount Olympus and often assumes the guise of an old friend to assist Odysseus.
Calypso
Calypso is a captivating nymph who becomes enamored with Odysseus when he lands on her secluded island, Ogygia. She holds him captive for seven years until Hermes persuades her to release him.
Circe
This enchanting witch-goddess transforms Odysseus’s crew into pigs when they land on her island. However, with the aid of Hermes, Odysseus resists her magic, ultimately becoming her lover and living with her in luxury for an entire year.
Poseidon
As the god of the sea, Poseidon serves as both a divine antagonist to Odysseus and a representative of the suitors vying for Penelope’s affection. He harbors a deep-seated resentment towards Odysseus for blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus, and he relentlessly hinders Odysseus’s journey home.
Zeus
The king of gods and mankind, Zeus plays a mediating role in the disputes among the deities on Mount Olympus. He occasionally assists Odysseus, allowing Athena to extend her support as well.
Antinous
Antinous stands out as the proudest of Penelope’s suitors, leading the charge against Telemachus. Unlike others among the suitors, he is portrayed with a lack of sympathy and meets his end first upon Odysseus’s return home.
Eurymachus
A crafty and manipulative suitor, Eurymachus’s charm and treachery enable him to wield significant influence over his fellow suitors.
Amphinomus
Among the various suitors, Amphinomus is distinguished as a decent man who occasionally advocates for Odysseus and Telemachus, yet ultimately shares the grim fate of his peers during the conflict.
Eumaeus
A devoted shepherd, Eumaeus aids Odysseus in reclaiming his kingdom upon his arrival in Ithaca. Unbeknownst to him, he provides warmth and sustenance to Odysseus, who appears as a wanderer.
Eurycleia
The elderly and loyal nurse who cared for both Odysseus and Telemachus in their infancy. Eurycleia understands the intricacies of palace dynamics and acts as a confidante. After recognizing Odysseus by a scar, she keeps his identity hidden from Penelope.
Melanthius
The brother of Melantho, Melanthius is a treacherous goatherd who supports the suitors, particularly Eurymachus. He insults the beggar in Odysseus’s palace, unaware that the man is actually Odysseus.
Melantho
Melanthius’s sister, a maidservant in Odysseus’s palace. Melantho also disdains the beggar, oblivious to his true identity. Her betrayal includes an affair with Eurymachus.
Polyphemus
A Cyclops, Polyphemus captures Odysseus and his crew shortly after they leave Troy, intending to devour them. Through cunning, Odysseus blinds the giant and escapes, incurring Poseidon’s wrath in the process.
Laertes
Odysseus’s aged father, Laertes has fallen into despair during his son’s absence. However, he regains hope and strength with Odysseus’s return, ultimately killing Antinous’s father.
Tiresias
A famed prophet from Thebes who resides in the underworld. Tiresias encounters Odysseus during his sojourn in the underworld, offering crucial guidance on how to reach Ithaca and facilitating communication with other spirits.
Nestor
As the King of Pylos and a veteran of the Trojan War, Nestor is known for his eloquence. Telemachus visits him seeking news of his father, but Nestor has little to share regarding Odysseus’s location.
Menelaus
The King of Sparta and brother of Agamemnon, Menelaus played a key role in the Trojan War. He provides guidance to Telemachus in his search for Odysseus during the latter’s visit.
Helen
Menelaus’s wife and the queen of Sparta, Helen’s abduction incited the Trojan War. Despite her extraordinary beauty, she faces criticism for submitting to her captors, indirectly leading to the deaths of many. She supports Telemachus in his quest to locate his father.
Agamemnon
A former king of Mycenae and commander during the Trojan War, Agamemnon is slain by his wife, Clytemnestra, upon returning home. His story, encountered by Odysseus in the underworld, serves as a dark reflection on the fates of Odysseus and Telemachus.
Achilles
The greatest warrior of Greece who fought alongside Odysseus at Troy. His spirit converses with Odysseus during his venture to the underworld.
Nausicaa
The lovely daughter of King Alcinous and Queen Arete of the Phaeacians; she discovers Odysseus on the beach of Scheria and plays a pivotal role in ensuring his warm welcome at her home.
Alcinous
The ruler of the Phaeacians, who extends hospitality to Odysseus in Scheria. Alcinous hears Odysseus’s lengthy tale of his adventures and offers him a safe return to Ithaca.
Arete
Queen of the Phaeacians, Arete is known for her intelligence and statecraft. Nausicaa advises Odysseus to seek help from Arete when he arrives at their palace.
