The Characters of The Odyssey
Odysseus
As the king of Ithaca, Odysseus is a multi-faceted character — a spouse to Penelope, a father to Telemachus, and a heroic leader during the Trojan War. His journey of returning home is laden with trials and tribulations, painting him as a deeply flawed hero throughout the narrative.
Telemachus
Odysseus’s son, Telemachus, spends his formative years witnessing the decline of his household due to the suitors’ presence and their persistent harassment of his mother, Penelope. Under the guidance of Athena, he transforms from a timid boy into a confident young man prepared to reclaim his family’s honor.
Penelope
Penelope, the devoted wife of Odysseus, epitomizes the virtues of loyalty and patience. While she embodies these traditional feminine qualities, her beauty and talents also play significant roles in maintaining the hope for her husband’s return and preserving their household.
Athena
The goddess of wisdom, Athena shows particular favor towards Odysseus and his son, Telemachus. Her assistance guides Odysseus through his painful experiences, embodying justice and courage as she acts in his favor throughout his arduous journey home.
Zeus
Regarded as the supreme ruler of the gods and the deity of the sky, Zeus oversees divine assemblies and addresses the gods’ grievances. He ultimately punishes Odysseus’s crew for their transgressions, specifically when they consume the sacred cattle of Helios.
Supporting Characters
Mentes
A guise that Athena adopts during her interactions.
Poseidon
As a god of the sea, Poseidon harbors resentment toward Odysseus for blinding his son, Polyphemus the Cyclops. This grudge results in a harrowing and prolonged return for Odysseus.
Laertes
Odysseus’s father, Laertes, languishes in poverty while living on a small farm.
Anticleia
The mother of Odysseus, Anticleia, dies from despair, longing for her son to return.
Eurycleia
The devoted nurse of Odysseus, Eurycleia, is the first to recognize him when he returns home disguised as a beggar.
Calypso
A captivating goddess, Calypso becomes infatuated with Odysseus and holds him captive on her island for seven years.
Circe
This enchanting sorceress from the island Aeaea initially turns Odysseus’s crew into swine but ends up falling in love with Odysseus after he resists her charms.
Antinous
Antinous stands out as the most arrogant and disrespectful suitor, rallying his peers to further schemes against Odysseus. His lack of decorum ultimately leads to his demise at the hands of Odysseus.
Eurymachus
Another of the rude suitors, Eurymachus is characterized by his deceitful nature.
Eumaeus
The steadfast swineherd, Eumaeus, plays a crucial role in assisting Odysseus in his quest to dispatch the suitors.
Nestor
Regarded as the king of Pylos, Nestor serves as a valiant leader during the Trojan War.
Pisistratus
Nestor’s son, who supports his father.
Polycaste
The daughter of Nestor, Polycaste is another member of his family.
Menelaus
As the king of Sparta and brother to Agamemnon, Menelaus played a significant role in the Trojan War.
Helen
Menelaus’s spouse, Helen, is famed for her beauty and her vital contribution to the conflict.
Agamemnon
Brother to Menelaus, Agamemnon is tragically murdered upon returning from the war by his unfaithful wife’s lover.
Aegisthus
The infamous lover of Clytemnestra, Aegisthus plays a pivotal role in Agamemnon’s downfall.
Clytemnestra
Betraying Agamemnon, Clytemnestra’s actions have significant repercussions in the epic narrative.
Proteus
This shape-shifting sea deity possesses knowledge of the future.
Eidothea
Daughter of Proteus, she aids Odysseus.
Medon
He serves as the herald in Odysseus’s court.
Hermes
The swift messenger god, vital in various mythological events.
Achaeans
A term referring broadly to the Greek civilizations involved in the Trojan War.
Phaeacians
These gracious individuals provide Odysseus with safe passage back to Ithaca.
Trojans
The inhabitants of Troy, crucial to the legendary war.
Ino
A goddess who provides assistance to Odysseus in reaching the shores of the Phaeacians.
Alcinous
King of the Phaeacians, Alcinous offers Odysseus warm hospitality and aid.
Arete
The wise and powerful queen of the Phaeacians.
Nausicaa
The daughter of Alcinous, Nausicaa plays a significant role in Odysseus’s experience on the island.
Demodocus
A bard who entertains in Alcinous’s court.
Laodamas
A member of Alcinous’s court.
Broadsea
A court member who challenges Odysseus to participate in athletic competitions.
Achilles
A notable warrior and central figure in the Trojan War narratives.
Ajax
Another formidable warrior participating in the Trojan War.
Ares
The martial god, notable for his relationship with Aphrodite.
Aphrodite
The goddess revered for love, married to Hephaestus.
Hephaestus
The skilled, but crippled god of metallurgy, spurned by Aphrodite.
Helios
The solar deity, known as the owner of the legendary Cattle of the Sun.
Cicones
A community that seeks retribution against Odysseus’s crew.
Lotus Eaters
A group indulging in the narcotic lotus flower, leading to forgetfulness.
Cyclops
These cannibalistic giants inhabit caves and threaten Odysseus’s journey.
Polyphemus
A notable Cyclops and son of Poseidon, he is blinded by Odysseus, igniting the sea god’s wrath.
Laestrygonians
These giant cannibals pose a significant threat to Odysseus’s expedition.
Antiphates
The monarch of the Laestrygonians.
Eurylochus
A disobedient crew member often challenging Odysseus’ commands.
Tiresias
The famed prophet Odysseus consults during his underworld visit.
Elpenor
A crew member who meets his demise after a drunken fall from Circe’s roof.
Sirens
Enchanting beings whose melodies entice sailors to their doom.
Scylla
A monster recognized for her six heads and cruelty.
Charybdis
A fearsome whirlpool creator.
Amphinomus
One of the more honorable suitors.
Melanthius
A disrespectful goatherd aligned with the suitors.
Argos
The aging hound of Odysseus.
Arnaeus (Irus)
A beggar, known for his rudeness, whom Odysseus confronts.
Autolycus
Odysseus’s grandfather, responsible for giving him a notable scar.
Ctesippus
An aggressive and ill-mannered suitor.
Philoetius
The dedicated cowherd who aids Odysseus against the suitors.
Eupithes
Father of Antinous, marked by vengeance.
Amphimedon
One of the suitors, whose fate intertwines with the others.
Halitherses
A seer who foretells the downfall of the suitors yet remains unheeded.
