Revealing to Penelope (book 23)

Once all other matters were dealt with, there was one thing remaining on my mind. Telling Penelope of my homecoming. However, when Eurykleia went upstairs to bring my wife the great news, she would not believe it, and even when she convinced Penelope to come downstairs, she would not accept it. She sat across the room, and hardly looked at me. Telemekus tried to convince her to speak to her, but I convinced him to give her, her time. Sure enough she came to her senses, and even in her everyday conversation I could sense the tests that were there to make sure that I really was home. When I asked for a bed, she said that she had moved my bed, but that I could sleep on if I so pleased. I blew up in her face for this. There was no way she or any other man could have moved that bed unless a god had come to their assistance for the bed was anchored to the house. This was the final test, and as I questioned her, she threw her arms around me after she realized that no other man would know about the bed. We then took to that bed to rest for the night and share our stories of the past 20 years, during our separation. As much as I wanted to stay with her the following day, I had to go visit my father before he died of grief that I was gone, as my mother had. Telemekus and I then made our way to my fathers in a shield of darkness from Athena. 

Death in the Great Hall (book 22)

Now that it was time to fight, I shrugged off my rags, my disguise, and leapt to stand in the doorway. Many arrows lay at my feet waiting to kill the suitor of my choice. My first arrow went to Antinoos and it hit him square under the chin just as a sip of wine was falling onto his lips. He fell backward and knocked his table about, sending bread and meat onto the dusty floor. Now, all the suitors turned to me in their fury. They screamed threats in their anger, but before any of them could be carried out, I revealed myself to them and they went green with fear. Only one man had the courage to speak, Eurymakhos, and he begged for forgiveness, pleading that Antinoos was the ringleader and that none of the other men deserved to die. I heard him out, but I knew from the moment he started pleading that none would live, not even those who had no true desire to be there. When I turned him down he tried to rally his men before he lunged forward in an atempt to surprise me. Unfortunately for him, I had an arrow ready, and before he could come anywhere near me, there was an arrow through him and he lay dead on the floor. The next man to come after me was Amphinomos, though he died when Telemekus threw a spear straight through his back and he fell face first to the ground. My son then ran to retrieve a sword and a sheild for me while I held off the suitors with the arrows. As my loyal servants and I pulled on our helmets and shields, I shot the remainder of the arrows and with each shot another man went down. After a minor setback, the battle continued, though it turned ugly, as the suitors had gained armor and weapons. Even in these hard times, my men and I succeeded in holding off the others with the help of Athena who was disguised as Mentor. The only sparred were the minstrel and the herald. As soon as the suitors lay dead in the blood and dust on the floor, I sent for Eurykleia so she could get the maids together to clean the great hall. 

The Contest (book 21)

As I sat among the suitors in the great hall, Penelope joined us, my great bow in hand, quiver on her shoulder. I shuttered at the sight of it and the maids carrying 12 axe heads until I realized that there were none in the hall capable of stringing the bow. Not only could they not string it but they would not be able to shoot the bow through 12 axe heads. As the suitors tried their luck, and continuously failed, the swineherd, cowherd, and myself stepped outside. After swearing their loyalty, I revealed my true identity to them through my scar and we rejoiced together. Afterwards we laid our plans to kill the suitors and we headed back inside. When we rejoined the suitors, none had had luck stringing the bow so Antinoos made an anouncement. The contest would resume tomorrow after significant sacrifice to Apollo, the god of the bow. As they poured more wine out, I inquired whether I could attempt to string the bow. At first the suitors were oppossed, and rightly so, for how embarassing would it be if a beggar could string the bow, but not themselves. After, some significant persuading from Penelope and Telemekus, the suitors agreed that I could attempt, but that I would get new clothing in return for the task, as suppossed to Penelope's hand in marriage. As the bow lay in my hands, I took my time studying it for any marks or scratches that had been left since the master had last held his bow. Loyal men were sent to their places to prepare for battle. Seeing that everything was set, I strung the bow quickly and sent the arrow through the 12 axe heads without a thought. It silenced the hall and Telemekus now drew his sword, ready for battle.

Another day among the suitors (book 20)

After my discussion with Penelope, I made my way to the entrance of the hall to make myself as comfortable as possible on the hard ground. I was still though I could not sleep and even when the maids came to lay blankets upon me, I pretended to be sound asleep. As I lay there, a number of women passed by me, laughing, as they slipped into the castle. How I longed to spring upon them and kill them, but my mind told found it better to wait and kill the disloyal later. Athena soon came to me, she emerged from the darkness in a woman's body. We talked and as she departed, she brought a peaceful sleep down to me. I lay half asleep and woke slightly due to the cries of Penelope and for a moment, there was a glimmer of hope that she knew I had arrived and was standing near me. However, when I awoke fully I knew it had been nothing more than what was left of a dream. I then prayed to Zeus, I prayed for some sign to show me that it was time, and I was to kill the suitors. It came to me in the form of a women, one who worked in the castle. She pleaded that this be the last day that the suitors fed in my hall, and once I heard it I knew I had no choice. In the hustle of the early morning, I came across my dear friend, Eumaios. He was leading his choice swine in for the days meal. We talked and I was soon introduced to Philoitios. He seemed a pleasant men, and greeted me well even in the state I was in. As the three of us talked, an eagle swooped down with a rockdove in its claws, yet another subtle sign that it was time for the massacre. Telemekus seated me by the door and gave me my fair portion of all that was served. This of course caused a bit of discussion among the suitors and it all lead to Telemekus making a fool of himself. I must admit, I felt sorry for the boy, though he was good with his words, some god must have put an evil laugh in the heart of the suitors this morning. They nearly fell off their chairs and the laughter got to the point that tears were streaming down many mens' faces. When the laughing died down and the suitors continued to make rude and ridiculous remarks, Telemekus ignored them and kept his head for the time being. 

Time with Penelope (book 19)

After the suitors departed for the night, Telemekus and I remained in the quiet hall. He soon sent the maids to their chambers and the two of us worked to remove the weapons from the hall by the light of Athena. Once our work was finished, Telemkus retired to his chamber and I waited for Penelope. As our conversation began she asked me of my family and my origin, and although I resisted she forced it upon me. I lied and said I was from Krete and that I had met and been a host of Odysseus on his journey to Troy. When she asked for details, I described myself the best I could, and did quite the job, seeing as I brought the poor lady to tears. Even as she believed me thouroughly, she would not accept that Odysseus was to return, though I, Odysseus, was sitting right before her very eyes. Although she refused believe what I knew to be true, she offered me a nice bed and a place to rest, along with a seat next to Telemekus the following day. I politely declined the bed, saying that I had not seen a bed since leaving Krete and that I was to be more comfortable on the floor. However, when she offered a bath, I could not decline. Little did I remember that any of the older maids would recognize the scar on my leg. When Eurykleia saw the wound she immediately shouted to the queen though there was some distraction that kept Penelope from hearing her cries and I hushed her before she could make another attempt to ruin my cover. I then convinced her of my motive to keep my identity a secret and she gladly agreed to assist in any way that she could. When I returned from bathing, Penelope posed one last request. She wanted me to interpret a dream for her. When she was finished I did not understand how she couldn't understand the foreshadowing that was occurring. It clearly stated the coming of Odysseus and the fall of the suitors, but even when I pointed it out, she could not see it. It was now time for her to retire to her chamber and for me to try to sleep as well as I could on the hard floor.

A New Beggar and Time With the Suitors (book 18)

As I sat in the hall near the suitors with my bread and meat, another beggar, a true one, wandered into the hall. He instructed me to leave or we would have ourselves a fight and when I offered him the opportunity to go among the suitors and beg for himself as there was room for the two of us, he harshly replied, "No." A fight it was then and one that the suitors very much enjoyed. It was entertainment like they had never seen before. As the fight began the stakes were set, and set high. The winner would receive the goat bladder of their choice and good supper pudding. The loser and all other beggars would no longer be accepted into the household of Odysseus. After each man swore an oath not to step in for Iros, the fight began and I dropped my cloak revealing my true build. The suitors and Iros were shocked and although he wanted to back down, the suitors egged him on. They called him a wimp if he didn't at least try to fight. You could see the poor man shaking from within, yet he agreed to fight. We got close and he went for the first hit. He knocked my shoulder, but on the rebound, I got him on the side of the face, breaking his jaw and knocking him to the ground. With that, I dragged him outside, the bloody mess that he was. I was congratulated by all the suitors and by bowl was filled with the optimum meal. I then started a conversation with Amphinoms as I tried to give him advice not to return to the manor for when Odysseus returned, none would be spared. He refused my advice and a verbal fight soon broke out between the two of us. My lovely wife, Penelope, soon came down among us and before addressing the suitors, she gave a harsh warning to Telemekus. Before their conversation could get anywhere she was interrupted by an impatient suitor who wanted to know what news she had for them. She then announced that it was time to marry again and that she would take the best man for her husband. Immediatly, the suitors brought her gifts galore. Once the beautiful lady had returned to her chamber with her new gifts, and I was alone among the suitors and Telemekus, we got into a bit of a verbal fight. They soon wished I had never come along, though Telemekus defended me and soon sent them off to their own homes in a druken state.

A visit home (book 17)

As the day began, Telemekus, my dear son, headed home to the manor to see Penelope. He instructed that Eumaios take me to the town to beg, as I had requested. After Telemekus left, Eumaios and I spent much of the day at the house before heading down to town. As we made our way towards Odysseus' palace Melanthios crossed our path, with a string of choice goats for the evening meal. He warned us that if I showed up at Odysseus' home I would get footstools thrown at me by strong men. Although his warning was in the back of my mind, it did not phase me in the least bit for I was determined to return to my old home. As the man departed he kicked me in the hip like a drunken fool though it did not hurt. I contained my anger and kept any thoughts of beating him then and there to myself. We reached the gate much behind the ignorant man and at that point made a plan for entrance. Eumaios was to go in first and I follow shortly afterwards. I did as the plan called for and stepped into the hall shortly following Eumaios' presence. At first, I was shy and kept myself near the door. That is until I received bread and meat from Telemekus along with advice to go among the suitors and beg. Athena then came to me instructing that I go among the suitors to beg and find out which were the decent lads. However, she warned me that none could be spared death. From most I received good crusts and pieces of meat enough to fill my sack, though one was to stubborn to reach out and as his frustration grew in our conversation he hit me on the shoulder with a stool. It left a bruise though I showed no signs of ache. Even other suitors, the more decent of the lot were ashamed by his actions for they feared I was a god inspecting the manors of the island. They're lucky I wasn't for any god would have let them feel their wrath. Eumaios then came to me with news that the queen Penelope wanted to speak to me. Although the offer was great, I feared what the suitors would think if they saw me head towards her chamber so I sent her news that I would come to her after sundown to speak with her.

A secret with Telemekus (book 16)

As Eumaios and I prepared breakfast and the coming day, I heard footsteps outside and yet the dogs made no signs a barking. Then before our eyes, Telemekus, my son, appeared in the doorway and Eumaios jumped to his feet to drown the prince with kisses and love. We talked, the three of us, for quite some time, but Telemekus soon sent Eumaios to town with a request. He was to go to Penelope and tell her of her son's arrival home. He was then to return directly home. The loyal servant did just as he was told and did not hesitate to leave his home. As Telemekus and I sat together in the swineherd's home, Athena came to me and transformed me into my true form. When I returned to the house Telemekus was shocked and took for a god myself. However, I reassured him that there was nothing to fear and that I was not a god, but a man, your father to be specific. We spent the time Eumaios was gone planning and scheming for our next duty was to kill the suitors. He doubted our success, but I reassured him that Athena would be at our backs. Once a plan was in place we spent some time talking, but as Eumaios returned Athena used her magic to once again transform me into the beggar. For if Eumaios knew of my return he would not be able to keep the news from Penelope and it was to be a surprise for all those on the island. Eumaios brought back the news that the suitors ship had returned from its post on the sea, or so he expected. With this news we sat down to dinner in the swineherd's dear home.

Returning to Ithaka- Telemekus blogs (book 15)

I lay in bed at the home of Menelaos, though not fully asleep. Athena came to me with a new course of action. I woke Peisistratos, but he insisted we wait til dawn to request our sending off and that we did. We spent a day preparing and receiving gifts from the highest lords and ladies. Each one was carefully stored in the cart before we set out. We spent the day on the road and stopped only when the sun had disappeared over the horizon at Pherai. As soon dawn came upon the earth we returned to the cart and made our way back towards Nestor's house. As we approached I asked a favor of Peisistratos. That was to take me directly to the shore and gather my crew so as not to experience another day's delay due to Nestor's true hospitality. When we returned to Ithaka under the shield of the night's darkness we pulled up on shore some ways away from the port so as to avoid the suitors waiting in pursuit. After leaving the crew under the command of one of my most trusted men, Peiraios, we parted ways. I tightened my sandals and grabbed my spear and headed to the house of the swineherd. I found him there awake and ready and willing to serve his master.  

Life as a beggar (book 14)

I went, as Athena had made me, to the swineherd, one of my men before I had been sent away to war. It had been long since I had last seen him, but I knew he had always been one of the most loyal of my working men. Before I had left he lived on the estate, but he now had built himself a house in the fields far from my home. As I approached the house the dogs began to snarl and come darting forward to rip me to shreads, but the swineherd stopped them in their tracks and he showed his hospitality. He then began to speak of me and how much better off he was before I left and he also talked of the suitors and how they had taken over the house and were feeding themselves on my food and supplies. I swore to the swineherd that Odysseus would return, but I would take no reward until the swineherd saw Odysseus on his own front step. He then asked for my story and on the spot I made up my history and origin, but a times I incorporated parts of my actual journey. In time, I told him ended up on this island of Ithaka and you received me like a true host. The herdsmen soon returned from the fields and supper time came. They brought in their finest pig and made great sacrifices to the gods before we ate and he gave me the finest cuts of meat. After supper, a bed was prepared and as the young herdsmen fell asleep around me, the swineherd went out the fields to spend the night with his livestock. It was nice to see at least one loyal servant left on the island. 

What land is this? (book 13)

As my story came to a close, not a soul in the hall stirred or spoke until Alkinoos addressed me. We were to depart the following night but for now, the many men that filled his hall returned home to prepare and rest for the next day's journey. When I rose in the morning the preparations began and as soon as the ship was ready, a great bout of feasting began. As the great feast came to a close, a bed was prepared on the ship and as the oarsmen took their places and pulled out onto the open sea, a deep sleep swept over me. When I woke, I was on an island I did not know and the crew and ship were gone, headed back to Ithaka. For a time I fumed, being betrayed by crew again. Soon I came across a man in the forest. When I asked him what island this was he responded in a long drawn out way, but I soon learned that it was indeed Ithaka. How different it looked. This man was not a man for long, but soon Athena came to me in her true form, a woman. At first, I was not sure what to think of a goddess in her true form but I soon found her to be true and favorable. Although I was back on Ithaka at last, I could not return directly to my home, but I had to be discreet. We plotted and planned and soon she transformed me into an old man and gave me instructions before we parted ways.

A foolish crew (book 12)

After our trip to the land of the dead, I returned to the island of Kirke and we did as Elpenor had wished. We took his body, gave him a great ceremony, and buried his body. We then remained to feast for a day in Kirke's house. While I was there, she gave me much valuable advice, some of which was information I had heard from Teiresias. I listened closely to every word and every detail and before my crew and I left, I shared with them all that they would need to know, but not more than they would want to hear. Our first encounter after leaving Kirke's island was the Seirenes just as Kirke had foretold. I plugged my men's ears and they tied me to the mast and didn't untie me as I had wished. It was a greatly beautiful song and I longed greatly to go to the island of the Seirenes. We then neared Skylla and Kharybdis although I did not tell the men what danger we were approaching for fear of scaring them and having them turn against me. While we avoided Kharybdis, she spewed and it mezmerised the men and Skylla stole six men before anyone had a chance to react. My men continued to row and she didn't strike again before we exited the straight. Helios' island soon came into sight and although I informed the men that stopping was not an option, they insisted and I could not turn down the opinion of an entire crew. So we stopped but before doing so, I made them sware an oath, promising not to kill any of the livestock and they were eager to sware by the oath. My men were good and loyal until they we ran out of food and their hungry stomachs got the better of their heads. One day, when I went off to pray to the gods in solitude the men agreed that making a sacrifice to the gods would make up for the killing of the sheep. When I returned, I couldn't find the words to say for I knew there was no undoing what had already been done. The animals could not be brought back to life. As we had long been stranded on the island, a wind soon sent us out to sea and all was going well until the enevitable rath of Zeus was felt by the crew. None survived although I managed to form a small raft and I drifted although I was soon back near the mouth of Kharybdis. I barely managed to dodge being swallowed before sneaking past Skylla with the help of the Father of Gods. Nine days I drifted out at sea, with no raft and no company. I made shore on Kalypso's island and ever since I was stranded by the dangerous nymph. 

A visit to the dead (book 11)

We headed out to sea with a wind that sent us to the land of the dead. By night, we had made it to the ocean's end and the realm of the dead. I followed Kirke's order and made sacrifice of the great animals she had given to us. Once the pit was made, the spirits of the dead came pouring towards me but I fended them off and waited for sight of Teiresias. Now, I learned of my fortune and what was to become of me. I would get home eventually, but not right away. Soon the spirits came to the pit to drink and I saw many that I knew, including my mother. I had many conversations with those I had known in my past. 

My story shocked those in the great hall of Alkinoos, and he soon made it known that i would leave the next day, but not before receiving gifts from the many men inside the great hall. After this news was announced, he urged me to continue on with my story, so I did...

I continued on telling him of many people I had seen. Some of which I had known from war and others who were dear friends. I heard stories of murder and deception. It was good to see my friends but such a place was not the ideal meeting spot.

My journey continues (book 10)

I continued my story and Alkinoos continued to listen...

We next made landfall on Aiolia island, the home of Aiolos Hippotades, king of the wind and dear to the gods. We lodged in the town and the palace where Aiolos was my  host. He kept me on the island one full month to hear my telling of the battle of Troy. I told him the story point by point in great detail and when I asked his leave to sail and for provisioning, he did not hesitate. He kept nothing from us and we were soon sent out to sea, but not before he gave me his most precious gift. He bottled the storm winds in a mighty bag and stored it under the afterdeck. We sailed for nine days without event and on the tenth we came across an island where men were building fires along the shore. Being exhausted, I fell into a deep sleep. Temptation got the better of my crew and they decided to untie the bag and see what great treasures lay inside. When they did, the great winds turned to hurricanes and we were blown all the way back to Aiolia and we lost our land. When I returned to Aiolos he was confused. When he learned what had happened, he had no pity and sent us away. There was no more help he could give to us. It was six long days before we spotted the Laistrygonian heights, the far stronghold of Lamos. While the other ships moored inland, I chose to moor my ship along the sea side. I then sent three men inland to find out what type of people inhabited the island. When they reached the lodge, the leader of the tribe ripped one man in two on the spot, making him his meal. The other two fled for the ships. Many men there were in the tribe and it looked like an even greater number when they stood on the hilltop launching rocks towards the ships. While many men and many ships were obliterated, my crew pulled away quickly and we only stopped when we were sure we were far enough off shore. After stopping to grieve for our lost companions, we headed on and we soon came across Aiaia, island of Kirke. We came up on shore and rested there for two days and nights. After climbing up to a rocky point, I saw smoke rising from the center of the island. I returned and gave my men breakfast before sending them to explore. Eurylokhos and his twenty-two man crew soon set off to the center of the island. When they arrived at Kirke's house, she invited them in promptly and all followed aside from the cautious Eurylokhos. She seated them on thrones and fed them and gave them drinks but to the drinks she added her vile potion. Little had the men to drink before they turned into pigs in every way and Kirke hearded them into her pig pen. Eurylokhos came running with news of such tale and my crew and I were shocked. I went back to retrieve my men even as Eurylokhos begged me not to. As I made my way towards the center of the island, Hermes came to me. He instructed me to eat a plant that would keep from Kirke's magic. He then gave me a course of action and sent me on my way. When I arrived she invited me in and sat me down to a meal and wine. When I did not become sluggish to her wine she was shocked and confused. The next day, I convinced her to free the men turned to swine and I went to retrieve my other men from the shore. We hauled the ship in before heading back to Kirke's house. Day after day, we spent feasting in Kirke's hall and night after night we had a good sleep, but soon a year passed and my men began to come to me telling me that we would soon need to leave. I went to Kirke and told her my request to sail home. When she heard it, she agreed to help us sail, but not for home but to the home of the dead. When I woke my crew on the day we were to sail they were excited to finally head to Ithika, and they were shocked when i informed them where we were heading, but they followed my lead all the same. 

I am Odysseus (book 9)

It was now time to reveal my identity to Alkinoos, he had gone long enough without knowing. I then began to recap my journey home from Troy...

The west wind carried us first to Ismaros, a point on the coast of the Kikones. We stormed the city and killed the men who fought. We took plunder and we divided it into equal shares. Although I then instructed my men to get quickly back to sea, they remained on the beach, slaughtering sheep after sheep. While we remained on the beach, fugitives ran inland to gather the main army of the Kikones. It was a strong army trained to fight on horseback. They came over us with dawn and we made a good fight of it. We held our land almost throughout the day, though we were greatly outnumbered. But, by the end of the day, we had lost many good many to such battle. The following day we sailed out but we did not get far off shore before Zeus' rath came upon us. We stayed offshore for two days sick at heart and tasting grief and on the third we put up sail and let the steersmen take over. We might have made it home that time, had the current not pulled us far out to sea and a fresh gale drove us on. We drifted for nine days and on the tenth we landed on the coastline of the Lotus Eaters. We landed to take on water and I sent two men inland to find what type of people infested this island. They did not aim to harm us, but offered my men the sweet lotus flower, on which these people lived. It appeared no harm would come to them, but those who ate the flower longed to stay on the island with the natives, forgetful of their homeland. We then headed back out to sea and we soon landed on the island of Kyklopes. As we came to the shore, I instructed all to stay on the ship aside from my twelve best fighters. Inland we came across a cave and we went inside to look around as the Kyklopes was out in the field tending to his flocks. We could have left, but I chose to stay and meet the caveman and what he had to offer. A bad choice it turned out to be for he was nothing but a savage beast who grabbed two men in one hand and made them his meal. Although, in the night, we had the opportunity to kill, I could not for we would then parish as no group of men could move the stone that he had placed in the doorway of the cave. We were forced to wait there during the day for his return. I now had a plan that was to be set in place and indeed it worked. That evening I offered the kyklopes some wine that I had with me. When he tasted it, the only thing on his mind was getting more. When he asked for my name I replied Nohbdy. After three bowls of the wine, he tumbled backwards, drunk and hiccuping. My men and I soon had a scalding hot stake and as we made our way over to the kyklopes, he did not stir. We then drove the stake into his eye and he was forever blinded. He hollered and screamed and his friends came running, but when they asked who had put him in such great pain he replied Nohbdy and the name fouled them for they soon left reassured that nothing was wrong. That night the final part of the plan was put into action. We tied ourselves to the undersides of the kyklopes' sheep so the next morning when he let them out into the field, he released us as well. We then loaded the sheep onto the ship and a few of my men returned to inform the kyklopes of our trick. He was infuriated but as hard as he tried he could not catch us or harm us once we were out at sea. 

The Songs of the Harper (book 8)

I rose today and found myself heading to the assembly ground of the island with Alkinoos. The men poured into the grounds in great wonder. He began with an introduction, or as best he could manage without knowing a man's name. He then demanded a crew be chosen to assist me on my journey home and led a great procession of princes back to the mansion. After a great deal of food and wine, the Muse blessed the minstrel with a song. As the minstrel sang of the great battle of Achilles and I, I began to weep, though none saw my tears for I hid myself under my cloak. The whole company then headed out for trials in the pentathlon. As I watched on, a great many athletes competed, and it soon came time for me to compete. It was requested of me and I simply could not refuse. Though I won the discus throw, I left myself to that for I knew I could win no others. I then returned to the mansion to prepare for the great voyage and to pack the great many gifts I had received from kind islanders. After joining the company for wine, the minstrel began to sing again, this time of the Trojan horse and how we surprised the Trojans. It was a great song and it brought back many memories of lost friends. This story made me weep, too, although again no one saw. At least, that's what I perceived, but it seems as though Alkinoos had noticed and he soon made it known. At last, he requested a name so not to let the buisness go unfinished. 

Gardens and Firelight (book 7)

I waited patiently in the grove outside the walls for quite some time. I then rose and made my way into the city. Not far past the walls I came across a young girl who would direct me to the house I was searching for. She skipped ahead as I marveled at the craftmenship of those living on the island. Their work was gorgeous and it was not to be missed. After arriving at the house, or the mansion, the young girl informed me that the mistress and her husband would be seated at supper but not to fret. As I made my way through the many halls and courtyards, I soon found myself standing before a great feast. As I threw myself at the mistress' knees, the entire company hushed and stared. They seemed to accept for they then ordered me to be seated. And we finished the meal together over a nice conversation. Alkinoos then offered his daughter to me in marriage, and as beautiful as she was, I had to politely refuse, as the gods were finally granting passage back to my homeland. I had been forever longing to see my sweet Penelope again. Alkinoos understood my request and instead offered a safe passage home from his men late the following day. It was an offer I could simply not turn down. I soon found myself parting ways as we headed our separate directions to the bedchambers.

A beautiful princess (book 6)

Last night was a harsh night, though I slept well with help from Athena. This morning, as I pulled back a branch from the bushes I was sleeping in, I laid eyes on one the most beautiful women I've ever seen. Even as all her maids pulled away from me in fear, she stood her ground. Although, I debated much in my head, I decided it would be best to rely on words so not to offend her. As I retold my story, she had sympathy and ordered her maids to return and help bathe me. However, after they set out the cloak and handed me the oil, I asked to be left to bathe myself as it was long since my last bath. As soon as I was bathed they sat me down to bread and wine and I devoured it for my fast had finally come to an end. 

I then received my instructions from the princess and was careful to listen to every detail. I was to follow her through the country but when we came near to the walls of the city, I was to be separated so as not to cause any drama or enlist any gossip as the princess so kindly put it. I was then to wait outside the wall until, I could be sure the princess and her maids had returned to the mansion. Once I could be sure they had arrived, I was to take the road into the city and find directions to the princess's house. I then had to go find her mother and embrace her knees for things depend much on her mother's feelings. As the princess raised her whip and began to pull away with the caravan, I said a quick prayer to Athena hoping that she could he me in this  task.

Why now? (book 5)

Kalypso came to me with an idea and although I was overwhelmed with joy to finally be going home, I wondered, "Why now?" When I inquired she said she just thought about it, but it seemed rather suspicious. I accepted her offer and the following day I began to build my raft. Five days later I set out to sea with a strong wind at my back. 

I sailed for quite some time, maybe close to 20 days, before I spotted land. Just as all seemed well Poseidon set a massive storm upon me and I thought for sure I was going to drown. Then came to me a nereid named Ino. She gave me instructions and before I could question her she left me to do as I was told. However, I was hesitant to follow her advice and waited. Then, a crashing wave was sent upon me and I had no choice but to follow the instructions brought to me. 

I was told to swim for it and I did just that. For 2 days and 2 nights I drifted unable to reach land, often wondering when death would come upon me for I was almost certain I could sense it coming. Then came a heavy surge that sent me straight towards the rocky shoreline. After a close encounter with death, I swam back out and scanned the coast for some safe entrance to the land. Sure enough there was a calm river not far away. I swam up the river and retired on one of the banks. As night came down I created a shelter out of olive and wild olive bushes. Soon after, I fell into a deep sleep.

Guest blogger- Telemekus (book 4)

After a long voyage with Pisistratos, Nestor's son, we arrived at Menlaus' house to a warm welcome. As Menelaus began to recount his many adventures and his great friend Odysseus, I broke down. Hearing of my father was too hard to handle. He was a great soldier and to know that I would probably never met him was starting to hit home as reality. Menelaus and his wife, Helen, soon recognized who I was. 

Menelaus then mentioned that he had heard word of the fact that Odysseus was still alive but was trapped on an island far out at sea. I then wondered to myself, "Why couldn't he have made it home? Didn't the gods help more than any other so why couldn't they free him from Kalypso?" Even with such anger boiled up inside of me, there also was a tiny flame of hope burning in the distance. After receiving such wonderful news Pisistratos and I headed back to Nestor's house so I could sail home to Ithika and give the news to my mother.

Meanwhile, the suitors heard the news of my return and planned a surprise attack to kill me before I returned home. They were to ambush me in a straight I would be forced to sail down to return home. The strongest and most respected suitors then boarded a ship and headed out to prepare for my return.

Guest blogger- Telemekus (book 3)

After some time at sea, we finally arrived at our first destination, Gerenia. When we arrived, we found the townspeople in ceremony, making sacrifices to the gods. We were soon invited to join them before we were questioned and we had to reveal our identities. From somewhere deep inside myself, I mustered wise words of great wisdom. I soon learned that Nestor had no news of my father but would send me on the next portion of my journey with one of his sons for company. I was relieved to sleep inside on a nice bed as supposed to on the deck of the ship for I was worn from the first leg of our journey. The following morning I rose and was bathed and dressed in the best of manner before Pisistratos and I set out for Lakedaimon. We reached the outskirts of the town just as the sun fell below the edge of the earth. 

Guest blogger- Telemekus (book 2)

After considering Athena's plan, I knew I had no other choice. I sat in the shadows for too long, it was time to emerge and fill my father's shoes. There was a meeting called of the entire town and even as I was berated by the suitors, I kept an even head and did not let them get to me for I now knew that Athena and possibly many more gods were standing by me. Then things got slightly out of hand and I began to prepare for my voyage to clear my head of the suitors mocking words. Soon, Mentor came to me with the news that a crew was ready with a ship and I was overjoyed. I ran to the water to find my crew and prepare my ship. It was time to leave this place of suitors bearing down on my mother in search of my father. My mother could not know for she would worry herself sick and as we sailed off into the darkness I left only one maid with the knowledge of my departure.

Geust blogger- Athena (book 1)

What was Telemekus thinking??

I'd watched on in horror for long enough and Zeus finally gave me the oppurtunity to help Telemekus. The fool was letting the suitors trample all over him and HIS home! While Odysseus is on his journey home, Telemekus needs to be the man of the house and take control of what is truly his even though he's not confident in the fact that he is Odysseus' son. Not his son?! What is the boy thinking, of course he's his son! Now that his head is set straight and he has my advice, he will do well. He must tell the suitors off and be convincing in his demand that they leave or they will just laugh at him. I hope he listens for I do know what's best for him, he just doesn't know it. Once he learns to do things for himself and demand that the suitors leave, he will be much better off.