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.