How many years is Odysseus away from Ithaca total?

The war and his troubles at sea keep Odysseus away from his home, Ithaca, for twenty years. In his absence, his son, Telemachus, has grown into a man, and his wife, Penelope, is besieged by suitors who assume Odysseus is dead.

Also to know is, why is it taking Odysseus so long to get back to Ithaca?

Because of Odysseus' undignified behavior, Polyphemus calls on his father (Poseidon) to punish Odysseus, and Poseidon creates further obstacles that will keep Odysseus from arriving home for many more years to come. (And because his men anger the gods by eating Helios' cattle, they are destroyed and never return home.)

Secondly, how close does Odysseus get to Ithaca? Ithaca on the western shore of Greece. The distance there from Troy, Hal Roth tells us, is only 565 nautical miles. But due to some celebrated doings (and undoings), Odysseus wound up logging several thousand sea miles along the way. He got home, to be sure, but the journey took ten years.

Just so, how long should it have taken Odysseus to return home?

10 years

What happens when Odysseus returns to Ithaca?

When Odysseus finally lands in Ithaca, Athene magically disguises him as an old beggar man, to protect him from his wife's rapacious suitors. He meets his son Telemachus and the father reveals himself to the son he last saw as an infant. They will keep Odysseus' return a secret from all and both return to the palace.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How did Telemachus die?

The Telegony was a short two-book epic poem recounting the life and death of Odysseus after the events of the Odyssey. In this mythological postscript, Odysseus is accidentally killed by Telegonus, his unknown son by the goddess Circe.

Why has Odysseus not returned home?

Odysseus had not yet returned home from the Trojan War because He had angered the god Poseidon by blinding Poseidon's son, Polyphemus. Poseidon has placed obstacles in his way. During Poseidon's absence, Athena asks Zeus to let Odysseus return home, She suggests that Hermes be sent to tell Calypso to release Odysseus.

Who killed Odysseus?

The royal couple, together again after ten long years of separation, lived happily ever after, or not quite. For in a tragic final twist, an aged Odysseus was killed by Telegonos, his son by Circe, when he landed on Ithaca and in battle, unknowingly killed his own father.

Does Argos die in the Odyssey?

As Odysseus approaches his home, he finds Argos lying neglected on a pile of cow manure, infested with fleas, old and very tired. Unable to greet his beloved dog, as this would betray who he really was, Odysseus passes by (but not without shedding a tear) and enters his hall, and Argos dies.

Why is Poseidon so angry with Odysseus?

Mainly, Poseidon hates Odysseus for blinding Polyphemus, who is Poseidon's son. Other reasons include their support for opposing sides in the Trojan war, Poseidon siding with the Trojans and Odysseus with the Greeks.

What is Penelope a symbol of?

Because of her efforts to put off remarriage, Penelope is often seen as a symbol of connubial fidelity.

Why did the gods punish Odysseus?

After the destruction of Troy, he and his men left for home without paying proper respect to Poseidon. For this, Poseidon punished Odysseus with what turned out to be a ten year journey home to Ithaca. One insult includes the blinding of the Cyclops, Polyphemus (also known as Polyphemus), who was the son of Poseidon.

Why did Odysseus go to the land of the dead?

Odysseus went to the Land of the Dead after being advised to do so by Circe, an immortal goddess who had turned some of his men into swine. The purpose of his visit was to contact the spirit of Teiresia. Odysseus also spoke briefly with his deceased mother.

How many years did Penelope wait for Odysseus?

20 years

How long does Odysseus stay with Circe?

one year

Which suitor does Odysseus kill first?

Antinous

How did Poseidon stop Odysseus from getting home?

During Odysseus' journey home, he is said to have blinded Polyphemus, the Cyclos monster who just happened to be Poseidon's son. He prevented Odysseus and his men from leaving the cave by blocking the entrance. Then, he informed them that since they ate his food, he'd slowly eat them.

Where does Odysseus go after Calypso?

Ogygia (Calypso's Island)

Odysseus ends up at Ogygia where the goddess Calypso lives. He stays there for a few years. Athena eventually steps in and asks Zeus if he could let Odysseus go. Zeus has Hermes go to Calypso and tells her that she must allow him to leave and return home to Ithaca.

What does Ulysses mean in Greek?

The name Ulysses is a Greek Baby Names baby name. In Greek Baby Names the meaning of the name Ulysses is: Wrathful; hater. Ulysses was the hero of Homer's Odyssey. Famous Bearer: American president Ullyses S. Grant (1822 - 1885).

What does Teiresias say to Odysseus?

In The Odyssey Odysseus is warned by the blind prophet Tiresias that all of the sacred cattle of the Sun God Helios should be left alone. Tiresias says that the cattle should be avoided at whatever cost, and that if they are not, the men will all meet their doom.

What does Odysseus tell the Cyclops his name is?

Odysseus tells Polyphemus his name is "Nobody" to prevent Polyphemus from being able to successfully call for help when Odysseus enacts his escape plan. When Polyphemus is drunk, Odysseus claims his name is Nobody. He says: "Cyclops, you asked about my famous name.

Is Odysseus a God?

He is not a god, but he does have a connection with the gods on his mother's side of the family. While on one hunting trip, Odysseus was gored by a wild boar, an incident that left a scar.