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Story Structure . Spoiler Alert!
Since it’s so old, The Odyssey is a window into ancient story structure. Admittedly, it doesn’t possess a built-in structure beyond its 24 books (chapters). Yet, the story is communicated in three clear pieces.
I. The Telemachy - Books 1-4
The opening provides a brief summary of Odysseus’s current situation: he’s trapped on the island of the goddess Calypso, kept as her lover, while he pines for his home and family.
It’s been nearly twenty years since he left his home, the island kingdom of Ithaca, for the Trojan War. Calypso wants to make him immortal. He refuses because his only desire is to go home.
After this brief summary, the narrative transitions to Ithaca itself and centers on Odysseus’s son, Telemachus.
He’s in dire straights. Unruly suitors are attempting to win the hand of his mother, so they can assume the throne of Ithaca themselves. She resists them, but in the meantime, the suitors drink and feast every day, literally devouring Telemachus’s inheritance.
Through the intervention of the goddess Athena, Telemachus decided to leave Ithaca. He sails away, traveling to nearby kingdoms, asking former friends of his father for any news they might have concerning him. In doing so, he builds a reputation for himself.
This opening section is often seen as depicting a boy’s transition into manhood. This change in Telemachus is evidenced by his own changed behavior when he returns to Ithaca, later in the story.
II. Odysseus’s Tale - Books 5-12
Here the narrative refocuses on Odysseus.
He constructs a raft and leaves Calypso’s island, taking his chances upon the sea. Poseidon notices him and swirls a massive sea storm into being, threatening Odysseus’s life. Finally, he washes up on the shore of the Phaeacians, a people known for their skill in navigation.
Odysseus then relays his story to the Phaeacians, explaining his adventures since the close of the Trojan War. This is where so many of the iconic beasts of the Odyssey factor in—the Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, the Cattle of the Sun, and even the Cyclops. It’s also revealed why Poseidon has beef with Odysseus.
In order to escape the Cyclop’s cave, Odysseus blinded him, driving a massive stake into one eye. It turns out, this particular cyclops happened to be Poseidon’s son. In vengeance for his son, Poseidon continues to frustrate Odysseus’s every attempt at returning home. This is why ten years after he left Troy, he’s still struggling to reach Ithaca.
The Phaeacian King displays kindness to Odysseus and sails him home. However, Odysseus doesn’t return with pomp and circumstance; he makes his return quietly and even under disguise.
III. Odysseus’s Return - Books 13-24
Odysseus has finally returned home, but he understands that his trials are far from over. Primarily because his homecoming is not good news for everyone. Many would attempt to slay him if they discovered his presence.
So, he makes a slow investigation of his kingdom, learning about his son, his wife, his former servants, and the suitors. He takes note of who he can trust and who he can’t. Then, he begins revealing himself, Telemachus being one of the first to learn of his father’s return.
The two form a plan to overthrow the suitors and win back Ithaca. And in a horribly bloody closing battle, they do exactly that. They kill every single suitor and many of the servants as well who faltered in their loyalty.
Odysseus is reunited with his wife, father, son, and kingdom—his home. The story closes with both he and Ithaca at peace.
Next time, we’ll delve further into interpretation. Until then, enjoy your reading!
-Trevor