Odysseus

Odysseus was a legendary hero in Greek mythology, king of the island of Ithaca and the main protagonist of Homer's epic, the "Odyssey”, a poem that speaks of Odysseus' adventures that delay by a decade the return to his beloved homeland, Ithaca. 

Odysseus was husband of Penelope and father of Telemachus. He was born in Ithaca and displayed impressive athletic abilities and certain unique talents, such as the skill to solve problems and outwit opponents. He was well known among the Greeks as a most eloquent speaker, an ingenious and cunning trickster. It was his intelligence that attracted Athena’s attention, the goddess who would advise and guide him.

Odysseus was obliged to join the Trojan expedition – something he didn’t want to, since he was more than happy alongside his wife, Penelope, and his newborn son, and he knew from a prophecy that if he goes to Troy, it will take him a long time to come back home. So, he tried feigning madness, but a man by the name of Palamedes exposed him, and Odysseus had no choice but to leave. 

Odysseus was one of the most influential Greek champions during the Trojan War. He played a crucial part – both as a strategist and as a warrior – eventually coming up with the famous stratagem which decided the outcome of the bloody conflict: the Trojan Horse. 

Afterward, Odysseus set sail for Ithaca. Indeed, his long journey home was full of challenges. After blinding Poseidon's son, the Cyclops Polyphemus, Odysseus angered Poseidon so much that the god of the sea did whatever he could to obstruct Odysseus’ journey homeward. 

After numerous memorable adventures, Odysseus finally managed to reach Ithaca, ten years after leaving Troy and twenty after joining the Trojan expedition. There, he reunited with Telemachus and Penelope and, after killing all of his wife’s Suitors, reclaimed his throne.