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Odysseus, King of Ithaca (Mythological character) -- Fiction Books
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H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
The World's Desire
"The World's Desire" by H. Rider Haggard and Andrew Lang is a fantasy novel published in 1890. Odysseus returns to Ithaca after a second journey, only to find his home destroyed by plague and his wife Penelope dead. Guided by a vision of Helen of Troy, he embarks on a final quest to Egypt, where he encounters a treacherous queen, ancient prophecies, and dangerous magic. The novel weaves Greek mythology with the Biblical Exodus in an epic tale of love, loss, and destiny.
Homer
L'Odyssée
"L'Odyssée" by Homer is an ancient Greek epic composed around the 8th or 7th century BC. The poem follows Odysseus, heroic king of Ithaca, on his perilous ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. While he battles monsters and loses all his crewmates, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus struggle against suitors demanding her hand in marriage. This tale of homecoming, wandering, and testing remains one of Western literature's most enduring narratives, captivating audiences for nearly three millennia.
H. L. (Herbert Lord) Havell
Stories from the Odyssey
"Stories from the Odyssey" by H. L. Havell and Homer is a retelling of the classic ancient Greek epic, the "Odyssey," crafted as a collection of engaging narratives. It appears to have been written in the late 19th century, aiming to make the timeless tales accessible and relatable to contemporary readers. This adaptation focuses primarily on the heroic journey of Odysseus as he seeks to return home after the Trojan War, along with the struggles faced by his wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus. The opening of the collection introduces the plight of Odysseus's family in Ithaca, where Penelope faces an onslaught of suitors vying for her hand in marriage, believing Odysseus to be dead. Despite years of waiting and the pressures from the suitors, Penelope remains loyal to her husband. The narrative quickly shifts to her son, Telemachus, who, urged by the goddess Athena, embarks on a journey to seek news of his father. This opening portion sets the stage for a tale rich in themes of loyalty, cunning, and the quest for identity, effectively drawing readers into the world of Greek mythology.
Jean Giraudoux
Elpénor
"Elpénor" by Jean Giraudoux is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores themes from Greek mythology, particularly focusing on the character Elpénor, a sailor from the "Odyssey," and his interactions with other significant figures such as Ulysse (Odysseus) and various mythological creatures. The narrative seems to examine existential questions and the nature of desire, memory, and the human experience. The opening of the novel introduces the character of Elpénor, who is portrayed as a tragic figure struggling with unfulfilled desires and the complex nature of existence. Set in a mythical context, the narrative weaves together elements of humor and philosophical inquiry as Elpénor expresses a longing for experiences that feel perpetually just out of reach. Ulysse, as a central character, is depicted in a contemplative state, navigating the pressures of leadership while dealing with his crew’s whims and desires. The prose is rich and descriptive, blending elements of poetic language with storytelling that lays the groundwork for deeper explorations of human motivation and folly.
Homer
Odysseun harharetket: Suorasanaisesti kerrottuna
"Odysseun harharetket: Suorasanaisesti kerrottuna" by Homer is a prose adaptation of the ancient Greek epic "The Odyssey," likely written in the 20th century. Aimed particularly at Finnish youth, this version seeks to make the narrative of Odysseus's adventures accessible while not replacing the beauty of the original poetic form. The central character is the wise and resourceful hero Odysseus, who longs to return to his home in Ithaca after the Trojan War. The opening of the work introduces the circumstances of Odysseus's long journey home, detailing the fate of the Greek heroes after the fall of Troy. It focuses on Odysseus, who is still wandering the seas, plagued by Poseidon's wrath. As the gods discuss his plight, we learn of the actions of Athena, who plans to assist him. Simultaneously, back in Ithaca, Odysseus's son Telemachus grapples with the chaos caused by the suitors vying for his mother Penelope's hand in marriage, reflecting his own struggles with his father's absence. This sets the stage for both Odysseus's impending challenges and Telemachus's quest for knowledge about his father, introducing themes of longing, perseverance, and the search for identity.
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