Video coming from The History Channel
Apart from being considered Episode II of Classical Mythology's Bible (being Homer's Iliad the former), The Odyssey is one of the most fascinating, adventurous and imaginative stories ever written. It's the tale of Odysseus, mythology's greatest mortal hero, written 800 years before the time of Jesus.
Odysseus, the mastermind of the Trojan Horse, is the main character of this epic. After having defeated the Trojans in their land, it's time for the king of Ithaca to return home to his beloved wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. Nevertheless, what was supposed to be an easy task ended in a 10 year journey across all the Mediterranean Sea. He's done the worst of things: he has angered the Sea God Poseidon.
In this 5 episode movie you'll encounter a good synopsis of the legend. Though not precisely accurate, it's a very complete source to get a surfrace understanding of Odysseus adventures.
Most fascinating deeds during his journey
- The Trojan Horse craftsmanship: he retells how he deceived the Trojans into letting the Wooden horse inside their walls, a thing that became their doom.
- The Lotus eaters: a bizarre drug that almost ended their journey.
- The blinding of the Cyclops Polyphemus: Odysseus couldn't make it worse than putting the son of Poseidon's eye out and letting him know who had done it (read The "no men" artistry)
- Aeolus, the master of winds: the king who captured the mighty winds inside a bag and gave it to Odysseus in order to help him back home. When Ithaca was on sight, his crew accidentally opened the bag and unleashed the destructive winds which deprived them from reaching land.
- The witch-goddess Circe: who turned his crew (what was left of them) into swines.
- His journey to the Underworld (Hades): place were he went in order to learn from the seer Tiresias how to sail back to Ithaca. He encounters the spirits of Agamemnon and Achilles.
- The land of the Sirens: Odysseus and his crew are tied to the ship to escape the enchantments of these creatures and avoid getting shipwrecked.
- Scylla and Charybdis: while trying to cross the Strait of Messina, these two monsters were waiting for him.
- The Nymph Calysto: who kept him captive for seven years.
- His final return home: where he reveals himself to his son Telemachus.
- The killing of Penelope's suitors: after having showed his virtuosity with the bow.
- The encounter with Penelope: after an intimate story, his wife finally recognizes him and falls into his arms.
Enjoy it !!
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