The Odyssey is an epic poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, detailing the adventurous journey of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he strives to return home after the Trojan War.

The narrative begins in medias res, twenty years after Odysseus left for Troy and ten years after the war ended. He finds himself trapped on the island of Ogygia, held captive by the nymph Calypso, who is in love with him. Meanwhile, back in Ithaca, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus are besieged by a group of suitors who believe Odysseus to be dead and are vying for Penelope's hand in marriage.