The Odyssey

The graphic novel begins with an invocation of the Muse, calling for inspiration to tell the story of Odysseus and his adventures after the Trojan War. On Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, Athena expresses her concern for Odysseus, who has been stranded for a long time on the island of the nymph Calypso. Zeus, the king of the gods, agrees that it is time for Odysseus to return home. Athena suggests that Zeus send Hermes, the messenger of the gods, to order Calypso to set Odysseus free. Meanwhile, Athena will visit Ithaca in disguise to see Odysseus’s son, Telemachus.

Athena appears on Ithaca, disguised as a Taphian soldier named Mentes. Telemachus receives his guest graciously. He talks about his grief for his father and his annoyance with the suitors who are trying to force his mother, Penelope, to marry one of them. Athena—speaking as Mentes—encourages Telemachus to call an assembly to demand that the suitors leave his father’s property. She also urges him to set out on a sea voyage of his own and seek news of Odysseus. When “Mentes” leaves, vanishing into thin air, Telemachus immediately takes his advice, asserting his control over the household and telling the rowdy suitors to go home.