Primary Source Analysis 2022

PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS 1
Primary Source Analysis
Name
Institution
Date

PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS 2
Primary Source Analysis
Introduction
Description of the Source and the Author
‘Odysseus returns to Ithaca’ is Ancient Greek Epic Poems that has its origin in Greece. It
was written by Homer in the ancient times of Greece.
Summary of the Contents
The book gives an epic story of how ten years have passed before the Greek hero returns
home after the fall of Troy. Due to this, a mob of suitors continue courting his wife Penelope.
However, the wife has remained faithful to the husband. His son, Prince Telemachus, wants to
throw the suitors out of the palace but does not have the power and experience. Due to this, one
suitor, Antonius plans to assassinate the son which who is the only opposition to their journey to
the palace. Despite the fear that Odysseus might be dead, he is still alive and healthy.
He is imprisoned in the island of Ogygia. He longs to return home and see his family but
he does not have any ship to navigate the sea. Athena, who is one of Odysseus’s gods decide to
help Telemachus (Homer 1880, 4-7). Back at home, Antinous and other suitors have plan on how
to eliminate Odysseus once he arrives from the island. Zeus is sent to rescue Odysseus from
Calypso. Zeus persuades Calypso to let Odysseus leave. Unfortunately, Poseidon who is the god
of the sea sends storms to wreck Odysseus since he blinded his son. Despite all these struggles,
Odysseus arrives at his palace and is not welcomed well as everybody in Ithaca expected. He is
treated like a beggar (Homer 1880, 4-7). His nurse, Eurycleia, does not even reveal that he
recognizes him. Penelope also recognizes him and guesses that he might be his husband. He
finally sets a bore to kill all the suitors. Finally, Odysseus introduces himself and joins his
family. He then visits his father and peace is restored in Ithaca.