Odysseus

Odysseus and his crew facing the sirens

Odysseus was a legendary Greek king of Ithaka and the hero of Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey. The husband of Penelope, he is well renowned as the hero who helped end the Trojan War.

Biography

As King of Ithaka, Odysseus owned a palace on the island. When the Trojan War broke out, Odysseus left the palace to his son's supervision and departed for Troy. During the 10-year-old war, Odysseus became a major player, creating the Trojan Horse which helped the Greeks to win the battle. During his return trip that took ten years, Odysseus defeated the Cyclops Polyphemos, traveled to the land of the Lotus-eaters and eluded the monstrous creatures Skylla and Charybdis

When he finally return to the island, he was received by his swineherd Eumaios, who aided him in slaughtering all the suitors of Penelope, one of which included the goatherd Melanthios, who mistook Odysseus for a beggar when he returned. While Odysseus had been away at war, Melanthios betrayed him and attempted to impress Penelope's suitors. Odysseus also visited the Cave of the Nymphs after his return.

Legacy and influence

While in Ithaka in 431 BCE, the Spartan misthios Kassandra encountered a woman named Odessa, who claimed descent from Odysseus. In addition, she also recovered an armor set that had allegedly belonged to Odysseus, as well as Penelope's Shroud.

Trivia

• In Greek mythology, Odysseus is credited for inventing the Trojan Horse, thus finally ending the Trojan War.  
  • He is also the son of Laertes, one of the Argonauts.
• A lieutenant named Odysseus can be recruited aboard the Adrestia via the Helix Store in Assassin's Creed: Odyssey.

Gallery

• 
  Kassandra wearing Odysseus' armor
• 
  Mural of Odysseus blinding the Cyclops Polyphemos

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Revelations (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed III – Infiltrating Southgate (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: Forsaken (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (artwork only, simulated ship lieutenant)