The Odyssey: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in The Odyssey, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- UlyssesTelemachus's absent father, whose return home the gods discuss helping.First seen in book 1
- TelemachusUlysses' son, urged by Minerva to challenge the suitors and seek news of his father.First seen in book 1
- MinervaA goddess who visits Telemachus disguised as Mentes and urges him to act.First seen in book 1
- suitorsMen consuming Telemachus's household wealth while he struggles to claim authority.First seen in book 1
- CalypsoSomeone Minerva proposes sending a message to while discussing help for Ulysses.First seen in book 1
- NeptuneA god absent when Jove supports helping Ulysses return home.First seen in book 1
- JoveA god who supports helping Ulysses return while Neptune is absent.First seen in book 1
- PenelopeTelemachus's mother, blamed by the suitors for delaying them with her weaving trick.First seen in book 2
- NestorA host at Pylos who welcomes Telemachus but cannot establish Ulysses' fate.First seen in book 3
- MenelausA returned leader whom Nestor advises Telemachus to question about Ulysses.First seen in book 3
- NausicaaA young woman who gives the stranded Ulysses food, clothing, and directions to her father's house.First seen in book 6
- AlcinousA king who welcomes Ulysses into his palace and promises transport home.First seen in book 7
- EumaeusA swineherd who shelters the disguised Ulysses but doubts that his master will return.First seen in book 14
- LaertesA member of Ulysses' family who requires proof before accepting his identity.First seen in book 24
- Book 1
Minerva visits Telemachus in disguise and urges him to challenge the suitors and seek news of Ulysses.
- Book 2
Telemachus protests the suitors' waste at an assembly, then secretly sails toward Pylos with Minerva's help.
- Book 3
Nestor cannot establish Ulysses' fate and sends Telemachus onward to question Menelaus.
- Book 4
Menelaus reports that Ulysses is alive with Calypso, while the suitors prepare to ambush Telemachus.
- Book 5
Ulysses leaves Calypso on a raft, survives Neptune's attack, and reaches land with divine help.
- Book 6
Nausicaa meets the stranded Ulysses and gives him food, clothing, and directions to her father's house.
- Book 7
Ulysses appeals to Arete in Alcinous's palace and receives hospitality and a promise of transport home.
- Book 8
Ulysses weeps at Demodocus's songs, prompting Alcinous to ask his name and the reasons for his sorrow.
- Book 9
Ulysses recounts escaping Polyphemus, then revealing his identity and provoking a prayer against his homecoming.
- Book 10
Ulysses recounts losing ships to the Laestrygonians and freeing his companions from Circe's enchantment.
- Book 11
Ulysses describes consulting Teiresias among the dead and hearing about his family's suffering.
- Book 12
Ulysses recounts how his crew slaughter the sun god's cattle and Jove destroys their ship.
- Book 13
The Phaeacians bring Ulysses to Ithaca, where Minerva disguises him as a poor old man.
- Book 14
Eumaeus welcomes the disguised Ulysses, who conceals his identity and tests the swineherd's generosity.
- Book 15
Minerva warns Telemachus about the ambush and directs him toward Eumaeus as he returns home.
- Book 16
Ulysses reveals himself to Telemachus, and father and son plan an attack on the suitors.
- Book 17
Ulysses enters his own house disguised as a beggar and endures insults and violence.
- Book 18
Ulysses defeats Irus and warns Amphinomus to leave before the household's master confronts the suitors.
- Book 19
Euryclea recognizes Ulysses by his scar and agrees to silence, while Penelope announces a bow contest.
- Book 20
Ulysses receives reassuring signs, while the suitors continue their abuse and reject Theoclymenus' warning.
- Book 21
The suitors fail to string Ulysses' bow, but he completes Penelope's test as Telemachus takes arms.
- Book 22
Ulysses reveals himself and kills the suitors with help from Telemachus, loyal servants, and Minerva.
- Book 23
Penelope tests Ulysses through their marriage bed and recognizes him after he describes its construction.
- Book 24
Ulysses proves his identity to Laertes, and Minerva ends fighting between his household and the dead suitors' relatives.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- PylosA place Minerva urges Telemachus to visit for news of his father.First seen in book 1
- Ulysses’ houseThe household where Telemachus welcomes Minerva and suitors consume the family's wealth.First seen in book 1
- ScheriaThe destination toward which Ulysses sails after leaving Calypso.First seen in book 5
- IthacaUlysses' homeland, where the Phaeacians bring him while he sleeps.First seen in book 13
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Odyssey, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Start freeBack to the The Odyssey study guide · Quiz and flashcards
