Introduction
The Odyssey is the world-famous ancient Greek epic and is interesting to a wide range of readers due to a variety of storylines. This work includes both a fairytale narrative and the descriptions of the characters’ lives, which makes it a unique object for detailed study and analysis. The combination of fictional events with real facts makes it possible to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of ancient Greek polytheism and presents numerous fascinating stories. By analyzing this work, one can create a sequel based on the events of the Odyssey, and the events of the original poem are the background for the subsequent plot.
The course of the Story
Since the original work ends with the victory of Odysseus over Penelope’s suitors and the retreat of avengers with the help of Athena, the further plot implies protecting Ithaca and the palace from enemies. The protagonist, who has been wandering for many years, reunites Penelope and returns to the throne. By this time, Ithaca has been plundered by suitors, and the king has to rebuild the island. Penelope cannot believe in the return of her husband and turns to the gods with a request to confirm whether this is Odysseus, who has returned, or this is his double. At night, Athena comes to her and confirms that he is the true king of Ithaca and the hero of the Trojan War.
She also warns Penelope about the imminent threat from the relatives of murdered suitors and offers to hide Telemachus, the son of the king and queen, in the palace. Death threatens the young man who helped the father to regain the throne of Ithaca, and enemies plan an act of retaliation. Penelope believes the words of Athena and informs her husband about her plans. Odysseus, in turn, intends to defend his son personally and prepares him as a warrior, without reporting an imminent danger.
Three months after the emergence of Athena, enemy troops attack Ithaca. Odysseus tells Telemachus to take refuge at Eumaeus, the swineherd until he calls for him to join the battle. The king’s son fulfills his father’s wish but does not wait for the call and leaves Eumaeus earlier. Telemachus knows the art of battle well, but one of the enemies’ arrows hits him, and the young man dies in the arms of his father. Heartbroken Odysseus calls Athena and asks for her help, but the goddess tells him that the death of Telemachus is the reckoning of the king for returning to his homeland, and Zeus forbids helping him.
The army of Ithaca under the command of Athena manages to repel the attack. Penelope, who finds out about the death of her son, survives her grief alone. Odysseus decides to take revenge on the murderers of his son and asks Athena to help him raise an army again. However, the goddess refuses him and predicts death in battle if the king continues the war. Penelope, upon learning of this, dissuades her husband from revenge, and Ithaca remains unconquered.
Conclusion
The Odyssey may be the basis for creating a sequel, and the background of the original poem makes it possible to suggest the development of further events. The death of Telemachus is Odysseus’ payment for returning home, and, despite the desire to take revenge on his enemies, the king comes to a reasonable decision to preserve peace on his native island. The participation of the gods in the narrative is a logical continuation of the poem and an integral part of the plot.