L'Odyssée

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

52927

Title

L'Odyssée

Language

fr

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Homer's timeless epic chronicles the arduous journey of Ulysses, King of Ithaca, as he strives to return home after the Trojan War. Facing monstrous foes like Polyphemus and Circe, he endures years of exile while his wife Penelope and son Telemachus defend their home against arrogant suitors. A tale of divine intervention, cunning strategy, and unwavering loyalty.

Summary up to 500 words

The narrative opens with a prayer to the Muse to recount the sufferings of Ulysses upon his return from Troy. While other Greek leaders have returned safely, Ulysses is trapped on the enchanting island of Calypso, who desires him as her husband. The gods pity him; however, Neptune remains angry because Ulysses blinded his son Polyphemus. Zeus and Minerva decide to intervene. Minerva travels to Ithaca in the guise of Mentor, a friend of Ulysses, to encourage Telemachus. She urges him to organize an assembly of Greek heroes and then embark on a quest to find his father, visiting Pylos and Sparta along the way. Upon arriving home, Telemachus finds the palace overrun by suitors who consume his resources and vie for Penelope's hand in marriage. Minerva, disguised as Mentor, reveals herself to Telemachus, instilling courage within him. She advises him to send Penelope back to her father's house if she wishes to remarry, while he seeks news of his father. Meanwhile, the suitors mock the situation and waste the household's wealth. The story then shifts to Ulysses' perspective during his wanderings. He recounts his arrival at Aeolus's floating island, where the kindly host gave him a bag containing all the winds except Zephyr to aid his voyage. However, driven by greed and jealousy, his men opened the bag while Ulysses slept, releasing the tempest that drove them back to Aeolus's shore. Despite Aeolus's confusion and hospitality, they were eventually forced to flee again. Later, Ulysses describes his encounter with Circe on her floating island. He recounts how he was welcomed but later faced a storm sent by Neptune. Upon waking, he found himself back at Aeolus's shore, where the host expressed surprise at their return. Ulysses explains that sleep and bad companions cost him a year of progress. Back in Ithaca, disguised as a beggar, Ulysses returns with his loyal swineherd Eumaeus. They are insulted by Melanthius, a goatherd who kicks the beggar. The faithful dog Argos, old and neglected, recognizes his master but dies upon seeing him. Inside the palace, Telemachus and Penelope mourn Ulysses' absence while dealing with the suitors. Ulysses eventually meets Laertes in the gardens. Disguised as a stranger, Ulysses tests the old man's knowledge of his family history and the trees he planted when he was a child. Laertes recognizes him through these signs. Ulysses reveals his identity, and they embrace after twenty years of separation. They prepare to face the suitors. News of the suitors' deaths spreads quickly. The people of Ithaca gather at the assembly. Eupithes, father of Antinous, demands punishment for the murderers of their sons. Medon and Phemius, servants spared by Ulysses, plead for mercy, explaining that the gods guided Ulysses' hand. Halitherses warns against further bloodshed. Minerva intervenes from Olympus, asking Zeus if he will allow more war or restore peace. Zeus agrees that vengeance is complete and calls for sacrifices to seal a truce. Minerva descends to Ithaca in the form of Mentor. Ulysses rallies his loyal servants...

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Categories

• Adventure
• Classics