Ulysses of Ithaca by Karl Friedrich Becker — Summary & Review

Ulysses of Ithaca recounts the epic saga of Ulysses (Odysseus), beginning with the fall of Troy after a decade-long siege. As Greek princes return home, Ulysses’ fate diverges into a long, arduous voyage marked by divine wrath and human resilience. His wife Penelope remains steadfastly faithful, warding off persistent suitors who consume his estate and threaten his son Telemachus. Guided by the goddess Athene, disguised as Mentor, Telemachus grows from a timid youth into a bold seeker of news about his father, journeying to Pylos and Sparta where he learns of Ulysses’ uncertain fate.

Meanwhile, Ulysses endures trials at sea. After being released from the nymph Calypso’s reluctant captivity by Hermes’ command, he faces Poseidon’s storms, aided by the sea goddess Leucothea, and reaches the island of Scheria. There, the compassionate Nausicaa and her maidens assist him, leading him to the hospitable Phæacian court. Welcomed by King Alcinous and Queen Arete, Ulysses recounts his adventures, including encounters with the lotus-eaters, the monstrous Cyclops Polyphemus, the enchantress Circe, and his harrowing descent to the underworld where he meets spirits and receives prophetic warnings.

Ulysses’ journey continues with perilous passages past the Sirens and the deadly straits guarded by Scylla and Charybdis. Despite warnings, his men slaughter the sacred oxen of Helios, incurring divine punishment that destroys their ship. Ulysses survives on a raft, eventually reaching Ogygia, Calypso’s island, before the Phæacians bring him home to Ithaca under Athene’s protective fog.

Disguised as a beggar by Athene’s magic, Ulysses carefully assesses the situation at home. The loyal swineherd Eumæus offers kindness, while the suitors continue their insolence. Telemachus returns secretly and reunites with his father. Together, they plan to reclaim their household. Ulysses endures insults and even defeats the boastful beggar Irus in a contest. Penelope, torn between hope and despair, reproaches the suitors and remains cautious about the stranger’s identity.

Penelope’s prophetic dream of an eagle and geese foreshadows the coming reckoning. She announces a contest involving Ulysses’ bow to select a husband. None of the suitors can bend the bow, but Ulysses reveals himself by effortlessly stringing it and shooting an arrow through twelve axe heads. He swiftly kills the leading suitors Antinous and Eurymachus, then, with Telemachus and loyal servants, defeats the rest. Following the slaughter, Ulysses orders the execution of disloyal servants.

To confirm his identity, Ulysses shares a secret sign with Penelope involving their marriage bed, a deeply intimate moment that breaks through her caution. The family prepares to conceal the suitors’ deaths and flee to Laertes’ farm. Ulysses visits his aged father Laertes, who initially doubts but recognizes him by a scar. Together, they confront the suitors’ vengeful relatives. Laertes kills their leader Eupithes, and a thunderbolt from Jupiter signals divine approval. Athene commands peace, restoring order to Ithaca.

Throughout, divine intervention shapes mortal fates, loyalty and faithfulness are tested, and the tension between hope and despair runs deep. The narrative vividly portrays ancient customs, heroic virtues, and the complex emotions of reunion and justice.