The Odyssey

Ithaca has long since been without its king Odysseus, who disappeared following the 10-year Trojan War. Several suitors, including nobleman Antinous, aggressively court Odysseus's wife Penelope to claim the throne from Odysseus and Penelope's son Telemachus. Only Penelope, Telemachus, and half-blind servant Eumaeus still believe Odysseus will return. Telemachus plans to travel with his teacher and bodyguard, Odysseus's friend Mentor, to Menelaus, King of Sparta, to discover his father's whereabouts. Antinous learns this from his lover, Penelope's handmaid Melantho. He conspires with another suitor, Polybus, to kill Telemachus upon his return and plunder Ithaca. Menelaus and his wife Helen express uncertainty of Odysseus's fate but offer Telemachus stories about him.