An exhilarating literary classic, and an unforgettable read. The Odyssey is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer . It is one of the oldest existing works of literature still read by contemporary audiences. It follows the Greek hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his journey home after the Trojan War. After the war itself, which lasted ten years, his journey lasted for ten additional years, during which time he encountered many perils including lotus-eaters, a cyclops, sirens, Medusa, and throughout this perilous journey all his crewmates were killed. In his absence, Odysseus was assumed dead, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus had to contend with a group of unruly suitors who were competing for Penelope's hand in marriage. Once returned to his home and along with the help of his son, Telemachus, Odysseus destroys the relentless suitors of his faithful wife and re-establishes himself in his kingdom.