What Happened After The Iliad: Odysseus' Troubled Homeward Journey

The Greek world that Odysseus and the 50,000 Greeks left for Troy was drastically different from the one they encountered upon their return. According to Homer, who wrote these epics around the 9th Century BC, the actual war that took place around the 12th Century BC occurred during a period known as the Dark Ages of antiquity. This era was marked by the absence of written records and significant changes in the political landscape of Greece.

The Changing Political Landscape

The political structure of Greece underwent a dramatic transformation in the decades following the Trojan War. During the Mycenaean Archaean dynasty, the Greek kingdoms enjoyed a period of prosperity and order. However, after the Mycenaeans returned from Troy, a series of events led to significant changes in the local governance.

For instance, when Odysseus' son Telemachus travels to Sparta to find information about his father, he discovers that Menelaus, the former king of Sparta, is no longer in charge of the city. Instead, there is a compromise with local authorities, indicating a shift in power dynamics. Similarly, Agamemnon, the former king of Mycenae, returns from Troy with a drastically altered political situation. His wife has betrayed him, leading to his murder and the end of the Mycenaean Kingdom.

Odysseus' Homeward Journey

Despite the political upheaval, Odysseus persevered to return to Ithaca. Unlike his fellow Greek warriors, Odysseus' journey took ten more years due to his prolonged journey at sea. During this time, he faced numerous challenges and encountered the wrath of the gods, particularly Poseidon, for his disrespectful behavior in the past. To avoid drawing attention, he disguised himself as a poor man, camouflaged by the Greek goddess Athena.

Upon reaching Ithaca, Odysseus found himself in a land where direct rule was non-existent, and many wealthy men sought to take control of the kingdom through persuasion and wealth. This unstructured state provided fertile ground for the cunning Odysseus to plot his revenge.

Blasphemy and Divine Repercussions

Before leaving Troy, Odysseus made a terrible blasphemy to Poseidon, arrogant in his belief that he no longer needed the god's guidance. As a result, Odysseus faced divine retribution, losing several men and ships during his journey. His journey was marked by wrong turns and problematic relationships with the gods, ultimately leading to his delayed return to Ithaca.

Conclusion

The Homeric Epics, while rooted in historical context, also highlight the significant political and social changes experienced by the Greek world during the Dark Ages. Odysseus' journey not only narrates a personal struggle but also offers insights into the fragmented and unstable political landscape that followed the Trojan War.

Despite the challenges he faced, Odysseus ultimately returned to Ithaca, where he restored order and took his rightful place as king. His tale continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the resilience of those who navigate through tumultuous times.