The Iliad · Character

Odysseus

The Greek king of Ithaca, valued less for his spear than for the cool head that keeps the alliance from collapsing.

major

Also known as Ulysses, wise Ulysses, Renowned Ulysses, divine Ulysses

First appearance: the iliad

As a major figure in The Iliad, Odysseus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Restores order, punishes Thersites, and delivers a rousing speech to the troops.

In the storyBook II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the ForcesOpen this moment free

See Odysseus in Book II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Odysseus is the counselor other kings listen to when tempers flare, the man who can talk an army down or shame it back into line. He endures Agamemnon's blunders and Achilles' rages with the patience of someone who has…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Odysseus sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Odysseus in the iliad

Character Web

55 connections

A slice of how Odysseus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Major Greek and Trojan Figures
Protagonist

+50 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Jupiter’s wrath, as he…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Diomedes
friendship · positive
Diomedes and Odysseus are comrades who undertake dangerous missions together, such as the… How this plays out →
Diomedes
friendship · positive
Diomedes and Odysseus are comrades who undertake dangerous missions together, such as the… How this plays out →
Diomedes
friendship · positive
Diomedes and Odysseus are comrades who undertake dangerous missions together, such as the… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Odysseus in the iliad

In the story

Odysseus appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces
Restores order, punishes Thersites, and delivers a rousing speech to the troops.
Book III: Single Combat of Menelaus and Paris
Assists Hector in measuring the combat space and helps with the lot-drawing ceremony.
Book IX: The Embassy to Achilles
Leads the embassy to Achilles, eloquently presenting Agamemnon's gifts and pleas for reconciliation.
Book X: The Night-Adventure of Diomed and Ulysses
Ulysses is chosen by Diomed for his wisdom and courage; he prays to Athena and leads the mission, capturing and interrogating Dolon.
Book XI: The Third Battle, and Exploits of Agamemnon
Rallies Diomed and the Greeks after Agamemnon's wounding, fights alongside Diomed, and slays Molion, Hippodamus, and Hypirochus.
Book XIV: The Fraud Practised on Jupiter by Juno
Firmly opposes Agamemnon's plan to withdraw, arguing it would doom the Greeks.
Book XIX: The Reconciliation of Achilles and Agamemnon
Advises delaying battle for a feast and oversees the transfer of gifts and the oath.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Odysseus unlock in the free preview.

See Odysseus in the iliad

See Odysseus in Book II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces