# Ulysses — The Odyssey character guide

> Ulysses in The Odyssey by Homer.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Odysseus, sage Ulysses, Godlike Ulysses, great Ulysses, King Ulysses, the shrewd Ulysses, wise Ulysses, the Ithacan Ulysses

**First appearance:** 0001-the-odyssey

## Snapshot

The shrewd, much-enduring king of Ithaca, whose longing for home and wife drives him through a decade of wandering, monsters, and divine wrath.

## Who they are

Ulysses is the resourceful hero whose cunning took Troy but whose longing for Ithaca keeps him pinned on Calypso's isle while suitors devour his house. He is a man of stratagems and grief, blamed by no god but Neptune, who hates him for blinding the Cyclops. His slow, contested return is the engine of the poem: every ruse, storm, and reunion tests whether wit and endurance can outlast fate.

## Relationships

### [Telemachus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/telemachus)

_family_

Telemachus is the son of Ulysses, and their relationship is one of longing, reunion, and mutual support in reclaiming their home.

### [Penelope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/penelope)

_romantic_

Penelope is the faithful wife of Ulysses, enduring years of separation and suitors while remaining devoted to him.

### [Pallas Athene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/pallas_athene)

_friendship_

Pallas Athene is the divine patron and protector of Ulysses, guiding and advising him throughout his journey.

### [Jove](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/jove)

_psychological_

Jove (Zeus) is the supreme god who sometimes aids Ulysses but also allows his trials, representing a distant, fate-controlling power.

### [Eumaeus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/eumaeus)

_friendship_

Eumaeus is the loyal swineherd and faithful servant of Ulysses, who aids him upon his return to Ithaca.

### [Medon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/medon)

_professional_

Medon is a herald in Ulysses' household, who is spared by Ulysses for his loyalty during the suitors' occupation.

### [Laertes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/laertes)

_family_

Laertes is the aged father of Ulysses, and their reunion is a deeply emotional moment of recognition and love.

### [Menelaus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/menelaus)

_friendship_

Menelaus is a fellow Greek king and comrade-in-arms of Ulysses from the Trojan War, sharing a bond of old alliance.

### [Alcinoüs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/alcino%C3%BCs)

_social_

Alcinoüs is the king of the Phaeacians who hosts Ulysses and helps him return home, acting as a generous benefactor.

### [Phaeacians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/phaeacians)

_social_

The Phaeacians are a seafaring people who welcome Ulysses and provide him passage to Ithaca, acting as gracious hosts.

### [Calypso](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/calypso)

_romantic_

Calypso is a nymph who keeps Ulysses as her lover on her island for years, creating a relationship of captivity and affection.

### [Clytemnestra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/clytemnestra)

_social_

Clytemnestra is mentioned as a cautionary figure in contrast to Penelope, representing unfaithfulness in a king's household.

## In the story

### [The Odyssey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/chapters/the-odyssey)

The protagonist, a cunning and resourceful hero striving to return home to Ithaca.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters/ulysses
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_odyssey_se/characters