The Odyssey, Ep. 1: Ithaca

About this episode

This episode introduces the new course on 'The Odyssey' and explores Odysseus's journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the brand new course "The Odyssey." Odysseus, the man of "twists and turns," has been away from his home of Ithaca for twenty years. His home is plagued with a pack of suitors who court his wife, devour his goods, and mock his son.  The Odyssey  tells the tale of the cunning and crafty hero of the Trojan War on his journey home. After ten years of war, Odysseus faces another ten years of fantastic temptations, deadly monsters, treacherous seas, and impious men. Meanwhile, Ithaca is threatened by suitors who plague his wife and plunder his wealth. When Odysseus reaches home, he must slay the suitors, test the loyalty of his friends and family, and restore order to his marriage and his kingdom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Jeremiah, Juan

Topics covered

• The Odyssey
• Greek mythology
• hero's journey
• Ithaca
• suitors
• Odysseus

Keywords

• Odyssey
• Ithaca
• Odysseus
• Greek mythology
• suitors
• Penelope
• Telemachus
• hero's journey

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Odyssey

Places: Ithaca

More episodes of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast

• The Odyssey, Ep. 8: Return to Ithaca · September 9, 2026 · 26 min
• The Odyssey, Ep. 7: Death and Woe · September 2, 2026 · 32 min
• The Odyssey, Ep. 6: Circe · August 26, 2026 · 25 min
• The Odyssey, Ep. 5: The Cyclops · August 19, 2026 · 34 min
• The Odyssey, Ep. 4: The Kingdom of Phaeacia · August 12, 2026 · 25 min
• The Odyssey, Ep. 3: Calypso · August 5, 2026 · 31 min