The Odyssey, Ep. 8: Return to Ithaca

About this episode

The episode discusses Odysseus's temptations and challenges on his journey back to Ithaca, featuring insights from Dr. Benedict Whalen.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the temptations that Odysseus faces on his journey to Ithaca before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Having resisted the temptation of the four island women along his journey, Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca with the help of the Phaeacians. 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

Host: Jeremiah

Guest: Juan

Topics covered

• Odyssey
• temptations
• Ithaca
• hero's journey
• suitors
• restoration

Keywords

• Odyssey
• Odysseus
• Ithaca
• Phaeacians
• suitors
• Trojan War
• temptations
• journey
• lecture

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Odyssey

Places: Ithaca, Phaeacians, Trojan War

More episodes of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast

• 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
• The Odyssey, Ep. 2: Rumors of Odysseus · July 29, 2026 · 29 min