In Greek and Roman mythology, Odysseus , also known by the Latin variant Ulysses (/juːˈlɪsiːz/ yoo-LISS-eez, UK also /ˈjuːlɪsiːz/ YOO-liss-eez; Latin: Ulysses, Ulixes), is a legendary Greek king of Ithaca and the hero of See more

The form Ὀδυσ(σ)εύς Odys(s)eus is used starting in the epic period and through the classical period, but various other forms are also found. In vase inscriptions, we find the variants Oliseus (Ὀλισεύς), Olyseus (Ὀλυσεύς), Olysseus (Ὀλυσσεύς), Olyteus (Ὀλυτεύς), … See more

Before the Trojan War
The majority of sources for Odysseus' supposed pre-war exploits—principally the mythographers See more

Strabo writes that on Meninx (Ancient Greek: Μῆνιγξ) island, modern Djerba at Tunisia, there was an altar to Odysseus.
Pliny the Elder writes that in Italy there were some small … See more

In the account of Dares the Phrygian, Odysseus was illustrated as "tough, crafty, cheerful, of medium height, eloquent, and wise." See more

Relatively little is given of Odysseus' fictional background other than that according to Pseudo-Apollodorus, his paternal grandfather … See more

Odysseus is one of the most recurrent characters in Western culture.
Middle Ages and Renaissance
Dante Alighieri, … See more