According to an ancient Greek myth, Ulysses and his companions wandered while making their way back from Troy after the Grecians had destroyed that renowned Asian city. After a ten-year hiatus, he was driven by the need to see his wife and Ithaca once again. Because of this, he turned down the goddess Calypso’s invitations to stay with her and share in her immortality on the lovely island. Ulysses provided a striking illustration of wedded love as well as a deserving illustration of how precious his nation is to every good man.
But a life that would never end in shame has less allure for a heroic mentality than dying with glory. When Neptune returned from seeing his favorite Ethiopians, he saw Ulysses taming the waters, which are his territory. The god’s heart was set on fire at the sight of the offspring of the man he so bitterly despised for Polyphemus’ sake.
Demodocus approached and picked up his harp, which was suspended between two silver pillars. The hall was once more filled with the suitors as dawn finally broke through the clouds. Some people questioned the significance of the gleaming array of armor and lances that were piled up by the door’s entrance.