The Odyssey by Homer is an ancient Greek epic poem, known to have been composed at the end of the 8th century. It portrays the story of the Greek hero Odysseus, the king of Ithaca. After the Trojan War, he begins his ten-year-long journey back to home. In his absence, back in Ithaca, it is believed Odysseus has died, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus undergo tedious encounters and deal with a group of unruly suitors competing for Penelope's hand in marriage.