Unlike the Iliad, which focuses on human actions and drama, the Odyssey is a fantastic adventure quest as the hero, Odysseus, battles the gods, supernatural creatures, and nature to return to his wife Penelope, son Telemachus, and kingdom of Ithaca. In the end, he reaches his goal, losing all his companions in the process.

Odysseus' aretê lies in his intelligence, ingenuity, and cunning. Like the Greek hero Theseus, Odysseus depends on brains before brawn although he has a superior physique which is evidenced at the end of the play when, disguised as an old beggar, he is the only "suitor" able to string Odysseus' bow. "The ability to exercise foresight, discretion, and rational self-control, prudence is the trait that most commonly (but not always) distinguishes Odysseus's behavior" (Harris and Platzner 455). Opposed by Poseidon because Odysseus blinded Polyphemus, Poseidon's son, Odysseus is aided in his efforts to return home by Athena (Harris and Platzner 457-8). Throughout his voyages, Odysseus must deal with a series of women who attempt to distract or prevent him from returning to Ithaca. These include Circe, the Sirens, and Calypso. In the end, he overcomes trials, temptations, and disasters and wins his way back to his beloved Ithaca, his faithful wife Penelope, and his devoted son, Telemachus.