In the Odyssey, the story unfolds after the events of the Trojan War, which is the backdrop for the epic. While the Odyssey primarily follows Odysseus’ journey home from the war, it is essential to understand what occurred in Troy as it sets the stage for the narrative.
The Trojan War lasted ten years and was fought between the city of Troy and the Greek states. The war began when Paris of Troy abducted Helen, the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta. In response, a coalition of Greek forces led by Agamemnon laid siege to Troy. The Greeks devised a clever plan involving the famous Trojan Horse, a monumental wooden structure that concealed soldiers inside. The Trojans, believing the war was over, brought the horse into the city, leading to a surprise attack by the hidden Greeks.
Ultimately, the Greeks conquered Troy, but this victory came at a great cost. Odysseus, one of the key Greek leaders, faced numerous challenges on his journey home due to the wrath of the sea god Poseidon, which adds depth to his character and highlights the themes of struggle and perseverance throughout the Odyssey. Thus, while the Odyssey does not narrate the war itself, the events that transpired in Troy, including the cunning tactics and the destruction of the city, critically influence Odysseus’ perilous voyage back to Ithaca.