In the epic poem, The Odyssey by Homer, the main character Odysseus, goes through many hardships and must refuse many temptations to return to his home in Ithaca. His ten-year journey home led him to many lands. Odysseus first encountered the Lotus-Eaters' land, then the home of the goddess Calypso, Ogygia. His journey finally ended in Phaecia, home of the seafaring phaeacians ruled by Alcinous.
             After the Trojan War, Odysseus and his men end up in the Lotus-Eaters' land. Upon making contact with the Lotus-Eaters, some of Odysseus' men ate the lotus, making them lose their will to report home. Odysseus had to haul his men back to the ship and tie them up under the benches. This was just one of the many hardships Odysseus faced on his journey home.
             After leaving the Lotus-Eaters Odysseus, being the only survivor left of his crew, was rescued by the goddess Calypso. For seven years Odysseus was kept on Ogygia. The goddess cared for and loved Odysseus. She even told him she would make him "immortal and ageless all of his days/" if he would stay with her (74). I believe even though Odysseus was not happy on Calypso's island this must have been a temping proposal. I can imagine Odysseus thinking what a great and powerful leader he would be if he were made immortal and ageless. Turning his back on this temptation Odysseus set off again on his voyage home.
             Again the god-like survivor Odysseus was blown off course. This time he landed on the island of Phaecia, home of the very kind and hospitable Alcinous. While sleeping on the shores of Phaecia, Odysseus was awoken by Nausicaa, he asked her to lead him to town. Upon entering the palace of the king, Alcinous, Odysseus threw himself to the knees of the queen, Arete and said to her "Grant me this: speedy passage home,/ for I have suffered long, far from my people." (99) Odysseus shared many feast and
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