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Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
King of Ithaca and leader of a small fleet of three ships. Ulysses is a courageous warrior who blends tactical intelligence with immense physical agility. He deeply misses his family, a longing that drives his dangerous journey across hostile waters. His curiosity and pride occasionally place his crew in severe danger.
Husband of Penelope
Father of Telemachus
Son of Anticleia
Target of Poseidon
Enemy of Polyphemus
Romantic interest of Circe
Romantic interest of Calypso
Commander of Eurylochus
Championed by Athene
The powerful and tempestuous god of the sea. Angered by a grievous injury dealt to his offspring, he utilizes his dominion over the oceans to relentlessly punish those who cross him. He sends storms and monsters to exact his revenge on mortal sailors.
A stunningly beautiful and immortal demigoddess who resides in a stone castle surrounded by tame wolves and lions. She possesses great magical abilities, often using drugged food to transform mortal men into animals for her amusement. She easily falls into romantic attachments with human visitors.
Romantic interest of Ulysses
Captor of Eurylochus
A tall, blonde demigoddess of Titan descent who controls an idyllic island paradise. She lives outside the bounds of normal time and frequently takes shipwrecked mortals as husbands. She commands powerful magic capable of transforming men into animals when she grows tired of them.
Romantic interest of Ulysses
Cousin of Hermes
The sixteen-year-old princess of Phaeacia. She is beautiful, strong-willed, and highly selective about her prospective suitors. She relies on divine guidance in her dreams to prepare for her transition to adulthood and royal responsibilities.
The clever and steadfast Queen of Ithaca. She faces the immense pressure of wealthy, aggressive suitors occupying her castle. She holds them off with a clever weaving trick, undoing her daily work every night to delay choosing a new husband.
The crown prince of Ithaca. He has grown into a strong and honorable young man over the past twenty years. He attempts to protect his mother and their estate from the hostile suitors occupying their home, eventually seeking out information about his missing father.
The largest and fiercest of the Cyclopes, a race of one-eyed giants. He is a brutal, cannibalistic creature who traps unwary sailors in his cave to devour them over a fire. His arrogance is matched only by his physical size.
A boisterous, red-faced demigod tasked by the Olympians with managing the world's weather. He commands twelve children who take turns riding the atmospheric currents. He possesses a deep appreciation for epic war stories and uses his authority to grant magical assistance to entertaining guests.
The greatest of the Greek warriors from the war, now residing in the underworld. He retains his pride in the afterlife and offers crucial strategic warnings to his former brothers-in-arms regarding dangerous sea witches.
Former comrade of Ulysses
Fellow warrior of Ajax
A formidable Greek warrior who stood second only to the greatest fighters in martial prowess. Residing in the underworld, he harbors deep resentment over a past defeat regarding a contest for armor, using his spectral voice to taunt his old rivals.
Rival of Ulysses
Fellow warrior of Achilles
The Olympian Goddess of Wisdom. She greatly admires tactical brilliance and actively champions her favored mortals, sometimes manipulating dreams or disguising herself as a human to provide direct assistance.
The loyal, aging swineherd of Ithaca. He maintains his duties and hospitality despite the chaotic occupation of the royal estate by hostile noblemen, offering shelter to wandering strangers.
Servant to Ulysses
Ally of Telemachus
One of the most aggressive and physically intimidating noblemen pressing the Ithacan queen for marriage. He holds zero respect for the rules of hospitality and actively threatens anyone who challenges his comfortable position in the palace.
Unwanted suitor of Penelope
Co-conspirator of Eurymachus
A leading figure among the hostile suitors occupying the Ithacan palace. He acts as a vocal strategist for the group, quick to justify their greed and dismiss any threats to their comfortable occupation.
Unwanted suitor of Penelope
Co-conspirator of Antinous
A prophet who resides in the underworld. He provides vital warnings about divine properties and future obstacles that must be carefully navigated to ensure safe passage across the sea.
Advisor to Ulysses
The King of the Gods on Mount Olympus. He arbitrates disputes among the immortals and enforces divine justice, though he is susceptible to the demands of other deities regarding mortal infractions.
Brother of Poseidon
Father of Athene