The Odyssey: Summary The story, The Odyssey, was written by Homer and translated to English version by Samuel Butler. The main character in Odyssey was Odysseus, Kind of Ithaca, who after 20 years of wanderings returned home from the Trojan War and a long difficult journey which the powerful gave to him. He found himself recognized only by his faithful dog and a nurse. With the help of his son Telemachus he destroys the importunate suitors of his wife Penelope and reestablishes himself in his kingdom. Athena appeals to Zeus for permission to help Odysseus reach home. Odysseus's home in Ithaca is overrun with suitors who are trying to win Pene