Did Odysseus really exist?

Question

There is a place called Ithaca but has it ever been ruled by a man named Odysseus? I have looked up information, but I am still not convinced.

Answer 1

The person on whom Homer's epic was based probably did exist in some form. However, certain exploits were obviously fictionalized and exaggerated.



According to astronomical research by doctors Baikouzis and Magnasco, certain astronomical phenomena referenced in the Odyssey indicate a date of 16 April, 1178 BC as the date of the return of Odysseus from Troy. This correlates roughly with the archaeological burn layer of Troy VIIa, indicating the city was destroyed and burnt between 1300-1190 BC.



However, historicity and objective factual truth in ancient times weren't as much an issue as they are in our time, and exact retelling wasn't as important as an exciting story, so certain elements were probably added.



Also current archaeological research seems to indicate that modern Ithaca, Greece is not the location of ancient Ithaca described by Homer, which is increasingly believed to be located on the peninsula of Paliki, Greece.

Answer 2

Yes. The "experts" thought the whole thing was a fiction story until Heinrich Schliemann actually used the Illiad and the Odyssey to find and dig up Troy. Chances are, if the places existed, the humans existed, too. (And the humans believed the Gods existed...)

Answer 3

Homer wrote of actual places and events. Not sure why he would knowingly write of fictitious people. My best guess is that yes he did indeed exist but Homer learned of him from someone else. He didnt acqually know the man.

Answer 4

No. Odysseus is an epic poem, as in fiction. Do you really think there are cyclops and sirens?

Answer 5

Probably not; but he may have been inspired by an actual ruler of Ithaca now forgotten by history.

Answer 6

He existed, but he was a simple warrior. The mythology arround him is obviously exagerated, but it was based on a real person who fought a real war and had a tough juorney home.

Answer 7

Nope.