The Great Myths: The Odyssey | Twilight of the Gods (Episode 10)

Episode 10: Penelope is now forced to choose a husband among the Suitors. She offers them a test to decide who among them is the most worthy: with the bow of Odysseus, they must shoot an arrow and pass it through twelve axes. Telemachus, then the Suitors test their mettle without success, before the beggar also offers to try his luck. He succeeds, and reveals his true face: he is Odysseus, the legitimate king of Ithaca. The massacre of the Suitors begins. Later, Telemachus has all the servants who betrayed Penelope hanged. Odysseus then convinces Penelope of his identity.

Faced with Athena, he asserts his beliefs: the gods, who have allowed the massacre of Troy, are unjust, and no longer deserve to be worshiped. Zeus then understands that the end of the gods is near. The rest of Odysseus’ life is told by the poets. Some say that he was killed by Telegonus, son of Circe, father unknown. Odysseus, the great hero is also a mere mortal. The thread of his life is cut, as his condition implies.