Volume 2

This story follows the hardships Odysseus and Penelope went through during their marriage. Shorly after their wedding, Odysseus had to fight in the Trojan War. While he was away, his son was born. After the war, Odysseus got lost at sea, so he didn't end up returning until 20 years later. To find out what happens when Odysseus and Penelope reuinte, read this heartwrenching tale.

-Sara Kovatch

Greek Culture

 

Dancing is an old tradition in Ithaca that is still around today. It is often used at social events. Different types of dances are performed at different occasions. For example the Zeibekiko dance is performed by one dancer normally at parties or festivals. 


Baklava is one of the most famous foods in the Ithacan area. It was created around the 8th century B.C. somewhere in the Middle East, however most people believe that it was first made by the Assyrians. This tasty desert is made of phyllo bread with chopped nuts in the middle and honey all around it.



The art found in Ithaca is based on Greek art since Ithaca is now Greece. Greek art has multiple different mediums including sculptures, buildings, pottery, and paintings. The most famous art was made 1000 or more years ago. Surprisingly, the art usually depicts naked gods.

-Rachel Kevdzija

Volume 2

The The Jingling Anklets is the second volume, following volume one. The Jingling Anklets tells the story of how Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, is to find a wife so his dad can be at the wedding. Telemachus gets ready for the journey of his life. He brings along his best friend, Petrona, to take his side along the sees while he finds a fair maiden. Before setting off to sea, a chain of unexpected events happen and he finds a wife someone he never would have thought he would marry. Petrona. Odysseus gets the luxury of seeing his son getting married. The book has conflict, resolution, and dialogue. This story is a must-read that depicts the interesting journey of boy finding true love where he never expected to find it.

-Mae' Eddir

Penelope's Story

      I, Penelope, play a very large role in Odysseus's life. I am his loving and faithful wife. Odysseus was gone from me, his home, and the rest of his family for 20 years, fighting in the Trojan War. This event took a toll on my overall being. Every second he was gone, I was thinking about how much I loved him, and I prayed religiously for his safe return. Right before Odysseus left to fight in the Trojan War, we had our first and only child, Telemachus. Telemachus was always there when I needed him, and he was the most amazing son I could ever ask for.




      Many people tried to convince me that I really should move on, and that Odysseus may not make it back, but I knew how strong he was, and that he would always come back for me. While he was gone, many suitors asked for my hand in marriage, but I refused. I had one love and one love only, and I would not settle for less than Odysseus. Odysseus is a strong man, capable of many things, including stringing a bow, and shooting it with perfect precision and aim. I knew that no one could match up to this, so I posed a challenge to all the suitors that wanted to marry me in order to get them off my back. If they could string the bow and shoot it like Odysseus did, then they could marry me. My plan fell right into place. No one could string the bow, and little did I know that my beloved husband was dressed as a beggar, and strung the bow and shot it perfectly. When I realized that it was him, I was thrilled. All these years of waiting had finally paid off. I always knew in my heart that he was alive and waiting to come back to me. All in all, I am a loyal wife and mother, who would never leave my family's side.

 

 

     When Odysseus made his way back to Ithaca, he found that Antinous and Eurymachus are fighting for the throne. To gain power and marry Penelope, they have to string Odysseus’ cherished bow and shoot an arrow through 12 axes. Neither Antinous nor Eurymachus could achieve this goal; only Odysseus had enough strength and skill. This bow is made from handcrafted wood and no one to this day has the power to pull the string back like Odysseus did.

 

 

 

Odysseus was going to see Circe to get back his men when Hermes gave him a special plant. This sprig of Moly protects him so that Circe cannot put a spell on him. Odysseus kept this immortal plant, and it never withered. Today, it is held in the Museum of Ithaca and every visitor is awed by its uniqueness.

The Imortance of Ithaca

In the captivating story, The Odyssey, written by Homer, Odysseus and his men go on daring quests to return home to Ithaca. Ithaca represents home for Odysseus, and the prize he is constantly trying to work for. Odysseus had been gone for many years following the Trojan War. He was away from Ithaca for a total of 20 years. Many believed he was dead. To Odysseus, Ithaca was where he wanted to be and where he spent 20 years trying to get to. Throughout his journey, he longed to return home. He showed great loyalty to his home. Odysseus risked his life, going on dangerous quests, to return to the place that he knew and loved. The rich history of Ithaca and its beautiful scenery is what has attracted many tourists.

Beautiful Scenery From This Island in Greece