The Odyssey (Books 11-15)

1. Odysseus, in book 11, descends into Hades. Hades is the land of the souls. In Hades, he talks to friends, deceased family members and famous war heroes. As he talks to them, he gains a lot of knowledge about them and learns a lot of life's lessons. Metaphorically, Hades is a dark place where the soul goes and this is where he will most likely gain the most insight. Achilles, the most important character he met, tells the story of Troy. After this Odysseus thinks of Penelope and Telemachus and feels he should be with his family, not in Hades. He has to appreciate them more and go home immediately.

3. When Odysseus arrives in his hometown, Ithaca, he does not recognize it due to the length of time he has been away. Also, Athena, a famous goddess tries to hide it from him. After Odysseus has conversation with Athena and ultimately tricks her into showing her true identity, he realizes he can win Penelope back. 25 or more years affects Odysseus heavily and it foreshadows struggles he may have to overcome.