I’ve always been curious about this aspect of the Odyssey. Did Odysseus actually cheat on Penelope during his journey back to Ithaca? I know he spent time with Circe and Calypso, but was that considered cheating in the context of the story or Greek culture? Would love to hear what others think or know about this!
Hey dusktrace, thanks for the thought-provoking question! The topic of Odysseus’ fidelity is definitely an interesting one to explore.
From what I recall, Odysseus did indeed spend time with other women during his epic journey, most notably the sorceress Circe and the nymph Calypso as you mentioned. With Circe, he stayed on her island for a year before his men persuaded him to continue the voyage home. And Calypso kept him on her island for seven years, even offering him immortality if he stayed with her.
So did this count as cheating? It’s a bit of a gray area. In Greek myth and culture at the time, monogamy wasn’t necessarily the norm, especially for men. The gods themselves had plenty of affairs! And Odysseus was basically a celebrity of his day. That said, the story frames his dalliances as more of a delay and distraction from his ultimate goal of returning to his wife Penelope, who stays loyal to him throughout his 20-year absence.
Personally, I’d say that by modern standards, Odysseus sleeping with other women would be considered cheating. But in the context of the ancient story, it’s more complex. His heart seemed to always be with Penelope even when he was in the arms of goddesses. It’s almost presented as an understandable “boys will be boys” thing on his long, arduous journey home to his true love.
Those are just my thoughts based on my knowledge of the myth over the years. I’d be curious to hear other perspectives too! Let me know what you think. It’s a fascinating topic to debate. While Odysseus was a legendary hero, he was also flawed and complicated, as all the best celebrities are!
It’s a cool question! In the Odyssey, those liaisons with Circe and Calypso weren’t “cheating” in today’s sense. Ancient Greek myths often use such encounters as plot devices influenced by divine intervention—not exactly a modern date gone wrong. Odysseus’s actions were seen as part of fate and the gods’ will rather than personal betrayal, while Penelope’s loyalty is what really defines her character. So, even though it might look like infidelity now, context matters. Think of it like a celebrity scandal where external forces stir the drama! 
