Since I was a young girl, I have heard countless tales sung and told by an even greater number of bards. In fact, it even became a real challenge for the local bards to present a tale that I don't know. It is precisely because of this challenge that I heard this particular interpretation of the story of Odysseus. As a Trojan, I know not only the narratives surrounding the Trojan War, but also the stories that follow its heroes. However, I had never heard the story of Odysseus' life in this particular way. I have yet to hear an epic of the same quality or caliber as that of Homer's The Odyssey, although it is by no means without its weaknesses; This epic proves to be unique and important with its groundbreaking cast of strong female characters as well as an engaging plot and characterizations that speak to Trojans from all walks of life. I've never encountered an epic that doesn't begin at the true chronological beginning. Instead, this epic begins several years after the actual beginning of Odysseus's adventures. We first witness the consequences of Odysseus' absence from home when we are introduced to the wife and son he left behind. Furthermore, Odysseus, the protagonist, does not even enter until many nights into the bard's retelling of the epic. Before his entrance, we as listeners only hear about him and see the effects of his absence on his family. This late entry created a sense of anticipation that I've never found in a bard's tale. Furthermore, the first nights of the recitation of the epic follow Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, in his quest for answers about his father. As Telemachus embarked on this quest, I felt like I too was searching for answers about the absent Odys... middle of paper ...... failing to be for him. Homer's Odyssey uses unique aspects such as a non-chronological timeline, a strong representation of women, an engaging plot as well as a wonderfully unusual characterization of a hero. This epic draws its importance from its innovative, even radical, changes in the social norms of our society, as we are confronted with a new type of female character, who plays a more central and important role than ever before. In addition, the strong themes of the house, the importance of hospitality as well as a cast of characters from all levels of society will allow this epic to address a very wide audience instead of the usually limited audience targeted by the nobility. This poem could serve to mark the beginning of a new type of story, one that contains a complex hero that all can admire and, more importantly, see themselves in..