You look back at Polyphemus one last time, before turning to Odysseus. "Farewell, bitter Cyclops, for although you may be son of Poseidon, you are unsightly to my eyes," you spat. Polyphemus' expression turned to one of unmistakable pain, and you couldn't help but wince a bit as you caught sight of it. You joined Odysseus in his plan of hiding under the bellies of the ewes, and hastily made your escape.
After escaping the island of the Cyclopes, Odysseus hardly ever let you leave his side. You were to come with him wherever he was going at any time, and although it may have seemed quite possessive of him, you couldn't help but feel the butterflies in your stomach reawaken everytime he demanded you come or stay with him.
Destination after destination, your trust for Odysseus never wavered. Even through your encounters with the Laestrygonians, Circe's island, the Land of the Dead, the Sirens, and Scylla, you put all of your faith in your unrequited lover's wits and abilities.
Even when you found yourself starving and battling with your inner thoughts as you were faced with the choice of eating Helios' cattle, you trusted Odysseus' words. The men plagued you to eat at least one of the cattle, telling you that you looked ghastly. You turned down their generous offers, and instead prayed to the gods as Odysseus did.
The last time you had seen the men, you cried for them. Even while washed on shore of the island of Calypso, you weeped over your fallen comrades who were knocked off ship and lost to the sea forever.
Odysseus tried his best to comfort you, but to no avail. Calypso, deeming you a threat to her and Odysseus 'relationship', cast you away from the island and out to sea. She gave you a boat, and bitterly wished you good luck, and you regretted every moment of your departure from Odysseus.
He shed many tears as you said your farewells. You found it heartbreaking, seeing as how Odysseus was a man who could easily conceal his emotions. Even upon discovering his own mother's death, he had relentlessly attempted to hide his immense sorrow. He told you that he wished you a wonderful life, and you pleaded for him to survive.
You knew your way back to Ithaca from here, thanks to directions from one of Calypso's servants. But you wouldn't be returning to your homeland. You would rather have your very heart ripped out before returning to the place that held you and Odysseus' treasured memories together.
Instead, you resided in a neighboring land, Phaecia, for seven years. Seven long, unbearable years you awaited news from somebody of whether Odysseus had died or returned safely to Ithaca.
But, when you found Odysseus washed up on the shore of Phaecia, you sighed and shed a tear.
Although he was unconscious, you knew he could hear you, as you knelt down in front of his unmoving, yet still breathing body. You planted a kiss on his forehead, and muttered to him, although your voice was trembling, "I shall always love you, Odysseus. Return swiftly to Ithaca, and return to your dear, sweet Penelope."
You stood back up, letting your tears fall freely. You saw some of the king's men approaching, and knew it was time to leave.
"Farewell, Odysseus.." you whispered to yourself, leaving him behind.
YOU ARE READING
the odyssey x reader
Fanfictiona story in which you, the reader, is insert into the story of 'the odyssey'. i wrote this in like freshman year when i had to read 'the odyssey' for school. #1 in the odyssey category thank u <3
