ITHACA (island)
Greek island in the Ionian Sea
- Kind of place
- Island
- People of myth here
- Antinoos, Argos, Dolius, Eumaeus, Eupeithes, Eurycleia, Eurymachus, Irus, Laertes, Melanthius, Mentor, Odysseus, Penelope, Phemius, Phorcys, Telemachus
- Where
- 38.42° N, 20.67° E
The island is widely recognized and famous across the known world. Odyssey 13 ¶23 The mountain Neritum is located on the island of Ithaca. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.19 ¶2 The land produces abundant grain and wine due to rain and dew. Odyssey 13 ¶23
Described in the sources
Odysseus identifies Ithaca as his native land and the location of his kingship, a place possessed by him and his followers. Aeneid 3.258 +4 The Phaeacians transported Ulysses to Ithaca while he was sleeping, a return facilitated by Alcinoüs. Diodorus 4.72 +3 Ithaca is the rugged birthplace and home country of Ulysses, who dwelt there and was identified as its king. Euripides, The Trojan Women 239-277 +3 Ithaca is a rugged, steep, and sun-burnt island situated farthest toward the west, lying flat on the deep sea. Hymn III to Delian Apollo ll. 388-439 +3 A high, forest-covered mountain named Neritum is situated on the island of Ithaca, which is located under it. Odyssey 3 ¶11 +2 Ithaca was the destination for Ulysses' journey home, where the Phaeacians landed the sleeping hero and he hid their gifts in a cave. Odyssey 10 ¶5 +2 Ithaca is the rugged birthplace and home of Ulysses, who is identified as a resident and leader of the Cephallenians who held the territory. Iliad 2 ¶48 +2 Telemachus's livestock is consumed by suitors, including the principal men of Ithaca, who are feasting in his house while the people of the island are aware of his missing father. Odyssey 1 ¶17 +2 Sister islands are located apart from it facing the east. Athenaeus 1.16 +1 Ithaca is identified as the native land of the poet Homer. Athenaeus 13.71 part 1 +1
Gods and worship
Water sources on the island never run dry. Odyssey 13 ¶23 The island supports herds of cattle and goats. Odyssey 13 ¶23 Various types of timber trees grow on the island. Odyssey 13 ¶23
Stories and history
The island is known for producing brave men. Odyssey 9 ¶2 Bees maintain their hives within the sacred cavern. Odyssey 13 ¶10 Great stone looms are present inside the nymphs' cave. Odyssey 13 ¶10 Telegonus drove away some cattle located on the island. Apollodorus, Epitome 7.36 The total circumference of Ithaca is twenty-five miles. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.19 ¶2 The nymphs weave robes of sea purple on the stone looms. Odyssey 13 ¶10 Ulysses died on the island after being wounded by Telegonus. Apollodorus, Epitome 7.36 Odysseus wore armor that he had brought with him from Ithaca. Quintus 7 ¶21 Stone mixing bowls and wine jars are found inside the cavern. Odyssey 13 ¶10 Telegonus ravages the island of Ithaca during his stay there. The Telegony fr. 1