Ever since I was a little girl, I have heard countless stories sung and told by even more bards. In fact, it has become something of a challenge for the local bards to present a tale with which I am not familiar. It was because of this challenge that I came to listen to this particular interpretation of the story of Odysseus. As a Trojan, I am familiar not only with the tales surrounding the Trojan War, but also with the stories following its heroes. However, I had never heard the life of Ulysses told in this particular way. I have yet to hear an epic of the same quality or caliber as Homer's Odyssey, though it is by no means without its weaknesses; This epic proves unique and important with its groundbreaking cast of strong female characters, as well as a compelling plot and characterizations that speak to Trojans of all stages of life. I've never met an epic that doesn't start at the true chronological beginning. Instead this epic begins many years after the actual beginning of Ulysses' adventures. We first witness the consequences of Odysseus' absence from his home when we are introduced to the wife and son he left behind. Furthermore, Odysseus, the protagonist, does not even enter many nights in the bard's telling of the epic. Before his entrance we listeners only hear about him and see the effects of his absence on his family. This delayed entry created a sense of anticipation, which I have never encountered in a bard's tale. Additionally, the first few nights of the epic's recitation follow Telemachus, Odysseus' son, searching for answers about his father. When Telemachus embarked on this quest, I felt as if I too were searching for answers about the Odyssey's absence... middle of the paper... omit being for him. Homer's Odyssey uses unique aspects such as a non-chronological timeline, a strong portrayal of women, and a compelling plot, as well as a wonderfully unusual characterization of a hero. This epic derives its importance from its innovative and some might even say radical changes to the social norms of our society as we are faced with a new type of female character, who has a more central and important role than ever before. Furthermore, strong themes of home, the importance of hospitality, and a cast of characters from all different positions of society will allow this epic to be identifiable with a very wide audience rather than the usually targeted narrow audience of nobility. This poem can serve to mark the beginning of a new kind of story, which contains a complex hero that everyone can admire and, more importantly, see themselves in him..