why was Odysseus alone as the epic began
In the beginning of Homer's epic, "The Odyssey," Odysseus finds himself alone as the story begins due to his long absence from home. After the Trojan War, Odysseus embarks on a journey back to his homeland of Ithaca. However, his journey is hindered by various obstacles and challenges posed by gods, mythical creatures, and the sea itself. This prolonged his return journey, and he ends up spending a total of ten years on his voyage.
During this time, Odysseus loses all of his companions. Some are killed in battles or by mythical creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus or the sea monster Scylla, while others succumb to the temptations of luxurious islands, such as Circe's island or the Island of the Lotus-Eaters. As a result, by the time the epic begins, Odysseus is the sole survivor of his crew.
Furthermore, Odysseus' fate of being left alone serves a narrative purpose. It allows him to face numerous challenges and tests of his character without any external support or distractions. This helps to highlight his resourcefulness, intelligence, and resilience as a hero, as he navigates through the different trials, battles, and encounters on his own.