The Odyssey Notes The Odyssey is a tale of a hero?s long and perilous journey home. But, it is also the story of a son in need of his father and of a faithful wife waiting for her husband?s return. married the beautiful and faithful Penelope had one son, Telemachus pretended to be insane so he wouldn?t have to go revealed his sanity to save his son?s life (who was placed in front of the plow) The Theme of the Odyssey the right relationships with one another and the people around them their proper places in life Respect for the Gods Respect for the gods is shown through the numerous descriptions of sacrifices and offerings. Disrespect for the Gods inevitably leads to disaster; the Gods do not forget disrespect and are not easily appeased. (Poseidon, Athena, Helios.)