Get Sleepy: "The Odyssey: Part 1 – The Prince’s Quest"

Host: Thomas (Slumber Studios)
Date: January 7, 2026
Theme:
A gentle, sleep-inducing retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, focusing on the opening chapters: the gods’ deliberations, the plight of Odysseus’ family, and Telemachus’ brave quest to learn his father’s fate.

Episode Overview

This inaugural episode of a nine-part series delivers a soothing adaptation of the Odyssey, inviting the listener to unwind while following the quest of Telemachus, son of Odysseus. Through Thomas’ calm narration, listeners journey from Mount Olympus and the gods’ plots, to the warm, bustling halls of Ithaca, and the prince’s hopeful voyage to learn of his father’s fate. Throughout, the tone is soft, gentle, and reassuring—a lullaby woven from an ancient tale.

Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

1. Introduction to the Series and Story ([02:20])

• Host Thomas welcomes listeners to a new nine-part adaptation of The Odyssey.
• The Odyssey is introduced as “an epic poem from ancient Greece…commonly attributed to a poet named Homer.” The tale is described as full of “gods, monsters, and some unwelcome guests,” but the retelling promises to “keep things as relaxing as possible.”
• Quote:
  “Tonight we’ll begin with the gods, and the family waiting for Odysseus’ return—his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus, who is about to embark on a quest of his own.” — Thomas ([02:46])

2. A Moment for Relaxation ([05:05])

• Thomas leads listeners to settle in, breathe slowly, and take a moment of gratitude for their bodies, preparing for restful listening.
• Notable guidance:
  “Every part of your body made it possible to live and thrive throughout the day. So take this moment to smile inward and just say thank you.” — Thomas ([05:38])

3. The Gods on Mount Olympus Decide Odysseus’ Fate ([07:05])

• The story begins on Mount Olympus, where the gods convene to discuss Odysseus’ long exile.
• Athena pleads Odysseus’ case to Zeus, explaining his suffering and longing for home.
• Quote:
  “For years now, Odysseus had been stuck on this remote island, the prisoner of a goddess named Calypso. The island was a beautiful place, said Athena, but it wasn’t home.” — Thomas ([08:22])
• Zeus agrees it is time for Odysseus to return, but warns that Poseidon’s anger remains an obstacle.
• The gods devise a plan: Hermes will instruct Calypso to release Odysseus, Athena will aid Telemachus in Ithaca.

4. Athena Visits Ithaca—The Palace in Turmoil ([10:40])

• Athena, disguised as a stranger, visits Ithaca to find Telemachus besieged by his mother’s countless suitors.
• Penelope resists pressure to remarry, remaining loyal to Odysseus despite despair.
• Illustrative moment:
  “The suitors were stubborn…they ate and drank to their heart’s content. They would play games, sing and flirt with the maids into the early hours.” — Thomas ([12:14])

5. Telemachus Meets Athena (as "Mentes") ([14:02])

• Athena, under the guise of Mentes, shares a meal with Telemachus, who confides his troubles: the suitors’ disrespect, the uncertainty of his father’s fate.
• Athena encourages Telemachus to take action, bolstering his hope:
  “Odysseus was quick-witted. Sooner or later, he would find his way home.” — Athena/Thomas ([15:45])

6. Advice for the Prince—Telemachus' Call to Adventure ([16:50])

• Athena urges Telemachus to:
  • Call an assembly, confronting the suitors.
  • Journey to Pylos to visit King Nestor, then to Sparta to see Menelaus—both past companions of Odysseus.
• Memorable guidance:
  “But either way, he must have courage and get rid of the suitors once and for all.” — Athena/Thomas ([18:10])
• Telemachus is grateful; Athena departs in a supernatural fashion, her identity as a goddess hinted at by her disappearance.

7. Telemachus Asserts Himself ([19:52])

• The next morning, Telemachus confronts the suitors and elders in the square, lamenting his troubles with emotion and resolve.
• Antinous, a leading suitor, blames Penelope for deceiving them by repeatedly unweaving her loom.
• Telemachus publicly declares his intent to seek news of Odysseus before Penelope will consider remarriage.

8. The Secret Departure ([22:42])

• With help from loyal nurse Eurycleia and concealed from Penelope, Telemachus prepares provisions, then, guided by Athena (now in the form of Mentor), sneaks out at night.
• The goddess ensures the suitors are lulled to sleep and gathers a crew.
• Telemachus and his men set sail, pouring offerings to Athena as “all night long the ship sailed across the wine-dark sea.” ([24:35])

9. Telemachus in Pylos—Wise Counsel from King Nestor ([26:09])

• Arriving at Pylos, Telemachus is welcomed and feasted.
• Nestor recalls the Trojan War and the losses suffered, praising Odysseus as the “cleverest of men,” but can offer no definite news of his fate.
• He sends Telemachus onward to Sparta with his own son as companion, reaffirming the gods’ favor.

10. Arrival in Sparta—Glimmers of Hope ([29:55])

• Thomas’ narration evokes the opulence of Menelaus’ court, describing the gold, silver, and ivory halls ([31:03]).
• During a wedding feast, Menelaus recognizes Telemachus as Odysseus’ son—his likeness is striking.
• After a meal, Menelaus recounts his own difficult journey home and speaks fondly of Odysseus.
• Helen, beautiful and insightful, offers a magic plant in the wine to ease Telemachus’ sorrow, providing a moment of calm:
  “As the men drank, their tears dried and their spirits were soothed.” ([34:12])

11. Menelaus’ Tale: News of Odysseus ([35:44])

• Menelaus recalls seeking counsel from the shape-shifting sea god Proteus, learning Odysseus is alive but trapped by Calypso.
• Telemachus is comforted, knowing hope remains.
• Menelaus offers gifts and hospitality, but Telemachus, ever dutiful, cannot linger long.

12. Danger at Home—The Suitors’ Plot ([38:07])

• The Ithacan suitors, fearing Telemachus’ return, plan an ambush.
• Penelope, overhearing, is terrified for her son.
• Eurycleia offers comfort, asserting the gods will protect him, urging Penelope not to weep “it would only spoil her lovely complexion.” ([39:20])
• Penelope prays to Athena for Telemachus’ safety, illustrating her helpless hope and deep love.

13. Divine Comfort—Athena’s Assurance ([40:45])

• Athena sends a dream in the form of a comforting woman to Penelope, promising Telemachus’ safety.
• The spirit cannot reveal Odysseus’ fate—"His fate was like the wind, an intangible thing" ([41:33])—but leaves Penelope less burdened, able at last to rest.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Every day, Odysseus wept, thinking of Ithaca and the family that waited for him, his beloved wife and son.” — Thomas ([08:40])
• “The suitors were stubborn. Every day they came to the palace where they ate and drank to their heart's content.” — Thomas ([12:14])
• “Odysseus would surely return one day…and take vengeance on the suitors. But in the meantime, you are the man of the house.” — Athena/Thomas ([16:50])
• “His fate was like the wind, an intangible thing.” — Penelope’s dream ([41:33])

Key Timestamps

• [02:20] Series Introduction and Narrative Start
• [05:05] Guided Relaxation and Mindfulness Moment
• [07:05] Gods’ Council on Mount Olympus
• [10:40] Athena’s Visit to Ithaca
• [14:02] Telemachus and “Mentes”
• [19:52] Telemachus’ Assembly and Declaration
• [22:42] Preparations and Departure
• [26:09] Arrival at Pylos—Meeting Nestor
• [29:55] Arrival at Menelaus’ Palace in Sparta
• [35:44] Menelaus’ Story—News from Proteus
• [38:07] Suitors’ Ambush Plan and Penelope’s Fears
• [40:45] Penelope’s Dream—Athena’s Comfort

Conclusion

This gentle, immersive retelling weaves together myth and mindfulness. As Thomas narrates Telemachus’ hopeful search for his father, listeners are led on a calm journey through ancient lands, warmed by acts of hospitality and divine guidance. Each scene is designed to quiet the mind for sleep, yet is rich in character and emotional depth—balancing faithfulness to Homer’s text with the podcast’s inviting, tranquil style.