Odysseus certainly cuts an interesting figure in the Greek corpus of champions. Unlike other heroes and adventurers marked by their bravery, nobility and sacrificial natures, Odysseus delighted in being more of a trickster, relying on his wits and cunning to get by. In Athena’s Champion, David Hair and Cath Mayo craft a compelling backstory for his motivations—he’s chosen by none other than Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and is soon embroiled in the pantheon’s power games.
When Helen of Sparta is kidnapped, it falls upon Odysseus to journey into the underworld and save her. Hair and Mayo not only spin exciting alternative versions of the myths, but also provide convincing explanations to many aspects of the Greek pantheon. If you’re looking for a fun and thrilling prequel that sets the stage for the Iliad and the Odyssey, you should check out Athena’s Champion.
