Why does Odysseus struggle to return to Ithaca in the Odyssey?

Odysseus’s struggle to return to Ithaca is primarily driven by the wrath of Poseidon, the god of the sea. After Odysseus blinded the Cyclops Polyphemus—who was Poseidon’s son—the sea god cursed him, ensuring his journey home would be long, dangerous, and filled with misfortune.123

This divine antagonism, combined with various supernatural encounters, transformed what should have been a short voyage into a 10-year ordeal. Key factors contributing to his delay include:2

• Divine Obstacles: Beyond Poseidon’s active interference, Odysseus faced numerous perils, including the Sirens, the Laestrygones, and the sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis.41
• Loss of Crew and Ships: Odysseus gradually lost his entire fleet and all his companions, largely due to their own poor choices—such as opening the bag of winds given by Aeolus or plundering the Cattle of the Sun—which invited further divine retribution.42
• Captivity: He was held captive for seven years on the island of Ogygia by the nymph Calypso, and was only able to continue his journey after the gods intervened on his behalf.412