Before the Odyssey even begins, it is said that Odysseus is lost at sea. Odysseus, cursed by the god Poseidon, recognizes his his own mistakes and those of others, creating a long and difficult journey back to Ithaca, his home, involving monsters and many trials. During his journey home, Odysseus discovers many things about the world and about himself. When Odysseus finally returns, after 20 years of wandering, we know that he was with three women, other than his wife Penelope, whom he left in Ithaca: Circe, Calypso and Nausicaa. Alongside his adventure, these three women teach Ulysses to know himself. Each time Odysseus lands on one of the women's three islands, he is offered shelter, food, and their love. The degree of acceptance of this love shows Odysseus' loyalty to Penelope who awaits his return to Ithaca. Each interaction with the women also shows Odysseus' good and bad traits. Throughout Odysseus' adventure, he grows as a person and becomes worthy of Penelope's love, as shown by his relationships with Circe, Calypso, and Nausicaa. Odysseus's relationship with Circe shows both Odysseus's loyalty and infidelity. When Odysseus reaches Circe's island, he tells his comrades to explore the island and meet Circe. In return, Circe turns Odysseus' scouts into pigs. To save them, Ulysses must go to Circe. There, he must threaten and seduce her so that the pigs become men again. Odysseus, now praised by Circe for his resistance to his fate, tells Circe; “If you really want me to eat and drink, / release them, all my beloved comrades – / let me feast my eyes.” » (10.425-27) This request from Odysseus shows his loyalty to his crew. Not only did Odysseus ask for his crew, but he asked for his crew before eating himself. This l...... middle of paper ......icaa. Although Odysseus's sexual relationships with Circe and Calypso may seem disturbing, they show how loyal Odysseus truly is. To each new woman on Odysseus's journey, he reacted differently. He starts out loyal, but eventually falls into temptation, not initially wanting to sleep with Circe, but later willingly with her. With Calypso, at first he had feelings for her, but later he missed Penelope and he just slept with her so he wouldn't be alone. And finally with Nausicaa, he didn't even show affection. Odysseus' loyalty and love are represented by his interactions with these three women. His actions differ for each, corresponding to his loyalty to Penelope, each new encounter strengthening his loyalty and his love, ensuring his loyalty to Penelope. Even after the end of The Odyssey, Odysseus' adventures help him find his true self.