While Odysseus struggles to get home, he made vast travels to different islands. He encountered many different races of people, Gods, and Monsters.
Odysseus is born the King of Ithica. As King, he is well known and has a vast kingdom, a beautiful queen, and a son.
Before his primary journey, he fought in the battle of Troy. During this war, he showed strength and courage as he fought and defeated the Trojans.
During his time trapped in Polyphemus' cave, he devised a plan that showed his true cunning and strength. With Odysseus's plan, he was able to free his men from capture.
Several times in his journey, Odysseus proved to be humble. The most prevalent time was when he went to the land of the dead to receive the prophecy to get home.
Towards the end of his journey, he landed on the island of the Phaeacian's, who knew of King Odysseus and his struggle to go home. This aided him because they agreed to give him safe passage to Ithica.
The major cause of Odysseus' struggle to return to Ithica came from the God Poseidon. Throughout his journey, Poseidon thwarted Odysseus in a fit of revenge for stabbing the Cyclops Polyphemus' eye out.