The Trojan War . . .

Once in Troy, the battle went on for 10 years with no end in sight.  Finally, Odysseus came up with a plan -- the soldiers built a giant wooden horse, appeared to sail away in defeat, and hoped that the Trojans would view the horse as a peace offering and wheel it into the impregnable city.  This, in fact, happened.  The Greek soldiers, hidden inside, emerged from the horse, torched the city, and defeated the Trojans.  From this event came the famous saying, "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts."

At last, the Greeks, including Odysseus and his men, could finally return to their homeland.  Meanwhile, Telemachus had grown up without a father.  As Greek soldiers began trickling back,  they told of Odysseus' exploits.  Ten years passed, but Odysseus still did not return.  Was he alive, dead, or making a new life for himself somewhere else?  Many men began to court Penelope, since she was still beautiful and controlled Odysseus's remaining wealth.  They hung around the house, eating Odysseus's food, drinking his wine, and making love to his servant girls.

So, the problem is this . . . Should Penelope and Telemachus accept the seemingly obvious fact that Odysseus is not going to return?  How long can Penelope remain alone before being forced to marry?  What will happen to Telemachus' inheritance?  Are the gods angry for some reason?  And where is Odysseus?!!