Odysseus: A sailing hero from prehistoric times

Based on Homer’s writings about the constellations and a circular ocean, Henk van Oosten reconstructed Odysseus’ sea route. But which sea? In his quest, van Oosten also used traditional Polynesian navigational knowledge of the stars and currents in the Pacific Ocean. His hypothesis is that in the Atlantic Ocean, Odysseus followed the circular Oceanos (Gulf Stream) from Spain through the Cape Verde Islands to America and back.

At least 3000 years ago, captains sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the Americas to their home port. Without tools. It is known from one leader: Odysseus. This view can be derived from 2 texts written by Homer about 2800 years ago, which are based on old oral tales of sailors.

Homer in one of his books (Iliad) describes some images on the new round armor of the warrior Achilles: 4 constellations (Ursus Major, Orion, Hyades, Pleiades) and a circular Oceanos on the edge. In her second book (Odyssey), the goddess Calypso instructs Odysseus to sail to his next destination: keep the unseamed Big Dipper to the left, then keep an eye out for Bodes and the rising Orion and Orion. Pleiades.

Homer mentions only 2 more constellations: the Canis Major and the Lesser Dog. Some consider the texts invented by Homer, i.e. fiction. Others think Homer based actual events in Greek waters and the Mediterranean. Even in ancient times, some thought that various aspects of the Okeanos were more towards the Atlantic Ocean than the Greek waters.

The sun is important during the day. At night they are stars, especially two stars perpendicular to the horizon. In the west (Caribbean Islands) Betelgeuse (Orion) is directly above the bright star Procyon (Little Dog). From America through the Azores to the house in the east (at the beginning of summer) are two other stars: rising Cyph (Orion) and above it Aldebaran (Hydes). In both cases latitudinal sailing is a form.

Odysseus is not allowed to go directly home from Calypso (Azores), but must take a detour. This is indicated by the combination of Boötes in the northwest and Alnirum (Orion) rising in the east and the Pleiades directly above. This indicates a high southern latitude. In the Atlantic Ocean, that latitude spans the Canary Islands. In the Mediterranean, that latitude spans the Sahara and is inaccessible by ship. Odysseus actually sailed the Atlantic Ocean!

In this theory, Odysseus is a seafarer who crossed the Atlantic Ocean back to his home port in prehistoric times. Thank the Round Bay Stream, the Sun and the Stars! A true sailing hero.

Sailors crossing the Atlantic today follow the path of Odysseus. with tools. An Atlantic Odyssey.

Henk van Oosten

See more https://www.homerdecoded.com

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