In a nutshell, Odysseus who is help captive by Calypso who wants him for her husband. Hermes then orders Calypso to release Odysseus on the orders of Zeus. Odysseus then leaves the island and begins making his way back to Ithaca where his wife is being plagued by suitors. His son Telemachus thinks his father is dead until the goddess Athena with Zeus's consent travels to Ithaca disguised as a friends of Odysseus and tells Telemachus that his father is alive and will return soon and gives him instructions on what to do on account of the suitors.
Hope this helps,
Bri
