In Book XI of The Odyssey, Odysseus depicts his journey to Hades. He describes his conversations with the dead including the blind prophet, Tiresias. The prophet tells Odysseus how to return home safely. He warns Odysseus with bad news about his men and family. Tiresias's prophecy relates closely to three themes of the epic, the wandering of Odysseus, the household issues, and the power struggle in Ithaca. All three of these themes are evident throughout the epic and are linked to Tiresias's prophecy, proving their importance in Greek life.

Odysseus has been absent from his family for twenty years. He spends ten years fighting in the Trojan War and another ten years wandering the Mediterranean. When he arrives in Hades he has already experienced many strange happening and encounters mystical creatures. After being under Circe's control for a year, Odysseus's men convince him to return to Ithaca. Odysseus...