The origin of the Greek hero Odysseus is rooted in the epic poem The Odyssey, attributed to Homer. He is the king of Ithaca and known for his cleverness, resourcefulness, and leadership during the Trojan War. Odysseus's journey home after the war spans a decade, marked by numerous challenges, including encounters with mythical creatures like the Cyclops and sirens. His character embodies the struggle of human endurance and the quest for identity, illustrating themes of loyalty, cunning, and the importance of homecoming in Greek mythology.