Skip to main content

Editorial Content for Argos

Book

Argos: The Story of Odysseus as Told by His Loyal Dog

Contributors

Michelle Agudelo

Reviewer (text)

Michelle Agudelo

Ralph Hardy takes on the beloved story of “The Odyssey” in ARGOS by telling the tales of Odysseus’ long journey home through Argos’ perspective. This age-old epic is transformed into a more complete story thanks to Argos’ additional insight on what is happening both in his master’s home and in the land of Ithaka.

Argos, loyal dog and companion to Odysseus, has spent the greater part of his life waiting for his master to finally return home from his battle at Troy. Ten years have passed since Odysseus left to battle the Trojans and Argos has not heard any news of his master since he learned of the Achaian victory at Troy. The Boar Slayer remains hopeful that Odysseus lives and so looks to the birds that fly to distant lands for news. The seagulls are the first to deliver news of Odysseus’ well-being. On his voyage back to Ithaka, Odysseus’ ship was veered off course to a different land which resulted in the death of some of his men and the start of a long and perilous journey home. Day after day Argos haggles with the animals of Ithaka and prays to the gods to bring him news of his master --- although he is never able to share this news with his human family.

"ARGOS was an enthralling and imaginative book that is sure to capture the hearts of its readers."

As the years pass without his master’s return, Argos remains loyal to Odysseus’ home --- protecting his mistress, Penelope, from her suitors and teaching Telemachos, Odysseus’ son, how to hunt. Argos learns that Odysseus’ journey home will be further delayed since he has angered the god, Poseidon, after killing his son on the Cyclops island. While Argos awaits his master’s imminent return, he faces a clan of wolves that threaten Ithaka, delivers sweet retribution to the evil suitors who look to harm Penelope and Telemachos and finds a mate to sire. After 20 years of waiting for Odysseus to return, Argos is able to see his master once more as Odysseus and Telemachos take back their noble home from the relentless suitors.

Argos’ character isn’t especially complex because he is a dog but Hardy does a good job at giving him just enough emotions and thoughts without over-complicating his character. At the very core, Argos is a dog that loves his master and his master’s family and he does everything in his power to protect Telemachos and Penelope while networking with all the island animals --- specifically the birds, to track Odysseus’ journey. The many birds that aide Argos in his mission to learn of his master’s fate are the link between the gods and the mortal creatures. Some can soar as far up as Mount Olympus and some gods even choose to take the form of birds or speak through the birds. They also showcase Argos’ lack of freedom. While he has more freedom than the average house dog, Argos must tend to the sheep, play father to Telemachos, act as protector to Penelope and care for Aurora, his mate. All of these responsibilities weigh heavily on the loyal but ever aging dog.

Hardy stays true to the story of THE ODYSSEY while framing it from Argos’ perspective. The revered story of Odysseus and his many trials was even more enjoyable this time around. Despite most of the story being told from animals’ perspective, Odysseus’ character is well preserved and the story itself is more manageable than the original Odyssey translations. ARGOS was an enthralling and imaginative book that is sure to capture the hearts of its readers.

Teaser

 
For 20 years, the great hero Odysseus struggles to return to Ithaka. After ten years beneath the walls of Troy, he begins the long journey back home. He defeats monsters. He outsmarts the Cyclops. He battles the gods. He does whatever it takes to reunite with his family. And what of that family --- his devoted wife, Penelope; his young son, Telemachos; his dog, Argos? For those 20 years, they wait, unsure whether they will ever see Odysseus again. But Argos has found a way to track his master. Any animal who sets foot or wing on Ithaka brings him news of Odysseus’s voyage --- and what a voyage it is!

Promo

For 20 years, the great hero Odysseus struggles to return to Ithaka. After ten years beneath the walls of Troy, he begins the long journey back home. He defeats monsters. He outsmarts the Cyclops. He battles the gods. He does whatever it takes to reunite with his family. And what of that family --- his devoted wife, Penelope; his young son, Telemachos; his dog, Argos? For those 20 years, they wait, unsure whether they will ever see Odysseus again. But Argos has found a way to track his master. Any animal who sets foot or wing on Ithaka brings him news of Odysseus’s voyage --- and what a voyage it is!

About the Book

From a compelling new voice in middle grade literature comes a reimagination of THE ODYSESSY told from the point of view of Odysseus’s loyal dog. Argos is a thrilling tale of loyalty, determination and adventure.
 
For 20 years, the great hero Odysseus struggles to return to Ithaka. After ten years beneath the walls of Troy, he begins the long journey back home. He defeats monsters. He outsmarts the Cyclops. He battles the gods. He does whatever it takes to reunite with his family.
 
And what of that family --- his devoted wife, Penelope; his young son, Telemachos; his dog, Argos? For those 20 years, they wait, unsure whether they will ever see Odysseus again. But Argos has found a way to track his master. Any animal who sets foot or wing on Ithaka brings him news of Odysseus’s voyage --- and what a voyage it is!
 
These tales bring hope that one day his master will return. Meanwhile, Argos watches over his master’s family and protects them from the dangers that surround a throne without its king. This rousing story of devotion and determination is an original take on one of the most beloved myths of all time.