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Ulysses- Called "Odysseus" by the Greeks. One of the principal Greek heroes in the Trojan War, a son of Laertes, or, according to a later tradition, of Sisyphus. He married Penelope, the daughter of Icarius, by whom he became the father of Telemachus. During the siege of Troy he distinguished himself by his valor, prudence, and eloquence, and after the death of Achilles contended for hero's armor with Telamonian Ajax and gained the prize. He is said by some to have devised the plan of the wooden horse. The most celebrated part of his story comes in connection with the ten-year voyage home from the Trojan War. Among his adventures he entered the cave of Polyphemus and escaped with some sheep. One of the gods gave him a bag of winds which could carry him home, but the winds were let loose without his permission and his ships driven to an island inhabited by the sorceress Circe. After many wanderings and strange adventures, he arrived at his home in Ithaca. During his absence his father, Laertes, in grief and old age, had withdrawn into the country, and his mother, Anticlea, had died. His wife, Penelope, had been importuned by suitors but had rejected them all. In order that he might not be recognized on his arrival, Athena metamorphosed Ulysses into an unsightly beggar. Eumæus, the swineherd, to whom he made himself known kindly received him, and a plan of revenge was resolved on. Penelope, with great difficulty, was made to promise her hand to him who should conquer the others in shooting with the bow of Ulysses. As none of the suitors were able to draw this bow, Ulysses himself took it up, and directing his arrows against the suitors, slew the all with the help of his son Telemachus, to whom he had previously made himself known. Ulysses now revealed himself to Penelope. The people rose in arms against Ulysses; but Athena, who assumed the appearance of Mentor, brought about a reconciliation.
Urania- Muse of astronomy.
Uranus- The son of Gaea, the earth. He was personified as the heavens and he was the father of the Titans, among others.
Utgard-Loki- Ruler of Jötunheim.
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