| Anticlea | |
| Parents | Autolycus and Amphithea |
| Siblings |
None |
| Immortal children | None |
| Mortal children | Odysseus |
| Wife/husband | Laertes |
| Names | |
| Titles | |
| Weapons | None |
| Allies | |
| Enemies | None |
Anticlea was the daughter of Autolycus and Amphithea and the mother of Odysseus by Laërtes. She was also the granddaughter of the trickster god Hermes (who was the father of her father).
History[]
Anticleia was once a follower of Artemis, vowing her virginity and services to the goddess. This was until she fell in love with Laertes and ran off with him.
While in the Underworld, Odysseus came across many spirits, one of whom was his mother. But Odysseus initially ignored his mother as he was seeking the prophet Tiresias. After speaking with Tiresias, however, Odysseus allows his mother to come near and lets her speak. She asks him why he is in the underworld while alive, and he tells her about his various troubles and failed attempts to get home. Then he asks her how she died and inquires about his family at home. She tells him that she died of grief, longing for him while he was at war. Anticlea also says that Laërtes (Odysseus' father) "grieves continually" for Odysseus and lives in a hovel in the countryside, clad in rags and sleeping on the floor. Anticleia further describes the condition of Odysseus' wife Penelope and son Telemachus.
Penelope has not yet remarried but is overwhelmed with sadness and longing for her husband while Telemachus acts as magistrate for Odysseus' properties. Odysseus attempts to embrace his mother three times but discovers that she is incorporeal, and his arms simply pass through her. She explains that this is how all ghosts are, and he expresses great sorrow.