The ancient epic that tells the story of a hero's journey back home to Ithaca is the Odyssey, attributed to the Greek poet Homer. It follows the hero Odysseus as he navigates numerous challenges, including mythical creatures and divine interventions, after the Trojan War. The epic explores themes of adventure, loyalty, and the struggle for identity, illustrating Odysseus' determination to return to his wife Penelope and son Telemachus. The Odyssey is not only a tale of heroism but also reflects the cultural values of ancient Greece, making it a cornerstone of Western literature.