The word "Ithaki" (often spelled "Ithaca" in English) is a noun that refers to a Greek island located to the west of mainland Greece. It is most famous in ancient Greek literature because it is known as the home of Odysseus, a legendary hero from Homer's epic poem, the "Odyssey." According to the story, Odysseus was the king of Ithaki and faced many adventures on his journey back home after the Trojan War.