#classical heroes

During his travels, Odysseus had made an enemy of Poseidon by killing his son, the cyclops Polythemus. Admittedly, Polythemis had trapped, murdered and devoured several of Odysseus’ crew at this point. Living on an island, having an enemy in the God of the Sea was a spectacularly bad idea. 

In order to pacify Poseidon, Odysseus was instructed to take up an oar and carry it inland until he had gone so far from the ocean that no one recognised the oar for what it was. Then, he was to plant the oar and make a sacrifice to Poseidon. 

Thankfully, once this task was completed, Odysseus was told he could return to Ithaca, and would not leave again until he died in old age (although not of old age, being accidentally killed by his own son, Telegonus).