Perception of time in mythology and psychology

Explorations of time and perception are examined through both mythological and psychological lenses. In the context of Homeric epic, the character Odysseus faces the challenge of returning home after decades of war and exile. Despite his efforts, his wife Penelope, his son Telemachus, and his former companion Eumaeus fail to recognize him due to his disguise and the passage of time.

Psychologically, the perception of time is influenced by novelty and information processing. Travel often makes time feel more expansive because the brain must process a high volume of new sensory details, such as unfamiliar languages and environments. In contrast, routine leads to a compression of perceived time, as the brain records fewer distinct markers during repetitive tasks.