Even though the Odyssey is one of the most significant pieces of literature left from Greece, it works against most Greek values. Unlike other epics such as the Iliad, also written by Homer, the Odyssey depicts the image that strategic thinking can overpower physical strength. This story's influence was most likely unwanted in Greek society by authority figures, as it demolished everything they stood for, which was making sure men always aspired to be the strongest warrior. Odysseus, the protagonist, does not fit this Greek-warrior archetype, because he is as wise as he is strong, if not even more so. Odysseus, 'his great mind teeming', embodies the concept of will-power, and demonstrates the superiority of the mind over physical strength, time and time again. He s rewarded in the end with what he desired the most.
As stated earlier, the
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This is proven once again with his encounter with Polyphemus, the most renowned Cyclops. Odysseus knows that however strong he might think he is, he is no match for the Son of Poseidon. He does show a display of physical strength in this episode, and stabs the Cyclops in the eye, blinding him. However, the deadliest thing Odysseus does to the Cyclops is previously using Polyphemus’ stupidity against him, by wittily claiming that he was “Noman”, (no man). Upon being stabbed and his neighbours trying to help him, Polyphemus screams "(No man) is trying to kill me!" and loses all chances of getting help, sending off his allies. Only upon reaching safety does Odysseus announce his identity. We can see the clear preeminence of mental strength in this event, as Odysseus would not have gotten away with blinding the Cyclops without being killed had he not used his trickery skills. The encounter with the Cyclops is just one of the many life threatening experiences Odysseus is able to survive thanks to his ‘teeming’
The epic poem The Odyssey by Homer deals with themes and ideas that connect with the real, modern world, despite it being a fictional tale written a long time ago. Some of these ideas include the concept of hubris as well as loyalty, both of which the main character, Odysseus, possesses. Although Odysseus can be arrogant and can lead his men into danger, he is a good leader because he uses his intelligence to get his men out of tough situations, and he is loyal and motivational towards them. While Odysseus’ curiosity can get him and his men into tough situations, his intelligence can get them out.
While the remainder of men are frightened, Odysseus begins thinking up how to flee. He successfully outsmarts the cyclops and escapes. This shows that in times of horror and grief, to remain calm and remember the enemy may appear stronger, however, a mind has the strength of a million
Since the inception of literature, heroes have been created to embody the most important traits of a culture. In The Odyssey, an epic poem composed by Homer in Ancient Greece, Odysseus is an epic hero, representing the classic values of Greek rulers and warriors through his long journey back from the Trojan War. Including his time in Troy, Odysseus was absent from his estate in Ithica for twenty years, during which his son Telemachus grows up in a home where arrogant suitors abuse his hospitality, consume all of his resources, and attempt to court Penelope, believing that she will lose hope that her husband Odysseus will ever come home. Odysseus' nostos, or return trip, has been prolonged by Poseidon, the Greek sea god who begrudges him for
Odysseus, of course is brave and courageous as he doesn’t seem to crumble with fear when facing an enemy. He is also confident in his abilities as he never falters under pressure or when in a dire situation. Perhaps, Odysseus’s most important quality is his intelligence. As opposed to his enemy’s brute strength or mystical power, Odysseus is still able to defeat his enemy with his wit and intelligence such as telling Polyphemus that his “name is Nohbdy.” Odysseus major flaw is his pride which is seen when he continues to taunt Polyphemus by saying “…if mortal man ever inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him that Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye…” despite his crew warning “Why bait the beast again.
In utmost adventurous stories the author provides an explanation of the hero's journeys, fights, revenges, and returning to their hometown. The Odyssey, Odysseus goes on a long trip with his men and all of them have died except for himself. The main character was about to sail through the Sirens and he had to warn his men by saying, "Then we die with our eyes open if we are going to die or know what death we battle if we can"(Homer 581). Since the Sirens use their voices to lure men into their death, he had a tactic that helped them sail through easily: Odysseus took some beeswax and started to roll it up until it softens so no one listens to their songs, but himself.
Odysseus' Journey Sailing around every corner of the world, Odysseus shows off his heroic abilities as he battles monsters and makes decisive decisions in The Odyssey. The epic poem which contains the story of Odysseus was written by Homer called, The Odyssey. The this epic poem, Homer talks about Odysseus' journey across the world as he tries to find his way home to Ithaca. However, as he was cursed by the gods, he faces many obstacles such as fighting monsters. In the end, Odysseus shows that he's a hero by being brave, fighting through the gods' curse, and never giving up on your goals just like the modern day hero, Bethany Hamilton.
Homer is remembered by many due to his epic poems he wrote that include The Iliad, but the one most remembered by people today is The Odyssey. An epic poem about a great hero named Odysseus coming home after a deadly journey that claimed many lives, but is Odysseus really the critically acclaimed hero Homer depicts him to be? The actions of Odysseus in the poem can be seen as heroic or valiant, but this argument crumbles under scrutiny when the actions of Odysseus are examined under a fine eye. Flaws in that argument include Odysseus failing to trust his men, exposing his men to unnecessary risks, and prolonging the nightmarish adventure he put his men through. These points are painfully obvious throughout the Odyssey and they show what poor
To what extent is Odysseus considered an archetypal hero? The Odyssey is an epic poem; a long narrative about a hero, Odysseus who displays the cultural views of Ancient Greece at the time the poem was written. Throughout The Odyssey there are several heroes, however, none of them are as prevalent as Odysseus, who demonstrates characteristics of an archetypal hero. This title, however, includes negative characteristics such as a fatal flaw; nevertheless Odysseus has the ability to overcome his obstacles and proves to be a true hero.
In the book called The Odyssey by Homer, it mainly follows the story of a king of a village called Ithaca, hundreds of years ago-This man, is named Odysseus. Odysseus goes through many adventures after the victory of the Trojan War. However, this is where Odysseus, is not being as strong as a great war hero and a king as he should be. Although Odysseus was seen as a very strong person, physically and mentally, he lacks the appreciation and the care of his crew throughout the trials and didn’t think through many of his actions thoroughly and how they would affect not only his crew but people around him.
The Odyssey by Homer revolves around the character, Odysseus, and his ten-year struggle to return home after the Trojan War. As the epic’s idol, he displays the combination of a clever, handsome, and courageous man popular among the mortals as well as the gods. Essentially, he embodies the ideals of the ancient Greek culture, being adorned with many favored characteristics of the era. However, an intriguing aspect of Odysseus lies in his personality. As the protagonist, he does not manifest the entirety of a stereotypical hero because Odysseus has a fatal flaw—his arrogance.
Epic poetry, known for its grand descriptions of glorious accomplishments, revolves around an honorable protagonist. As the hero faces adversity in his journey, he triumphs in fleeting moments of bravery. He often exhibits his physical strength to overcome his hardships, manifesting a story with a violent nature. In Homer’s The Odyssey, King Odysseus of Ithaca struggles to return to his loving wife and son after having fought in the Trojan War.
Homer delivers very universal themes, such as loyalty is respected, but the epic also provides meaningful themes that are not as recognizable. The Odyssey is very focused on leadership and courage, as it centers on a hero's journey. There are many parts in the epic where Homer explains the actions of an admirable leader. In the Odyssey, Odysseus exemplifies the true meaning of being a leader through courage in the face of danger, which is shown by Circe, the Sirens, and the suitors. One might wonder why it takes Odysseus ten years to return to his homeland after he has achieved victory for Ithaca in the Trojan War.
Odysseus was a man of great stature and strength; however, Odysseus was not only physically strong, but mentally strong as well (Olson). We can see Odysseus’ mental strength, or cunning, and bravery when he is in the den of Polyphemus and devises the plan to save him and his crew by calling himself nobody and stabbing out the cyclops’ eye. He also recognizes that he
The Odyssey is a good example of how epic poetry is defined by archetypes. It was written by Homer and is about the journey that a man named Odysseus takes to find his way home after the Trojan War. The Odyssey and its characters are highly impacted by archetypes, or character traits that are created and recreated throughout literature, such as the companions, the evil figure with the ultimately good heart, and the loyal sidekick. Odysseus’ men were the Achaeans that fought with him in the Trojan War.
But unlike the main hero of the Iliad, Achilles, it is not only his warrior valor that is highlighting in the Odyssey, but also his intelligence. This is a particular form of intelligence that the Greeks called "mètis" (a particular form of intelligence, based on trickery, cunning, stratagem, but also concealment, deception and sometimes lies). It is on this characteristic that is founded the heroic figure Odysseus, and that is beyond his warlike strength, which makes him to appear as a complex hero, both typical and unique in times. Odysseus in his behavior and in his character, however, appears more human than his warrior side would not let him assume. First, the epic reversal values reminds us that he is a mortal, who has qualities that properly human have.