The Odyssey, written by Homer, is one of the most famous examples of a fictional epic poem. The Odyssey is one of Homer's most famous works. It tells the story of a man named Odysseus, and Odysseus recalls his story to Alcinous, a king who has taken Odysseus into his home. This tale is an example of bravery, great loss, selflessness, and heroism. It is also the result of having a close relationship with the gods. Throughout the Odyssey, the values and beliefs of the Greek people are continually revealed by offerings and sacrifices to valued people, astronomical events controlled by gods, and Greeks calling upon the gods when in need.
Odysseus, his men, and other various creatures all believe that offerings, sacrifices, and promises to treasured beings are valued and very important to their culture. Both quotes are examples of how the Greeks value sacrifices, offerings, and promises. In 779, Odysseus is promising to fulfill a request of his valued friend. Similarly, in 789, one of Odysseus’ men is planning to sacrifice cattle to the gods. Page 779, Odysseus says to the spirit of his lost friend, “Unhappy spirit, I promise you the barrow and the burial.”
Likewise, in 789, “...we’ll
…show more content…
Creatures rather than humans have this belief, so it could be classified as a major value for the Greeks. An example of creatures other than humans is when the Cyclops prays to Poseidon to curse Odysseus and his men. Odysseus also mentions that he previously prayed to Athena, expecting that she would grant his wish. In 766, Odysseus says, “...if only Athena granted what I prayed for.” Likewise in 774, “As he stretched his hands out...and prayed Poseidon:” Greeks must believe that gods could answer their prayers because it is seen quite a lot in the text. It shows the Greeks had someone to rely on when they needed help. It also shows they valued their culture and religion by calling upon the
In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, Homer portrays loyalty as a guiding force in one’s decision making. In “The Test of the Great Bow”, Eumaeus is loyal to Odysseus even after twenty years of Odysseus’s absence. Eumaeus trusts Odysseus enough to allow him to “‘judge what stuff is in [him] / and how [he manages] arms”’ because he desires to please Odysseus (1136-1137). Through this, Eumaeus gives up his free will and allows Odysseus to make his decisions for him.
The Odyssey is one of the most famous epic poems of all time. Written by the Greek poet Homer. Odysseus demonstrates his wit and intelligence on many occasions. From his clever escape from the Cyclops to his great thinking when visiting the Laistrygonians. Odysseus is a master strategist who always manages to stay one step ahead of his enemies.
(Odyssey, Book 12, lines 167-171). This excerpt displays just how much Odysseus cares about his
Philip Zimbardo once stated, “I'm saying to be a hero it means you step across the line and are willing to make a sacrifice, so heroes always are making a sacrifice. Heroes always take a risk. Heroes always deviant. Heroes are always doing something that most people don't and we want to change.” I completely agree with what Mr. Zimbardo said, A hero is someone who will always be willing to make a sacrifice for the greater good.
Odysseus expresses his appreciation for the trustworthy Eumaois and Philotios through physical rewards such as “marriages to both and cattle and houses” (397-398). Their loyalty is significant because it results in materialistic benefits for themselves, and it leads to Odysseus’ triumph over the suitors, which may not have happened as easily without their support. When slaying the suitors, Eumaois and
The Odyssey is a classic epic that tells the story of an ancient Greek hero named Odysseus and his journey back to his homeland of Ithaca. After fighting in the Trojan War he returns home. This epic poem has been passed down through generations in ways of storytelling, acting, and written text. It has become an essential part of Western literature. The Odyssey is a profound narrative that explores a diverse set of themes, including the consequences of human actions, the importance of loyalty, and the value of hospitality.
Remarkably, Odysseus never forgot to listen to the Gods and morals. When he was told something, it stuck with him, and he would use it to help guide him in his everyday life. Despite the fact that Odysseus was confident in all his skills, he practiced great caution and preciseness in order to correctly fulfill his prophecy, as told to him by Tiresias. Odysseus narrated, “I came to this wild place, directed by Athena, so that we may lay plans to kill our enemies” (Homer 1080-1082).” Even though Odysseus has finally returned to Ithaca, he knows what needs to be done and he invites his son, Telemachus, to assist him.
The Odyssey, said to be written by the poet Homer, and translated by numerous people, is an ancient Greek epic poem. The Odyssey centers around the hero Odysseus’s 10 year journey home, after he leaves his wife and newborn son for 10 years while he goes off to fight in the war. Known as the original Hero’s Journey, Odysseus encounters many challenges, tests and obstacles along his way home. He must face great gods and deadly monsters as these obstacles are attempting to prevent him from reaching home. An epic poem is a very long poem.
During Odysseus’ journey home from Calypso’s island, he pleas for help from the immortals. “I throw myself on your mercy, on your current now- I have suffered greatly. Pity me, lord, your suppliant cries for help” (Homer 5.494-496). Odysseus has accepted his mortality, and is begging to higher beings for help. Through his suffering, Odysseus is recognizing the power the deathless gods possess and his need for their support, showcasing a newfound humility.
The Odyssey is an epic poem written by the blind, illiterate poet Homer. It takes place in ancient Greece and tells of a man’s journey home from war. The topic, intervention of the gods, is seen throughout the book numerous times as the gods who are in favor of Odysseus lend a helping hand. It is well-known that the gods are very important to the Greeks. In this epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer demonstrates the importance of the positive and encouraging intervention of the gods in Greek culture; the brave actions, encouraging words, and cunning strategies of Athena as she assists and guides Odysseus on his journey back home.
TS1 (Thesis): In The Odyssey, Homer depicts Odysseus’ real foe as the theme of temptation with displays of hubris and lustrous goddesses, which portrays the importance of being vigilant to not submit to temptation. ST1: Homer depicts that Odysseus is determined to get home, but Odysseus succumbs to temptation when he leads his crew into the cyclops lair, eats the cyclops’ food, and demands for a gift, resulting in a protracted journey home. 1: Homer displays Odysseus as recklessly brave when he requests, “we’re at your knees, in hopes of… a guest-gift”(9.300) from the cyclops. 2: It is apparent that Odysseus has given into the temptation to be arrogant when he declares for the cyclops to give them, “a guest-gift,” after Odysseus and his men have broken into the cyclops lair, showing even further Odysseus’ isn’t vigilant to
The Odyssey by Homer is a book that involves the Journey of Odysseus and his men and the Obstacles they come across. The Odyssey portrays many themes including vengeance, hospitality, courage, bravery and more. Odysseus experiences some good and bad during his journey. He comes across people who help him, but also comes across creatures who hold him back. Odysseus is an Epic hero because of his quick thinking skills, bravery, and confidence for himself and his men.
The relationships between the Greek gods and mortals have always been complicated. The gods can be generous and supportive, but also harsh and destructive towards the humans. They claim to be all powerful beings with unlimited power and influence, but in truth, they are far more human than they are perceived. They meddle with human lives, not because they are wise, but because of their own selfish reasons. In Homer’s
Prayers to the gods could be used to get a crew or companion home safely. For example, Odysseus had a voyage that lasted for a long time, and many thought he had passed. Homer’s purpose of writing the Odyssey is to connect mythology to the lives of the people living in the time period of this epic poem and the reader’s lives using deus ex machina.