Homers Odyssey Essay - 1132 Words

Homers Odyssey On a ten-year voyage across cold and choppy seas with nothing but the bitter wind at one’s back, physical strength is a necessity. The chances of successfully trekking home with weak limbs are not great. In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus is the epitome of power. His brawny physique undoubtedly grants him the strength to swim, climb, run and even kill his way back to his wife. But Odysseus cannot return home on physical force alone, as many of the obstacles he faces are mental. Perhaps the greatest of these obstacles is temptation. The battle-weary man’s odyssey is brimming with temptations of the mind, body and soul that he must not only grow out of, but conquer, in order to return home and stake his glory. The first†¦show more content†¦After much cunning and bravery, he escapes from the land of the high and mighty Cyclops (Homer 214). When he thinks he is out of danger, he shouts his real name to Polyphemus so he and everyone he tells will know that the raider of cities gouged out your eye (Homer 227). Odysseus does not realize that the Cyclops’ father, Poseidon, will hear of this, and in turn, cause him more misery. What might have been the perfect getaway becomes a catalyst for further pain in mere seconds. The restraint Odysseus displays previously now seems nonexistent. It is almost as though the gods are scolding a child for doing his chores incorrectly. The child knows what he is doing is wrong but he does it anyway. As punishment, his workload increases and he must do it all over again. Similarly, Odysseus must face more hardships before he can reach home. He must master self-control by encountering tougher obstacles, no matter how long it takes. Odysseus faces yet another temptation on the Aeaean island, where Circe, the nymph with lovely braids and awesome power (Homer 234), makes her home. After Odysseus rescues his men from her clutches, he decides to stay with her for a while. Most people might frantically dash away from someone who just turned their comrades into swine, but Odysseus and his men dwell. Perhaps this is because they are in dire need of rest. However, there is little doubt that Circe, a clever temptress, has something to doShow MoreRelatedMasculinity In Homers Odyssey1655 Words   |  7 PagesHomer’s Odyssey is an epic tale set in the world of ancient Greece - a world dominated by men. Admirable men such as Odysseus, the story’s protagonist, are strong, cunning, and wise; they have control over their lives and the people within them. In The Odyssey, the quintessential man is characterized by his authority, including control of the women who surround him. As is suggested throughout the novel, the patriarchal world would fall into disarray without the force of intrinsic male authority.Read MoreArchetypes In Homers The Odyssey1383 Words   |  6 PagesAncient Greeks’ history consisted of monsters, creatures, gods, goddesses, fights, and battles. It shows that Ancient Greeks were very imaginative and creative. There were three main archetypes that were used in Homer’s epic ,The Odyssey, which show different aspects of Ancient Greek culture. Those three archetypes were: the hero/father figure archetype, the monster archetypes, and the search for love. The hero archetype explained the Ancient Greeks’ love for thrill and adventure; Odysseus wentRead MoreArchetypes In Homers The Odyssey1507 Words   |  7 PagesAncient Greeks’ work consists of monsters, creatures, gods, goddesses, fights, and battles. It shows that Ancient Greeks are very imaginative and creative. 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Both The Iliad and The Odyssey are epic poems written by Homer. In The Odyssey, Homer relates the misadventures of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, that occur during the decade following the defeat of Troy. In doing so, the fates of his fellow warriors are also made known. The Odyssey begins on Mount Olympus, in the palace of Zeus, king of the gods, where a discussion takes place regarding the woes of humans andRead MoreOdysseus As A Hero In Homers Odyssey778 Words   |  4 PagesThese figures can be brave and kind; they can be strong and intelligent, but regardless of the attributes these â€Å"heroes† possess, they reflect those valued and admired by the people of that time and culture. Homer, the author of book nine of The Odyssey, â€Å"In the One-Eyed Giant’s Cave,† used the character Odysseus to appear heroic by showcasing the traits readers would find most desirable in a person. Homer showed suc h characteristics in Odysseus when he wrote him to be brave when confronted withRead MoreA Twist on Homers Odyssey1175 Words   |  5 PagesDear Alexandra, O my lady, I miss so you. I know it has been years since I have seen you last, but I want you to know that my travels with the heroic Odysseus has gone terrible. I have done horrific things that I hope you can forgive. Everything was fine until our sail home from Troy, where we all acted like reckless fools and all hell broke loose. We have been cursed by the gods Zeus and Poseidon and now I’m afraid that this letter will be my last. On our way home to Ithaca, the winds blew us to