The Transformation Of Odysseus In Homer's The Odyssey

In Greek mythology, Odysseus was known as a celebrated hero, a hard fought warrior in the Trojan war but most importantly his journeys in Homer's epic “The Odyssey.” The Odyssey is a series of adventures Odysseus and his men encounter on their way home from the Trojan war, mentioned in the Iliad. Along the way home a lot of things change for Odysseus; his actions and internal conflicts causes his personality to dramatically change.

Typically Homeric heroes do not usually change over time. These heros steadily remain strong, courageous and determined. While Odysseus does consistently demonstrate these traits, his journeys affect him changing him in many different ways. At the beginning of the story it is accurate to describe odysseus as …show more content…
Earlier I mentioned examples of change Odysseus experienced throughout the epic, but an important question we are all asking ourselves is why. Why did Odysseus personality change and what changed it? Calypso's island has a major effect on Odysseus. Spending a total of seven years on the island gives him a lot of time to ponder of what he had and could have done. When Odysseus is faced by Poseidon's wrath he begins to realize the importance of not boasting and the ability to be able to swallow your pride. “For a moment he doubted whether or not to fly at Melanthius and kill him with his staff, or fling him to the ground and beat his brains out. He resolved, however, to endure it and keep himself in check.” …show more content…
He changes for the better. In the beginning he is very impulsive and boastful. Calypso's island was a huge changing point for Odysseus. By the end of the story he was a humbler and more well thought out person. “Who and whence are you… And Odysseus answered: “It would be a long story madam, were I to relate in full the tale of my