I have never understood the ways of my brothers and sisters- the manner in which they seem to enjoy cavorting amongst mortals, wreaking fruitless havoc and terror, their fickle moods lending them to senseless fits of temper, utter disregard for the cries of beasts and men. Even Poseidon, great earth-enfolder, once too was keen on destroying Odysseus, that man of twists and turns, forcing him, in his capricious wrath, into exile on a meager sea-encircled island.
It has always been my belief that men should govern their own fates; for if we gods decide for them, are we not scorning their capacity for whatever perception they may possess? After all, were they not fashioned in the likeness of us deathless gods, who rule the earth? Thus, are they …show more content…
Why do I favour him so?
…We are much alike, him and I. He, beyond all mortal men in cunning and guiles, and I, preeminent amongst all gods for my wisdom and crafts. Yet for all his wit, devotion to the deathless gods, and victory in war, my heart did tear at his cursed luck.
They are much alike, gods and men. So many of the mortals are foolish, impious, and savage- they do not comprehend the subtler arts of adversity: intellect, strategy, civility. The deathless gods, too, are often temperamental, vain, and unyielding- they seem not to care for the pillars of harmony: prudence, justice, reason. Ruthless I may be- leaving no suitors alive- but sacrifices must be made for a semblance of balance amongst the scales.
All this wise Odysseus understands, and for it I hold him in the highest esteem. I afford him a respect I do not grant thoughtless men, or boastful gods.
And at the end of things- the very end- ill-fated Odysseus triumphs. The suitors, all five score and eight- lifeless in the earth. His family, lands, and halls- rightfully reunited and restored. The vindictive nobles- silent under Ithaca’s pact of peace. All this cunning Odysseus accomplishes- not through the gods, but through
It has always been my belief that men should govern their own fates; for if we gods decide for them, are we not scorning their capacity for whatever perception they may possess? After all, were they not fashioned in the likeness of us deathless gods, who rule the earth? Thus, are they …show more content…
Why do I favour him so?
…We are much alike, him and I. He, beyond all mortal men in cunning and guiles, and I, preeminent amongst all gods for my wisdom and crafts. Yet for all his wit, devotion to the deathless gods, and victory in war, my heart did tear at his cursed luck.
They are much alike, gods and men. So many of the mortals are foolish, impious, and savage- they do not comprehend the subtler arts of adversity: intellect, strategy, civility. The deathless gods, too, are often temperamental, vain, and unyielding- they seem not to care for the pillars of harmony: prudence, justice, reason. Ruthless I may be- leaving no suitors alive- but sacrifices must be made for a semblance of balance amongst the scales.
All this wise Odysseus understands, and for it I hold him in the highest esteem. I afford him a respect I do not grant thoughtless men, or boastful gods.
And at the end of things- the very end- ill-fated Odysseus triumphs. The suitors, all five score and eight- lifeless in the earth. His family, lands, and halls- rightfully reunited and restored. The vindictive nobles- silent under Ithaca’s pact of peace. All this cunning Odysseus accomplishes- not through the gods, but through