In the Odyssey, an epic Greek poem by Homer, translated by Robert Fitzgerald, Odysseus chooses mortality over immortality which allows him to become famous again and journey home to his family, after being shipwrecked and trapped for years on Kalypso’s island. Within the text, a number of Greek terms provide symbolism and give the reader a greater understanding to how Odysseus travels home. Two significantly interconnected Greek words that provide a deeper understanding of the text and Odysseus’s character are nostos, from the Greek words “return” and “homecoming,” and kleos, from the Greek word “fame.” Throughout Odysseus’s quest to return home, he utilizes his fame in order to win over the people and receive the materials he needs to continue
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He wants to return home to his wife and son, rather than spending the remainder of his life unknown on a paradise island, even though he is promised immortality. All of his family and friends think he is lost forever, but he wants to enjoy the fame that being a hero brings him by returning home to his son, whom he has not seen in twenty years. Part of his fame is his reputation as a hero, and he shows immense determination to make it back to his homeland. When offered immortality by Kalypso if he remains on the island, Odysseus says: “I long for home, long for the sight of home. If any god has marked me out again for shipwreck, my tough heart can undergo it. What hardship have I not long since endured at sea, in battle! Let the trial come” (5.229-234). Odysseus is excited for another opportunity to reach home and is prepared to take on whatever comes between himself and Penelope and Telémakhos. The Greek term nostos is the prevailing theme throughout Odysseus’s journey. Odysseus is motivated by his return home, which helps him overcome the troubles along the …show more content…
Odysseus uses the respect he’s earned from the gods to leave Kalypso’s island. Zeus believes he should be allowed to go back home, claiming “His destiny is to see his friends again under his own roof, in his father’s country” (5.46-47). Zeus sends the messenger god, Hermês, to get Odysseus released by threatening Kalypso: “Thus you shall send him, then. And show more obedience, or be chastised by Zeus” (5.153-154). Kalypso does not want to act against the words of a god, so she gives Odysseus a chance to escape. Odysseus discovers that he can utilize his fame to impress the gods and those around him to gain even more respect, which provides him with tools to return home. This provides evidence of how kleos is a predominant theme within the text, which allows Odysseus to fulfil his goal to return home. After arriving at the city of Troy, home to the Phaiákians, Odysseus impresses the people because of his personality and charming looks given by Athena. Alkinoös, king of the Phaiákians, is so impressed by Odysseus’s charm that he offers him his beautiful daughter, Nausikaa. Odysseus rejects this offer and asks to return home instead. Alkinoös grants his requests and orders that ships be provided for Odysseus so he may return home. Before he leaves, the king invites Odysseus to attend the pentathlon trials. Odysseus just wants to find a ship and travel home, but
He wants to return home to his wife and son, rather than spending the remainder of his life unknown on a paradise island, even though he is promised immortality. All of his family and friends think he is lost forever, but he wants to enjoy the fame that being a hero brings him by returning home to his son, whom he has not seen in twenty years. Part of his fame is his reputation as a hero, and he shows immense determination to make it back to his homeland. When offered immortality by Kalypso if he remains on the island, Odysseus says: “I long for home, long for the sight of home. If any god has marked me out again for shipwreck, my tough heart can undergo it. What hardship have I not long since endured at sea, in battle! Let the trial come” (5.229-234). Odysseus is excited for another opportunity to reach home and is prepared to take on whatever comes between himself and Penelope and Telémakhos. The Greek term nostos is the prevailing theme throughout Odysseus’s journey. Odysseus is motivated by his return home, which helps him overcome the troubles along the …show more content…
Odysseus uses the respect he’s earned from the gods to leave Kalypso’s island. Zeus believes he should be allowed to go back home, claiming “His destiny is to see his friends again under his own roof, in his father’s country” (5.46-47). Zeus sends the messenger god, Hermês, to get Odysseus released by threatening Kalypso: “Thus you shall send him, then. And show more obedience, or be chastised by Zeus” (5.153-154). Kalypso does not want to act against the words of a god, so she gives Odysseus a chance to escape. Odysseus discovers that he can utilize his fame to impress the gods and those around him to gain even more respect, which provides him with tools to return home. This provides evidence of how kleos is a predominant theme within the text, which allows Odysseus to fulfil his goal to return home. After arriving at the city of Troy, home to the Phaiákians, Odysseus impresses the people because of his personality and charming looks given by Athena. Alkinoös, king of the Phaiákians, is so impressed by Odysseus’s charm that he offers him his beautiful daughter, Nausikaa. Odysseus rejects this offer and asks to return home instead. Alkinoös grants his requests and orders that ships be provided for Odysseus so he may return home. Before he leaves, the king invites Odysseus to attend the pentathlon trials. Odysseus just wants to find a ship and travel home, but