The Odyssey Essay

A wanderer’s journey Have you ever been in a position of leadership in which others were relying on you? Have you thought about your destiny, or imagined life without your family? A famous epic poem by Homer, called the Odyssey, uses the hero’s archetypal journey to demonstrate the three themes of leaders, destiny, and family--three important themes that are still relevant to our lives today. It is important to know what makes a good leader because without one, we are destined to fail. It is…

In The Odyssey, Homer chronicles Odysseus' journey and how he demonstrates characteristics, that are essential to navigating challenges that also apply today. Even though Odysseus goes through countless challenges and tests, it is his character and actions that define him as a person and shape his journey. Homer reveals the three main defining traits that Odysseus demonstrates throughout the entire epic as honor, courage, and guile. These traits which we witness Odysseus use consistently…

Women in the Odyssey are often seen as second class citizens with no identity of their own and those women that are in power are seen as extensions of their husbands. However, many of them are cunning and clever and have more influence than they are given credit for. Women in the world and time of the Odyssey are given little to no character development and are shown to have little to no political power and opportunities compared to men. When a woman is introduced in the Odyssey it is mainly her…

Homer and Unknown wrote two great books about two amazing heroes. “The Odyssey” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh” hold the most powerful message and story of two amazing heroes, Odysseus and Gilgamesh. The genre of these two works are both epic poems, Gilgamesh and Odysseus both did things out of temptation. Like, Odysseus cheated on his beloved wife Penelope. Gilgamesh on the other hand, he treated his kingdom badly. Both men did some terrible things, both forgiven for their actions. But like every…

documentation for the time period, called The Iliad and The Odyssey that would influence future Greek and Western history to this day, serve as the basis for Greek education after the Dark Age, and offer many valuable themes useful for Greek and Western civilizations. The Iliad is thought to have been composed first between the two books, and it bases on Achilles (the hero of the Greeks), the Trojan war, and the sufferings and losses of war. The Odyssey came after and its main character is…

In The Odyssey, Athena plays a major role in helping Odysseus complete his journey. Besides her literal importance in the book,which is helping Odysseus, her symbolism is by far one of the most important. She represents power and feminist strength that causes her to be a main character throughout the story. I believe that her symbolism is one of the most important because her dominance as a female character highlights her importance when helping Odysseus during his journey. Before analyzing…

Without a man controlling her, Circe is unhelpful and chaotic, but with a man controlling her, she is obedient and helpful. This demonstrates the view in The Odyssey that women need men to rule over them and should not be given control over themselves. Another goddess Zeus uses his authority to control is Kalypso. Again, Zeus sends Hermes to deliver a message. Hermes is sent to tell Kalypso that Zeus commands…

The Odyssey, an epic poem by Homer is about Odysseus and the reader learns that Xenia was given to anyone who needs it. Xenia means guest friendship and is given in times of need. Guest friendship was used in ancient Greek times around the country you did not necessarily need to be a hero Xenia was given to everyone and anyone who needed the hospitality. Hospitality meaning providing food, a bath, bed to rest, clothes, etc. There were rules to Xenia they consist of respect from host to guest…

Homer once stated “what he greatly thought, he nobly dared”. These words eloquently written in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, capture how Odysseus’ personality traits and attributes positively affect the hero status he has earned. His courage, wisdom, and intelligence drive his quest to return home to be reunited with his wife Penelope, and son Telemachus. Over the span of twenty years, Odysseus, pushed to the limits physically through battle, uses his will and perseverance to come out a hero.…

1. Hospitality is a great manner that is heavily practiced in The Odyssey, by Homer. When I look at the times of ancient Greek, I notice they are quite similar to the traditions practiced in my culture today. This is quite evident in book four, when Telemachus and Nestor 's son are spotted at the castle gate by one of Menelaus ' servants. He immediately ran to the king to decide whether or not they should send them elsewhere due to preparing for a wedding. Without a question, without a doubt,…