The Role Of Odysseus Free Will In Homer's The Odyssey

In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus king of Ithaca, treks through his hero’s journey which occurs when returning home from a battle in Troy. As he ventures through various perils and surpasses multiple obstacles, he explores a deep state of self reflection. Throughout this exploration, Odysseus is directed by his fate rather than free will. The decisions and actions that dominate his life are controlled by forces beyond his power. Moreover, noticing the transition that takes place within Odysseus, one can observe how his expectations rely on the concepts put forth by his destiny. Odysseus’ fate guides him along his journey and overall, dominates his life, due to his fixation on his rank in society, godly intervention and self reflection, leading

His journey reflects modern day ideals and shows readers the importance of controlling one’s life in any way desired.

Odysseus’ idea of his position in society controls many of his decisions due to the never ending preservation of his pride and keeping him elevated from, what he considers, the minority. This is shown when Odysseus confronts the suitors and expresses his feelings towards them. He says, “Not if you paid me all your father’s wealth – all you possess now, and all that could pour in from the world’s end – no, not even then would I stay my hands from slaughter till all you suitors had paid for all your crimes!” (22.65-68). This quotation clearly illustrates the dominance and influence Odysseus’ social standing has on his choices. He is choosing to murder several people, merely for the sake of his

This is demonstrated when, after a whole year spent on the witch-goddess Circe’s island, Odysseus finally realizes he has to progress in his voyage. He tells the goddess: “Circe, now make good a promise you gave me once – it’s time to help me home. My heart belongs to home, my comrades hearts as well” (10.532-535). Here, Odysseus realizes he needs to return to Ithaca. He has been delaying his journey so prominently on so many occasions, and not even taking notice of it. The fact that he has a family, a life, and a kingdom back home, pulls Odysseus out of this small dreamlike period in his life and provokes him to realize that he is essentially driven by fate. He is driven by the fate to continue his expedition, by the fate to enforce his authority, and mostly, by the fate to return home and fulfill all of these duties as king. This was his set future. Moreover, the theme of self reflection guides Odysseus to make these important choices, such as leaving Circe’s island, which majorly impact his life. Additionally, his self reflection influences him to follow his fate and aids him in the discovery of self-actualization and self-learning. As Odysseus follows his journey, his self reflection becomes increasingly apparent. He learns more about himself and his destiny, and the primary guidance that