Homer's Odyssey: Themes of Homecoming and Reunion

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Theme of Homecoming and Reunion in Homer's Odyssey

The theme of The Odyssey is one of homecoming and reunion with

loved ones. Though the proem of the epic states that Odysseus' own purpose

is simply the fight to save his own life and return his shipmates home

safely, the gods of Olympus are the unknown captains of this journey. It

is an epic story of the making of men, mainly Odysseus and Telemakhos.

Homer methodically details the struggles set forth by the gods. The

contests of Odysseus' wisdom, honor, piety and prudence. These tests of

will prove Odysseus 'master mariner and soldier', truly virtuous and

capable. He becomes not only the last hope of those still true and loyal,

but he is the only one who can discern the proper course of action in the

re-ordering of his house and his household.

In the opening of the epic, the gods, at home upon great Olympus,

sit in conversation reflecting upon the pride of men. One example being

Agisthos, who is run amuck with greed and pride. Zeus' remark that "Greed

and folly will double suffering in the lot of man..." is indeed the

standard by which men are judged to be the Shepherd or the wolf. It is

greed and folly, which are the marks of impious men, men who engage in

improper feasting. Worse still are those who give into temptation after

long suffering, for it denies them the knowledge of the good; namely virtue.

Of improper feasting there are numerous examples, from the

gluttonous behavior of the suitors and the cannibalism of the Kyklops, to

Odys...

... middle of paper ...

...d home to its proper order and is

united with his true family. Odysseus himself achieves the fullness of his

idenity ('Royal Odysseus, 'master mariner and soldier', 'master of landways

and seaways', great captain, Laertiades) with all the grandeur due to a man

so long suffering and honorable. And in this way he sets out overland to

the place where no one knows his name, nor the vast expanse of the sea; a

place where seaways and oars are utterly unknown and it is here he will

plant his oar and make fair hecatombs to Poseidon of the waters, when asked,

"What winnowing fan is that upon your shoulder?" Once accomplished

Odysseus will go on into rich old age, and surrounded by his country folks,

a seaborne death soft as mist will take him down into the House of Death,

Persephone's gentle realm of eternal night.

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