Loyalty In The Odyssey Essay

As the human race, we value many different characteristics to admire people by. The Greeks value hospitality and loyalty. Homer displays these values within two different characters: Nausicaa and Eumaeus. Odysseus’ journey starts after the Trojan War has ended and when Odysseus is making his way back home to Ithaca, his kingdom. At home in Ithaca, the insolent suitors are causing dismay to Odysseus’ wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus. Odysseus faces the wrath of gods and uses his strength and intelligence to dodge obstacles put in his way. After spending seven years on Calypso’s island, Odysseus leaves on a small raft that he built. At sea, he is thrown around by Poseidon’s wrath and washes up at the shore of the Island of the Phaeacians.

Odysseus is weary and worn out by the sea, and he is in desperate need for hospitality. He wakes up and is naked in front of Nausicaa and her maids. Her maids cower back in fear, but Athena gives Nausicaa courage to stand up. Odysseys flatters them with his words, and convinces them to give him help. Thankfully, Nausicaa and her maids are willing to show Odysseus their hospitality. Odysseus needs Nausicaa’s aid as he is very tired and needs food and water. So Nausicaa answers back with help from herself and her maids. Nausicaa and her maids “brought him a shirt and cloak… also brought him the little golden cruse of oil, and told him to go wash in the stream” (67). Indeed, Odysseus is in dire need of hospitality. Nausicaa and her maids provide Odysseus with clothes and oil to wash himself with. Also, they give him food to cure his hunger. Without their help, Odysseus’ journey may have been cut short. After Odysseus is washed up with oil, puts on new clothing, and eats, he needs an escort to guide him into town. Nausicaa points out that Odysseus seems well-disposed and sensible. She tells him to make the best of what the gods have given to him. Nausicaa invites Odysseys into town and reveals to Odysseus that she is the daughter to the king of land, King Alcinous. Nausicaa is too scared to have Odysseus come into the city with her because, the residents will assume that she will marry

Odysseus returns home to Ithaca after Nausicaa, King Alcinous, and Queen Arete gave him their hospitality. At first, Odysseus does not recognize that he is home in Ithaca, because he has been away so long. Athena came to Odysseus disguised as a young shepherd. Athena directs Odysseus to the swineherd, Eumaeus. Eumaeus tells the old man about how many people have come to Ithaca just to lie about Odysseus’ homecoming. He explains, “Old man, no traveler who comes here with news will get Odysseus’ wife and son to believe his story. Nevertheless, tramps in want of a lodging keep coming with their mouths full of lies, and not a word of truth;everyone who finds his way to Ithaca goes to my mistress and tells her falsehoods” (147). Eumaeus feels bad for Penelope. He is loyal to her by showing that he does not want people lie to her and give her false hope of Odysseus’ homecoming. Eumaeus informs Odysseus about the wooing and insolence the suitors have been creating to Odysseus’ household. Eumaeus starts to lose hope that Odysseus will come home after having hope for such a long time. But, Odysseus swears that indeed his master will return. Eumaeus tries to change the subject, “Do not keep on reminding me of all of this: it always pains me when anyone speaks about my honored master. As for your oath we will let it alone, but I only wish he may come” (148). Eumaeus has been loyal to