The Odyssey

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Epic heroes shape the history of Greek mythology. They resonate through history for their ability to survive, their prowess in battle, and the favor with the gods. But when one delves deeper, most of the “heroes” appear as egotistic, ostentatious men. However, one man stands out from the rest. One man is more than a hero. Odysseus, king of Ithaca, echoes through Greek myths as a man above all others. Homer’s The Odyssey, an epic of one man’s journey home from the Trojan war, describes Odysseus as a man who loves his family and country, a man with patience and compassion, and one who also possesses frailties that one can recognize as human.

“brief is life, but love is long,” (Alfred Lord Tennyson). Odysseus ratifies this concept with his love and pining for his wife. One example of his emotions appears on Ogygia, the island of the nymph Calypso. He explains “Calypso had fallen in love with me and offered me the gift of eternal life if I would live with her forever…but I longed for Ithaca and Penelope, my wife” (54). Odysseus refuses an immortal, a woman of eternal beauty, for his mortal, aging wife Penelope. His actions prove his love for Penelope greater than his love for life. Odysseus believe Penelope’s wrinkles more beautiful than eternal life. In addition, after twenty years, Odysseus finally arrives home. At long last he introduces himself to his now grown son, Telemachus. The two laugh and swap stories throughout the night. In one conversation, Odysseus remarks to Telemachus “And one last thing: whenever you’re afraid, remember to trust in me, Odysseus” (70). To which Telemachus replies “Dear Father, alone I was afraid, but now that you’re here I’ve the courage of a hundred men” (70). The last time Odysseus saw Telemachus, ...

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...us happens to be furious Poseidon’s home turf. Pride proves an all too relatable quality among humans and John Hurst’s short story “The Scarlet Ibis” displays pride perfectly in depicting “pride is a wonderful, terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines, life and death.”

Fortunately, Odysseus’s qualities flourish beyond pride. His love and care for his country and family provide an excellent example for readers. Odysseus’s followers share their adoration for Odysseus because of his patience and compassion. And although we all share his human qualities, we do have an omnipotent, agape loving Father who forgives our flaws. One can see and give thanks to God and his love. God does not punish us as Poseidon does in The Odyssey, nor does He favor us for our talents as Athene favors Odysseus. God loves us for who we are no matter what we may do. Thanks be to God.

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