Summary Of The Odyssey

Summary Of The Odyssey
Lord Odysseus prayed to the gods that he would find love and mercy among the people he was about to encounter. Athena heard his prayer and
came to him in the form of a young girl so she could lead Odysseus to the house of king Alkinoos after she surrounded him with a protective mist.
The young girl warned Odysseus that he must not stare or be curious because they do not care for strangers in this place. Athena also told Odysseus to
win Queen Arete's condolences because she held great influence in the kingdom. As Odysseus lays eyes on the kingdom he is astounded by its beauty
and greatness. When Odysseus enters the great palace the leaders of Phaiakia are drinking and dining and down the hall Odysseus went unseen until he
reached Arete....show more content...
One maid turned to Odysseus recognizing the work of his tunic and cloak. She suspected it to be her own work. She asked Odysseus who he is and
demanded to know who gave him the clothes. Odysseus then tells her about his encounter with Kalypso and his escape from her island by a boat he
built. He was starving and needed water when he saw her lands shore. When his boat crashed on the shore he saw her daughters and the princess and
asked for help. He tells her that her daughter was generous and gave him the clothes. Alkinoos then offers Odysseus the opportunity to marry his
daughter and tells him if not then he assures him a trip home or wherever he
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The Odyssey
The Odyssey has captured minds for over 2700 years, and the story of Odysseus shows his determination to fight and conquer obstacles with and
without the help of the Gods. The story dates back before 1000B.c. (The Modern Library, 1950, p.VI) His creative and cunning tactics throughout the
story show his determination to reach his homeland of Ithaca.
After conquering the Trojan War, Odysseus was told by Poseidon "man is nothing without the gods". Poseidon felt Odysseus was not thankful for
Poseidon's help with the battle Trojan War. He felt Odysseus needed to be taught a lesson to be more thankful to the gods for their help. Odysseus
appeared righteous and gloated that he had conquered Troy on his own. (Hallmark Home Entertainment, 1997,...show more content...
As the Cyclops threw boulders at the ship, they ended up sailing in the direction they needed toward Ithaca.
The third conflict was the return of Odysseus to Ithaca. He returned, disguised as a beggar to take back his throne and get Penelope back. With this
example, he again received help from a god, the goddess Athena (Fagles, 1996, p. 300). After 20 years, Odysseus returned to Ithaca to learn that suitors
had taken over his home in an attempt to steal his throne and gain Penelope's hand.
When Odysseus landed on the sands of Ithaca, Athena told him she had a scheme to help him and warned him of the trials and suffering that had
taken place at his palace (Fagles, 1996, p. 296). Athena for many years had vanished and he was leary of her words, he told her "you're mocking me",
and he felt that Ithaca was just another kingdom and that was just another test (Fagles, p. 297).
Athena stroked Odysseus with her wand. She shriveled his skin, and covered his body from head to toe with wrinkled hide of an old man. She gave
him a staff, a beggar's sack, torn and tattered and sent him with Telemachus to regain his thrown. She told him she would be there beside him to regain
his throne (Fagles, 1996, p. 299).
Athena's frequent absence from Odysseus contradicted the quotation "man is nothing without the gods". Athena complimented Odysseus in a worldly,
and self possessed manner. She added she could not fight her father's brother,

Odyssey Essay : The Odyssey
The Odyssey Essay The Odyssey , is the second epic written by Homer. It talks about Odysseus being ripped away from his homeland, Ithaca, and
trying to return back home after the Trojan War. He is known as a heroic figure, the King of Ithaca and an epic hero. When he was torn away from
Ithaca, he had to leave behind his people including his family to fight in the Trojan War. On his way home he encountered many obstacles, monsters
and other creatures. He finally returns home from his long journey home 20 years later; to find suitors were trying to take his home and wife. Most
people will say that Penelope had it rough being by herself for 20 years never knowing if Odysseus would ever return, but Odysseus never knew if he
would make it to live through the next day. Odysseus had suffered more than Penelope when Odysseus was dragged to Troy to fight in the Trojan war.
When Odysseus left to serve in the Trojan War he missed seeing his only son, Telemachus, grow up. Telemachus was only an infant when his
father, Odysseus, left and sailed to Troy to battle the Trojans. Odysseus never got to witness him take his first steps, say his first words, heard sheep
or string his first bow. Leaving his wife, Penelope, to take care of Telemachus. It was hard to take care of him, but she had maids by her side and
Odysseus's mother help raise him. Odysseus never saw Telemachus grow up and become prince Telemachus. When Odysseus returned back to Ithaca,
to duel the suitors "He dropped his

The Odyssey
The Odyssey, one of the most well known epic stories Introduces Odysseus, the King of Ithaca. This story demonstrates Odysseus's physical and
intellectual strength. Striving to return home after 20 years of his treacherous journey, he uses strength, skill, and superior ability to overcome his
troubles. Although he faced numerous obstacles and fought many battles, he made it appoint to get home to his kingdom through his physical ability,
intellectual insight, and overcoming his epic flaw. In the beginning of TheOdyssey, Odysseus describes his homeland Ithaca and states "A rocky
island, good for a boys training". By saying this he makes it clear that he is proud of where he had grown up and that he had trained there. This
introduces...show more content...
One of the most difficult obstacles Odysseus faced was overcoming if epic flaw. Odysseus had excessive pride, or Hubris, which sometimes got
him in more trouble than he was already in. For example, in the Cyclops, as Odysseus and his men are leaving after stabbing the Cyclops' eye, he
shouts "Cyclops, if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes'
son, whose home's on Ithaca." Before this, Odysseus had told the Cyclops that his name was "Nohbdy" and could have gotten away without the
Cyclops knowing who it really was, but Odysseus had to boast and brag that if anyone were to ask, it was him who blinded the Cyclops. Also in
the beginning of The Odyssey after they had one the Battle of Troy, Odysseus shouted to the Gods that nothing could stop him. By provoking the
Gods, he brought his 20 year journey onto himself. But by overcoming this flaw in the end, Odysseus finally returned home. Although he faced all of
these battles, Odysseus combined all of his skill to defeat them and got back to Ithaca to reclaim his title as King. He couldn't have done it on his
own, but with the help of his men, using his physical and intellectual prowess, and overcoming his epic flaw, he achieved his goal after 20 years of

The Odyssey Essay In 'The Odyssey'
The Odyssey Essay Draft Dark and scary Odysseus and his men stuck in the cave fighting to save their lives by a big and large creature with the
name Cyclops. In the epic poem, The Odyssey by Homer, It all started when Odysseus and his men wanted to take a rest after a long time floating
on the water. Little did they know what they were getting themselves into. The large creature entered the cave, and man they were definitely in for a
heck of a ride. Odysseus is brave and wise. Odysseus is Brave. For example, Odysseus heated up the stake getting ready to stab the Cyclops in the
eye. "To make a stake with pointed ends, this in the fires heart toughening it." (9. 231–232). This shows that Odysseus was brave because, he had the
braveness and strength to heat up the stake and get ready to stab the Cyclops in the eye. This also shows that Odysseus is brave because the
Cyclops is a very large and scary creature. Odysseus stayed strong and did what he had to do to get back to his home, ad return with him and his
men safe. Odysseus is nothing comparable in size to the Cyclops. In addition Odysseus stabbed the Cyclops right in the dead center of his eye. "So
with our brand we bored that great eye, while blood ran out and around the hot bar" (9. 296–297). This shows that Odysseus was very brave because he
stabbed the Cyclops right in the eye and risked his life to save his men and himself. This also shows that Odysseus was brave because the Cyclops
was very close to grabbing the men

Reflection Paper On The Odyssey
After hours, if not days, on the tumultuous sea we come to a patch of water near a desolate beach of perfect calm. As we row deeper in, everything
dulls, the oars breaking the water, the wind in our sail, not a natural breath heard whatsoever. What little hope our dwindling crew had slowly being
chipped away, piece by piece. Our "gracious" leader Odysseus hails us, "We've arrived at the island marking the entrance of HadГЄs." As he says those
chilling words, our hopes sink faster than the setting sun in the distance, an unnatural cold takes hold, turning our breath into that of clouds. The crew
and I set to work preparing the earthen chalice required for the offering while our "trusty" leader goes to work praying. The prayers turn to echoing
moans as the sky falls to a twilight hue, cold drilling into my body. The crew begrudgedly pours our precious honey and milk into the pit, along with
the rich crimson blood of our slaughtered offerings. With a metallic sweetness permeating the air, turning my stomach even further, we quickly find
ourselves surrounded by the lilith forms of the deceased. My hand grips the pommel of my sword as if to never let go as the primal fear of all my
animalistic urges kick in. It takes every ounce of my will and training to coerce my body back into control but I finally do. "We must protect the
precious liquor at all costs, draw your swords men," exclaims Odysseus. With hesitation I draw my sword, I will do his bidding, for now. I grit my teeth

Reflection Paper On The Odyssey
Thinking about school sometimes hurts, especially about important assessments. Quiz on Friday for this class, test on Thursday for another class,
it's a rough week. It is a Tuesday, and there were no worries in my mind as I enter school that day. Suddenly, I realized that there was a language
arts test in 1st period! I zoomed to my locker, quickly went to my class, and snagged a book from the counter and started to study. As I frantically
cram in information about The Odyssey for the test that is anticipated in 10 minutes, I begin to think how I should have studied the night before.
Similarly, I notice many of my other peers doing the same. When the time passed by 10 minutes, our language arts teacher, Ms. Paschal, informed us
that there was no test. Though having mixed emotions about this, I kept my composure and awaited what was planned for the day. Ms. Paschal
informed, "I know you are disappointed that the test was canceled, but instead, we are going to write a comparative essay on The Odyssey instead. You
will choose one book or movie to compare to The Odyssey. The factor that we are using to compare The Odyssey and your book or movie is the
hero's journey." The class suddenly exchanged worried looks as if the essay was the end of the world. I thought to myself, "Oh, this won't be so bad." I
later regretted this statement.
Later, we then received brainstorming worksheets and a graphic organizer to start on brainstorming ideas. Having to choose a book to compare with

The Odyssey Essay
Nadia Mendoza Ms. Kittelson English 9 March 14, 2011 The Odyssey In the epic poem "The Odyssey" by Homer, the journey of a Greek king is
traced. Though sailing can sound extremely easy like driving, in this epic poem things are slightly different. Odysseus the protagonist of this epic poem
and his sailing crew face frequent temptations that not only determine their loyalty and strength to resist these temptations, but also how long–lasting
their sail back home can be. The enlightened message portrayed through various literary elements is: Temptation can trace someone's strength to
accomplish goals and can serve as a loyalty obstacle. In order to portray this message Homer uses symbolism, tone, and setting as literal devices to
...show more content...
Another literary device used by Homer is setting. Most of the settings in this poem are taken place on sea. The sea is also the place where one of
the most tragically event happens in this poem. Just when Odysseus and his crew are about to arrive at Ithaca the curiosity and temptation of his
crew result in an unsatisfactory outcome. The sack which contains only the winds that are trapped in their to take Odysseus and his crew back
home safely, is opened by his crew because they think that it is a treasure Odysseus wants to keep to himself. The temptation and selfishness of the
crew results in a catastrophe because they are sent back to Aeolus the king who gave Odysseus the sack. The weakness they have to resist this
temptation not only pays off negatively but it shows Odysseus how unloyal the crew truly is. This is shown by the excerpt from Book 10, page
232: "They loosed the sack and all the winds burst out and a sudden squall struck and swept us back to sea," this expresses Odysseus explaining to
Aeolus after the crew has been tempted again. While the king Aeolus thinks that Odysseus is cursed the only element stopping them from reaching
home is their inability to resist temptations and that is why they are mostly at sea while on this "journey" back home. The tone used in this epic poem
by Homer gives a lot to say about the theme of this epic poem, the sense of the book, and the humor of

The Odyssey Essay
Throughout vast journeys of many heroes, no other hero had a more complex journey than Odysseus. This journey is called The Odyssey, written by
Homer. It is an epic poem or story told of a hero name Odysseus on a 20–year voyage trying to get back home from the Trojan War. The great epic
poem known as The Odyssey and attributed to Homer was probably first written down around the eighth century BC, but the origins of the ancient
story in myth, legend, and folklore and art appear to be much older. Greek Epic Hero When you think about Greek Epic heroes, Odysseus will most
likely come to mind. Odysseus is the main character in Homer's poem "The Odyssey." "The Odyssey" is a narrative poem that
describes Odysseus' adventures...show more content...
When Odysseus is in trouble he always shows that he is depending on the gods by praying to them. The fact that the gods usually listen to him
shows that he is well liked by the gods. In order to be a Greek hero you had to be liked by the gods since religion was such a big part in their lives.
Odysseus, with the help of the gods, can survive adventures that kill most other men. Odysseus travels to the island of the Cyclopians. The
Cyclopians are giants that have one eye, they don't fear the gods because they believe that they are better than the gods and they eat people. They
represent the opposite of what Greek men should be. Odysseus and his men meet Polyphemus the Cyclops. Polyphemus being a Cyclops eats
some of Odysseus' men. Odysseus with the help of the gods figures out a plan to escape and he does. Scylla is a ferocious monster with six heads
that kills most men that pass by her island. She kills six of Odysseus' men. Odysseus prevents her from killing himself and more men. There is
another ferocious monster named Charybdis. Charybdis sucks in water from the sea and creates a whirlpool that kills any ship that passes by.
Odysseus passes by her. His crew is killed and his ship is destroyed in the whirlpool but Odysseus alone survives. There is an island that Odysseus
passes by with monsters called Sirens on it. The Sirens sing beautiful songs that lure ships toward them. The ships then crash into the island and the
people are killed.

Thesis Statement Of Odysseus
Thesis: In the novel "The Odyssey" Homer displays the main character Odysseus, the shepherd of men, with god like qualities which clouds his
judgement and sense of superiority that he will never transpire to respect the other warriors through his harsh tones.
After Odysseus came from the encounter he had with the beautiful witch goddess Circe,, his men are grateful to see him . His men gather around him
like a master and a shepherd, his men surrounded him. Odysseus a well respected man who is admired by his men and treated as a mortal god due to his
God like qualities . While his crew are stranded in the middle of a cross road without his leadership and guidance, pivoting towards all directions but
incapable of moving forward with...show more content...
Odysseus thinks that his reasoning are final and his activities are constantly just and right, although he frequently allows his ego control his rational
thinking, resulting harm to his group and messing with the gods's plans. His men could have went back home Securely for it is the desire of Athena
and the other heavenly gods who surround to her in Mount Olympus, however Odysseus takes it to himself to outrage and blind Polyphemus, the
monstrous son of Poseidon, adored by his dad yet abhorred by the people, In this way distrusting their whole arrangement . Subsequent to being
blinded by the heroine, Polyphemus tosses huge pieces of rocks at Odysseus's ship, nearly obliterating them at the same time. But instead of retreating
for safety, Odysseus keeps on provoking Polyphemus and "[calls] out to the cyclopes again, with [his] men hanging all over [him] begging him not
to"(Book 9, 491–492). His feeling of pride and presumption influences to disregard the requests of his people even in these critical circumstances .
He will fulfill his own feeling of interest and pleasure without thinking of the result it would have on his crew. Despite the fact that he is bound to
get away from all passings and assaults, his group isn't so blessed. Their lives are in mortal peril since Odysseus considers them as child sheeps who
should forfeit their lives for him when the circumstances comes, much the same as how mortals make conciliatory offerings of sheeps for the
heavenly gods. He is willing to fulfill his own feeling of interest without thinking of his groups lives or their suppositions and is regularly infuriated
when they negate his request. If they hurt his sense of pride and self–importance and pomposity , Odysseus will be overcome with outrage and

The Odyssey By William Shakespeare
Robert A. Heinlein once said, "Yield to temptation, it may not pass your way again" which is similar to Odysseus' motto in The Odyssey. Odysseus is
constantly dealing with obstacles that have been set in place by the Gods. Mainly the obstacle involves a woman being a temptress in order to detour
Odysseus from his journey home to Ithaca. Eventually, Odysseus resists the seductresses in order to continue his journey home to Ithaca so he can
finally see his wife Penelope. In The Odyssey women have a narrow, but significant role similar to their role in ancient Greece. Every time there is
temptation present Odysseus yields, especially when the seductress is desirable, showing that he wants to yield to the woman who are tempting him
with sex,...show more content...
However, a majority of Homer 's audience would know that the real reason Helen was the cause of the Trojan war is because she has an affair with
Paris. After Paris captured Helen and brought her back to Troy, Helen fell in love with Paris. This abduction of Helen ignited the start of the
Trojan war. In the epic, Helen is described as being as "striking as Artemis with her golden shafts" (Od. 4.136) and is very hospitable towards
Telemachus. Helens beauty as well as her affair with Paris have deemed her to be a seductress. Helen's role as a temptress is crucial, because she is
the reason why Odysseus left Ithaca to fight in the Trojan war. Menelaus reminisces about the Trojan Horse and mentions Helen being the "voice of all
our long–lost wives" (Od. 4.313) since she was imitating the voices of Greek soldiers' wives. Helen did not intentionally try to keep Odysseus away
from Ithaca, but she catalyzed the events that caused Odysseus to stay away for ten years. Helen being a temptress is vital, because she is the reason
that Odysseus is on his quest to return home.
A similar temptress to Calypso, in The Odyssey, is Circe. Circe is also described as a "lustrous goddess" with a "spellbinding voice" (Od. 10.243).
These characteristics make it easy for Circe to bewitch Odysseus' men, however Odysseus escapes the trap. Odysseus "mounted [mounts] Circe's
gorgeous bed" to save his men similar to how he sleeps with Calypso, during his stay with her (Od. 10.386). Circe does not

Odysseus Reflection Questions And Answers
Does the character ever exhibit a desire or hunger to reach a goal that adversely affects others
1. A. Yes, Odysseus makes his crew trudge through many difficult obstacles to reach his home, and that leads to the loss of his crew.
B. As Odysseus and his crew traveled to various lands and water, they slowly reach their next obstacle. AsOdysseus sends out some his people to
traverse a new land, they accidentally eat some of the Lotus and get brainwashed. When they get brainwashed, they don't want to go home and just
stay on the new land and eat Lotus. Odysseus then told everyone else to stay clear from the Lotus. Since Odysseus wants to really go back home, it
has cost some of the lives of his crew.
C. "I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships, tied them down under their rowing benches, and called the rest: 'All hands on board; come, clear the
beach and no one taste the Lotus, or you lose your hope of home" (Homer lines 50–54).
Does the character illustrate frustration during the course of the story
2. A. Yes, Odysseus displays anger at the Cyclops for being very rude to him and his crew and for eating some of them too.
B. As Odysseus and his men head towards his home in Ithaca, they have to go through many monsters and obstacles. One of the first monsters that
Odysseus and his crew face are the Cyclops. As they try and become friendly to this big giant, the cyclops ends up eating some of the crew and locks
them inside his cave. Odysseus does not like how

Literary Criticism Of The Odyssey
Assessment Task 1: Essay on The Odyssey
The Odyssey by Homer was written during around 700 B.C and it is the second–oldest extant work of Western literature. The Odyssey is an epic poem
and can be understood through the lens of archetypal criticism which explores themes that are based on heroism and the protagonist Odysseus is an epic
hero who undergoes a ten–year journey to return to Ithaca. Northrop Frye explains the value of archetypal literary criticism in helping modern readers
appreciate the universal and timeless themes of the epic: " [ Archetypal literacy criticism's role is in] refashioning the material universe into an
alternative verbal universe that is humanly intelligible and viable, because it is adapted to essential human...show more content...
Moreover, earlier in the text Odyssey the reader is noted Odysseus faces the stage 'Crossing First Threshold' which can be depict in 'separation'
section as he is striving to the war in Troy, distant from his family and his kingdom of Ithaca. Hence, contrasting the Separation part in Joseph
Campbell's Monomyth. The reader is also revealed in the end of the epic poem, Odyssey that the archetypal character Odysseus eventually
grasping his aim to come home to Ithaca and rescue his deserved throne and reunite with his family, son and spouse, Telemachus and Penelope
These challenges are part of the 'Road of Trials' where he encounters the Lotus Eaters and proceeds to land of the Cyclops. The Land of the Lotus
Eaters represents the corruption of luxury and how it makes an individual lose their longing to return to where they truly belong. The Cyclops is a
brutal inhospitable monster who kills many of Odysseus's crew: "In one stride he clutched at my companions and caught two in his hands like
squirming puppies to beat their brains out, spattering the floor.' Odysseus uses his cunning (metis)and resourcefulness to overcome the Cyclops but
shows his own hubris when he boasts this is illustrated in " if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus,
raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes' son, whose home's on Ithaca!". Which tells us the Cyclops as the son of Poseidon curses him and he finds

The Odyssey And Its Themes Essay
The Odyssey and Its Themes
Homer's great literary classic, The Odyssey, represents and illustrates many emotional and mental values. All of these values can be classified under
three different main themes that are constant throughout the epic tale. These themes are: A boy's struggle to be a man, a king's struggle to reclaim his
kingdom, and a man's struggle to return home. As one reads this book it will become more and more evident to them that a man's struggle to get home
is the most important theme throughout Homer's adventure.
In The Odyssey, Odysseus's longing for his home and family is what drives the story. That is his one goal in the entire book, and that really states
something about his character. In Book 5 we are first...show more content...
Some of the obstacles included the Lotus–Eaters, Cyclops, Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis. In many ways these creatures and temptations represent all
obstacles that get in the way of goals. They are the classic feat that the protagonist, Odysseus, must overcome to get to his goal, home. One of the most
fearsome, brutish obstacles was Polyphemus, the Cyclops. Polyphemus ends up destroying a large portion of Odysseus's crew as described in lines
746–752. 'Neither reply nor pity came from him, but in one stride he clutched at my companions and caught two in his hands like squirming puppies to
beat their brains out, spattering the floor. Then he dismembered them and made his meal&#8230;'; This descriptive brutality shows you just how
much a gigantic, intimidating obstacle Polyphemus was. Another one of these obstacles was Scylla. Scylla's attack was described in lines 1338–1343. '
Then Scylla made her strike, whisking six of my best men from the ship. I happened to glance aft at ship and oarsmen and caught sight of their arms
and legs dangling high overhead.'; This is yet another grim reminder of just how determined Odysseus is to get to his home and family.
Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus is warned many times of the perils and difficulty of his journey. All through these times it seems that Odysseus
will never get home, but he never loses hope. In Book 11, Odysseus ventures into hell to meet with the great prophet, Teiresias. Teiresias prophesizes,
'But anguish lies

Odyssey Essay : The Odyssey
The Odyssey Essay
The Odyssey overall was a good book. It had a great plot, the story was much in depth, and it had a very good ending. But, there were 3 parts of The
Odyssey that stood out to me the most. I believe that Odysseus is a good and strong leader because defeated Cyclops, escaping the Sirens, and
defeating Antinous. Whether escaping a giant monster, or escaping a song of death, to defeating his enemy upon attempting to steal his wife,Odysseus
is a good and brave leader throughout the majority of the book
The first part that stood out was that Odysseus saves his friends in the Cyclops' cave.
He saves his friends from Cyclops' cave by finding a way to escape without killing cyclops. Cyclops was too abominable to let them go, so they had to
find a way to escape.
Cyclops has one eye, so they blinded him by immersing the stake deep into his eye to blind him. Only five people helped stab cyclops, because the
others were appalled to do it. They couldn't kill Cyclops, because they were in a cave with the entrance sealed off, and Cyclops was the only one who
could move it. Quote: Lines 329–333, Page 692: I drew it from the coals and my four fellows gave me a hand, lugging it near the Cyclops as more
than natural force nerved them; straight forward they sprinted, lifted it, and rammed it deep in his crater eye. In the quote stated above, Odysseus is
driving the wooden stake into Cyclops' eye. Cyclops at the moment was inept, making it easier to stab him. The quote proves

Examples Of Quest In The Odyssey
The Odyssey Theme Essay
In The Odyssey by Homer, there are many themes present but one of the most prevalent is the theme of a quest. Some main examples of this theme
are, when Odysseus escapes Kalypso's island, when Odysseus survives Poseidon's wrath, and when Odysseus survives the man–eating giants on
Laistrygonian Heights. These examples along with many more show how Odysseus is on a quest.
The first example of the quest theme is when Odysseus escapes the Nymph Kalypso's Island. Kalypso rescued Odysseus but she did not want him to
leave her. Odysseus on the other hand, wanted to get back to his son, Telemakhos and his wifePenelope in Ithaca. Kalypso sang for Odysseus to
become immortal, or to never age or die. Finally Zeus sent his favorite son, Hermes, to help Odysseus escape by telling Kalypso to let her go. He also
says that for Odysseus to escape he should build a raft and travel alone for twenty days and then he will arrive in Skheria where the Phaeacians will
reward him. This angered Kalypso because she wanted...show more content...
Odysseus' good fortune angered Poseidon so he sent down waves to drown Odysseus. Poseidon, "the god of earthquake heaved a wave against him
/ high as a rooftree and of awful gloom" (Lines 365–366 Book V). These waves splintered Odysseus' ship and just as he was about to drown, the nereid
Ino saw him, gave Odysseus his cloak which made it impossible for him to drown and told him to swim to swim to Skheria. Odysseus swam for
two nights and two days before he was thrown against rocks on the shore. Athena came down and saved him from dying on the rocky coastline.
Odysseus was pulled back out to sea and after searching the shoreline he found a mouth to a calm river. He was pulled into the river and ended up on
a bed of leaves on shore. This series of events shows Odysseus' strength, physically and mentally, and shows how Odysseus' quest tested him in many

Homer's Epic Poem, The Odyssey Essay
In Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey, the recurring theme of intelligence is important because through intelligence, Odysseus is able to utilize wit and
cunning to suit his needs and wants, as well as defeat bigger and stronger opponents than he. Through the stories of Odysseus' sufferings throughout the
Trojan Warand his struggles of homecoming, Homer portrays intelligence as being an effective application of strength used to gain an advantage over
his opponents. Odysseus is depicted as an intellectual hero, who focuses on brain and sophrosune, rather than the typical martial hero, such as Achilles
in the Iliad, who focuses on brawn and action provoked by emotion. The first instance when readers are told of Odysseus' great skill in the...show more
content...
The difference between how each hero is depicted helps emphasize the difference between the martial hero and the intellectual hero. Supporting the
descriptions of Odysseus by Menelaus and Nestor, Odysseus displays his ability to utilize wit and cunning to get what he wants, cautiously but
quickly. This is first shown when Calypso tells Odysseus that he is free to go home and he is immediately suspicious that she's "plotting something
else" (5.192) and he makes her swear "a binding oath [she'll] never plot some new intrigue to harm [him]" (5.198). The fact he is able to become
suspicious and take the time to ensure that he isn't being deceived, as opposed to becoming overjoyed and giving into his strong desire of returning
home after being held captive for ten years shows his self–restraint over his emotions. This contrasts with Achilles' lack of sophrosune because Achilles
is very rash in the decisions he makes in Troy as shown, in Book 1 when "down on the ground he dashed the scepter" (1.287) after his quarrel with
Agamemnon. By doing this, he gives up all the power he once had, making him an outcast. Furthermore, additional proof of Odysseus' ability to think
through situations is demonstrated in Book 6 when Nausicaa and her maids wake Odysseus up and he, naked, steps out of the bushes and contemplates
about whether he should

Essay about Literary Analysis of "The Odyssey"
The Odyssey is a celebrated epic filled with many different themes, motifs, styles, and characters that could be examined in vast detail, but the theme of
hospitality is a reoccurring one throughout the entire narrative. Homer writes about examples of both great hospitality and very inhospitable characters
in his epic poem. Hospitality in The Odyssey creates definition of how individuals are either punished or rewarded by the gods.
In the time of The Odyssey, not only large tracts of land separate civilizations, but also natural barriers and mythical obstacles. People could not have
made the journeys that they made if they were not able to rely on other peoples for food, shelter, protection, and...show more content...
Another example of generous hospitality is when Odysseus landed on the shores of Skheria, land of the Phaiakians. They give him a boat full of
supplies and send him sailing home, but Poseidon had not finished teaching Odysseus a lesson. Zeus, not wanting to interfere with his brother, allowed
him to destroy the Phaiakians and their boat while allowing Odysseus to live. They were punished because the dared to interfere with the gods'
punishment of Odysseus.
In Book Fourteen, the swineherd shows very generous hospitality to a disguised Odysseus. He gives him food and wine to drink. Although the food
he is served is " the pork of slaves," the swineherd gives him plenty to quench Odysseus' hunger (448). He is pleased with the swineherd
at the courteousness that he shows. Odysseus tells him, "May Zeus and all the gods give you your heart's desire for taking me in so kindly,
friend (447)." The swineherd is blessed by the mighty king and will surely be rewarded greatly for his kindness.
Grudging Hospitality
When hospitality was not freely given, for example, when Kirke turned most of Odysseus' men into animals. She gave them drink and when they had
lost all sense, she "flew after them with her long stick and shut them in a pigsty––bodies, voices, head, and bristles, all swinish now, though
minds were still unchanged" (393). She even attempted to turn Odysseus into an

Universal Themes In The Odyssey
Certain universal themes can be found everywhere and everywhen including themes that were important in Ancient Greece and still apply to our lives
today. Back then, it can be inferred that some aspects have changed but many things have stayed the same. In the book The Odyssey by Homer, themes
of good leadership, trustworthiness, and the importance of family are all prominent throughout. Homer shows that all of these themes are important
and are relevant to life in today's age. Odysseus in The Odyssey displays good leadership skills like taking charge, picking the best option for his
crewmates, and having prior knowledge. He takes charge constantly with confidence whenever he has a choice but is still open to help from others.
One example of this is when Odysseus picked the option to go through Scylla who only kills six crew members instead of Charybdis who could
possibly kill all of his crew members because of help from Circe. He also had previous war knowledge from the book The Iliad by Homer, this helped
him to be a...show more content...
You grow up in your family and they should always be there for all ups and downs throughout life so that they can be there at some of life's low
points and be happy at life's high points. This theme is one of the most apparent in The Odyssey, especially when Odysseus claims that he would
not give up his family for an entire room filled with gold. He demonstrates this by after being trapped twice by lovely goddesses he still tries to get
home to his family. Family doesn't have to be an immediate family, if it's a cousin, aunt or someone who's like family they count too. Families are
something that are hard to replace so if someone has a good family then they are lucky and should cherish that connection. It is possible to tell if
someone has a great family if nothing else in the world is better then spending time with the

Summary Of The Odyssey

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