In The Odyssey, Homer describes the misadventures of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, that happen during the decade following the defeat of Troy. The Odyssey is not just an adventure, but an epic about an ancient Greek culture and life. This story has been read for many centuries in many countries and is considered a masterpiece. When reading a story it is possible to understand in depth the live that existed in Greece and the rules according to which people were living. The main hero of the story Odysseus lives three stages of life. Each stage is very different from a previous one.
Odysseus adapts to the stages; however, he discovers what a great influence each stage has on him and on his behavior. Odysseus has to overcome many difficulties that are different, since the atmosphere where Odysseus lives changes. This makes Odysseus adapt to change in order to pursue his plans. Nevertheless, the gods pity Odysseus and assist in his safe return to Ithaca. Odysseus personal qualities of bravery, self-discipline, and intelligence also help him to survive. Though Odysseus has the help of the gods, his personal qualities contribute to his survival in the seas and the return to his family in Ithaca. The assistance of Gods made Odysseus to be sure that he will finally reach his goal of return to Ithaca; however, Odysseus still has to perform well in order to return as soon as possible. The question then rises, why does Odysseus has to fight different enemies and overcome all the difficulties when it is obvious that he will reach home? Odysseus could simply adapt to the situation where he will be provided with support.
The Essay on Strength In Mortality Odysseus Life Immortality
The Strength in Mortality During his monumental journey, Odysseus grows from a gallant young warrior to a wise and mature adult. Odysseus initially finds himself fighting for a name, this is equivalent, for humans, to the immortality of the gods. Odysseus concludes that the death-defying mortal life, with its danger and relationships of love, is far superior to a purposeless and shallow ...
However, for Odysseus it would not be possible just to forget about all woes and troubles and adapt to a fixed order because the situation around him constantly changes. Moreover, Odysseus life is divided to three stages, in which the hero has to put lots of effort in order to live a happy life. During each stage Odysseus discovers something new about his character. (Scott) Moreover, his character changes under the circumstances. According to Finley, Odyssey in the process of self-recognition understands that he has unbreakable ties with his home. For Odyssey, his home was the most valued thing and Odyssey would feel good only when he is at home. All the difficulties that Odyssey has to go through make his desire to reach home more stronger. His own purpose of existence is to arrive back to his house and to see his wife.
Home was an object that attracted Odysseus and that made Odysseus to wholly depend on it. That is why Odysseus used all his qualities to get home. Bravery is one of Odysseus qualities that enable him to survive his adventures. (Scott) Despite Odysseus fear, he shows his courage by remaining calm, protecting the cup, and talking to the souls. Another quality that enables Odysseus to return home and restore his kingdom is self-discipline. The greatest example of Odysseus self-discipline occurs when he returns home disguised as a beggar.
In order to carry out his plan to take revenge on his wifes suitors and to come home to his wife, he dresses as a beggar to assess the situation and devise a plan. He is able to speak with his wife and friends and still keep his identity secret. Because of his self-discipline, Odysseus successfully carries out his plan to kill the suitors and reunite with his wife. Odysseus intelligence with the Sirens, the Cyclops, and in his plan to kill the suitors, also helped him to survive and regain his family. I believe that in Homers, The Odyssey, Odysseus personal qualities enable him to survive his adventures and return home to his family because of his fast adaptation to different changes. One quality, bravery, is shown through his encounters with Circe, the dead souls, and Scylla. The quality of self-discipline is shown through the adventures with the wooden horse, Nausicaa, and in disguise as a beggar.
The Essay on Odysseus: The Qualities of a Hero
“The Odyssey” by Homer is one of the most recognized epics in world literature. It traces the decade-long journey of Odysseus back to Ithaca after he fought in the Trojan War. He was able to survive the dangerous ten-year voyage which he experienced and safely arrive home. Indeed, Odysseus is a truly admirable character, but what what makes him especially laudable is his physical strength, ...
The quality of intelligence is shown through the encounters with the Sirens, the Cyclops, and the suitors. However, not just Odysseus personal qualities of bravery, self-discipline, and intelligence contributed to his survival at seas and his return to his family in Ithaca, Odysseus fast adaptation to changes was the main asset of his success. I do not think that Odysseus life was wholly destined or fixed, because Odysseus has to take lots of action in order to survive..
