Illustration of Odysseus tied to a ship's mast

The Odyssey

by Homer

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Odysseus

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Odysseus, son of Laertes and Anticleaia, is the king of Ithaca and hero of The Odyssey. After playing an instrumental role in the victory of the Achaeans at Troy, he struggles to return home. He roams the seas for almost two decades, encountering monsters and other perils along the way. When he finally arrives on Ithaca, he must reckon with the wicked suitors who have overrun his household.

In some ways, Odysseus is a prime example of a Homeric hero: he exhibits strength, skill, determination, courage, and moral responsibility throughout the epic. His most valuable skill, however, is his intellect, which allows him to manipulate and triumph over situations that would confound a hero like Hercules, whose power lies in physical strength only. While Odysseus is physically powerful, it is primarily his wit that enables him to accomplish feats such as escaping from the Cyclops Polyphemus in book 9 and fooling the suitors near the end of the epic.

Odysseus’s intelligence makes him the favorite mortal of the goddess Athena, who guides him on his journey and aids his revenge upon the suitors and reunion with his family. His pride, however, incurs the wrath of the god Poseidon, who attempts to keep Odysseus lost at sea. By the time he reaches Ithaca, Odysseus seems less inclined to act on his pride, instead choosing to remain patient until the time comes to reveal himself and reclaim his estate.

Expert Q&A

What challenges did Odysseus face on his journey home?

Odysseus faces many challenges on his journey home. To name a few: his sailors are captivated by teh lotus-eaters, he engages in battle with Polyphemus the cyclops, he is caught in a storm sent by Poseidon, and he is captivated by the Sirens. His entire journey home is ridden with challenges.

Why didn't Odysseus immediately return home after the war in The Odyssey and why were the gods angry?

Odysseus did not immediately return home after the Trojan War because he angered the gods, particularly Poseidon and Helios. He provoked Poseidon's wrath by blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. Additionally, his crew angered Helios by killing and eating his cattle, leading to their destruction and further delays in Odysseus's journey, including his captivity by Calypso.

What instructions does Odysseus give his men on Helios' island?

Odysseus instructs his men not to harm the cattle on Helios' island, warning them that doing so would lead to their destruction. Despite his clear warnings, the men, influenced by Eurylochus, eventually kill the sacred oxen, sealing their fate. This act of defiance results in Zeus sending a storm that destroys their ship and kills all the crew, illustrating the theme of human folly. Odysseus survives but faces further hardships.

In The Odyssey, why didn't Odysseus take the Cyclops' things and leave the cave?

Odysseus didn't take the Cyclops' belongings and leave the cave due to his curiosity and desire to meet the Cyclops, Polyphemus, hoping to receive a gift. His pride overruled his men's sensible suggestion to steal the cheese and flee. This decision led to them being trapped when Polyphemus returned and blocked the cave's entrance. Odysseus's immaturity and bravado ultimately endangered his crew, although they eventually escaped through a clever ruse.

What does Odysseus promise Eumaerus and Philoetius if they support him?

Odysseus promises Eumaeus and Philoetius marriages, cattle, houses near his own, and the status of "brothers-in-arms" to his son Telemachus if they support him. These rewards signify significant social and economic advancement for the servants, honoring their years of loyalty and service during Odysseus's long absence.

Describe Odysseus and Penelope's relationship before and after the war in The Odyssey.

Before the war, Odysseus and Penelope's relationship is characterized by mutual love and loyalty, with Penelope embodying the ideal faithful wife. During Odysseus's 20-year absence, Penelope cleverly avoids suitors while Odysseus remains emotionally devoted despite physical infidelities. After the war, their reunion involves testing each other's loyalty and identity, ultimately reaffirming their strong, intelligent, and resilient partnership.

In The Odyssey, how does Athena assist Odysseus in meeting his swineherd upon his return to Ithaca?

Athena assists Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca by disguising him as an old beggar to meet his swineherd, Eumaeus, without being recognized. She also guides Telemachus safely to the farm, avoiding the suitors' plot to kill him. Once there, Athena transforms Odysseus into a younger version of himself and advises him on how to deal with the suitors before reverting him back to the aged beggar disguise.

Who does Odysseus try to summon with sacrifices in Hades?

Odysseus travels to the underworld to summon the ghost of the prophet Tiresias. He seeks Tiresias's guidance on how to return home, as advised by Circe in Book X. In Book XI, Odysseus makes sacrifices to attract the spirits, but he fends off other ghosts to focus on Tiresias. Although he encounters other spirits, including his mother, the primary goal of the sacrifices is to gain Tiresias's counsel.

Examples of Odysseus's pride and boastfulness in Homer's The Odyssey

Examples of Odysseus's pride and boastfulness in The Odyssey include his taunting of the Cyclops Polyphemus after blinding him, revealing his name and thereby incurring Poseidon's wrath. Additionally, Odysseus's confidence in his own cleverness often leads him to take unnecessary risks, such as when he insists on hearing the Sirens' song despite the danger it poses to him and his crew.

In The Odyssey, what unpleasant traits could Odysseus and Polyphemus both use to describe each other?

Odysseus and Polyphemus could both describe each other as deceptive, abusive, and lacking social norms. Odysseus uses cunning to deceive Polyphemus and escape, while Polyphemus withholds his divine parentage. Both act cruelly: Odysseus blinds Polyphemus, and Polyphemus eats Odysseus's men. Additionally, both are greedy and violate social norms; Odysseus steals from the Cyclops, who hoards resources. Finally, both display hubris and poor judgment, leading to their conflicts.

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