Odysseus in The Odyssey Essay - 1574 Words

Odysseus in The Odyssey Odysseus is the main character in an epic poem called the Odyssey. In the poem Odysseus has had some bad luck getting home, with some of the gods helping him and some hindering him; his journey towards home is a constant struggle. In this poem we see a man being broke and rebuilt, through constant irony his faith was damaged and without the help of Athena he probably would have given up on his journey. Through his hard work and wise spirit he finally does achieve his goal. Odysseus must journey from Troy to his homeland of Ithaca. Throughout this journey Odysseus experiences a lot of inconsistent emotions. A lot of this is attributed to the physical and mental hell he goes through on this remarkable†¦show more content†¦In this book the little girl who we all know as Athena even gives Odysseus advice, ?A cheerful man does best in every enterprise, even a stranger? (Book 7). The interference by Athena shows how much she likes Odysseus and how much she wants him to make it home to the suitors. In Book VIII, King Alkinoos is intent on helping Odysseus on his journey, so he holds a special meeting. During this meeting there is competition to entertain Odysseus. After Odysseus declines competition, as he is maturer in his older years, he is insulted by one of the king?s men. The reason being, as I see it, friend, you never learned a sport, and have no skill in any of the contests of fighting men? (Book 8). Odysseus then steps up and breaks the record for throwing a disc. ?Anyone else for an edge for competition try me now? (Book 8). This shows a common characteristic of men today, we just can?t turn down a challenge. Although I cannot blame him there are only so many ways he can show and prove his greatness to others. In Book 9, Odysseus does battle with a popular Greek Mythology creature the Cyclopes. Here Odysseus shows us how cunning he can be. While trapped Odysseus really fears that he will never see that homeland of Ithaca ever again. He is very mournful and we see just how much he misses home. He finally realizes how to escape from the Cyclops. He stabs the Cyclops in his only eye blinding him. He then tells the monsterShow MoreRelatedThe Tragedy Of Odysseus And The Odyssey951 Words   |  4 Pageslives. Humans can, in some ways, reject the attention of the gods. In The Odyssey, Odysseus deals with all three in order to return home. The cause of Odysseus’ decade long journey home from Troy cannot be narrowed down to one entity; instead, it is caused by a complex combination of the gods’ meddling, the fate’s predictions, and humans’ free will. The Fates, gods, and humans in The Odyssey each have a certain role in Odysseus’ problems. 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