Ancient Greek Philosophers

The ancient Greek philosopher Plato once said, “let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence” (Think Exist). This importance, for parents to pass down the notion of reverence, can be seen in Book One of Homer’s The Odyssey. Set at the fall of Troy, the reader is introduced to, if but briefly, Odysseus, his son Telemachos and the suitors who are after Penelope’s hand in marriage. Throughout the first book, Homer makes it quite apparent that Telemachos and Odysseus are beyond doubt reverential characters and, therefore, set the foundation for being true heroes. The suitors, by contrast, are presented negatively for their lack of respect for and lack of faith in the Gods.

Homer puts his reader immediately with Odysseus after the fall of Troy, in Book One of The Odyssey. The reader is aware that he has not come home to Ithaca and rather finds himself in the possession of the nymph, Kalypso. Though Odysseus has not returned home, he is more fortunate as his other comrades who have perished on the journey home from Troy:

Even so he could not save his companions, hard though

he strove to; they were destroyed by their own wild recklessness,

fools, who devoured the oxen of Helios, the Sun God,

and he took way the day of their homecoming. (Book 1, 6-9)

This quotation demonstrates that though the temptation to eat the oxen existed, Odysseus was able to use the power of his mind to overcome the urge. Additionally, Homer demonstrates that it is Odysseus’s utmost respect and reverence for the Gods which inclines him from succumbing to earthly urges; he knows what is right and is willing to suffer and persevere in respect of the Gods. Through his restraint, Odysseus has proved himself to the read...

... middle of paper ...

...this expectation in his portrayal of the father and son Odysseus and Telemachos. Both these characters demonstrate a true reverence to the Gods, and Telemachos especially shows that he has a true connection with identifying the divine in his everyday life. This is shown through his utmost respect for xenos as well as his ability to recognize that Athene had paid a visit to him. Furthermore, our true hero, Telemachos, is juxtaposed against the self-righteous, the self centered and the reckless suitors who are unable to observe any divine in their live; whether it is the presence of a God at the threshold of the house they inhabit or in the recognition of the divine singer. Additionally, they do not respect the Gods power in regards to their prayers. Clearly, in Book One, Homer is addressing the idea that a true hero is one who is respects the Gods and their power.