Characterization Of Odysseus In The Odyssey

460 Words1 Page
bulb-icon

Recommended: Literary analysis essay odysseus

Characterization Abbreviated Essay
Chase Moran

Every great hero has their lows, their times of struggles, that point in time when they just can’t go on, and it is in these hard times that the hero receives help. No hero can go it alone, Batman had Robin, Dorothy had Glenda, and Odysseus had Alcinous. In Homer’s epic The Odyssey, Odysseus, the once great war hero and king sets to return to his native land Ithaca. But, his journey home does not run smoothly. In book 5, Odysseus battles with the god of the raging seas, Poseidon, and is left battered and wrecked on the Phaeacian shores. In Phaeacia, Odysseus receives help from three key characters; Nausicaa, and her parents king Alcinous and queen Arete. Alcinous was the most important to Odysseus’ journey …show more content…

Not only was Alcinous kind to Odysseus, but he also observed Odysseus’ emotional state and was able to make plans accordingly. Odysseus is no apathetic man, in fact, intense emotionality is one of the qualities of the Homeric Hero. Upon hearing the bard Demodocus song of Odysseus and Achilles, Odysseus began to cry. He tried to cover his tears, and “his weeping went unmarked by all the others; only Alcinous, sitting close beside him, noticed his guest’s tears.” (action) (8.209-112). Alcinous displayed his observational prowess in seeing Odysseus’ tears. No other man or woman had taken note to their guests weeping, only Alcinous had that keen an eye. No man should leave his guest in tears, and Alcinous had just the perfect idea for cheering Odysseus up. Alcinous called out to the lords and captains of Phaeacia, telling them to go and test themselves in “contests, games of every kind.” (speech) (8.118-119). Alcinous does not wish to leave his guest distraught. To solve this, Alcinous proposes that the group participate in contests and games to lighten the mood. This

Show More
Related

  • Odysseus's Qualities in The Odyssey

    754 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus must face many obstacles on his journey. He is only able to conquer them because of his wonderful qualities. He meets, a Cyclopes, Sirens, a six-headed monster, a regurgitating whirlpool, and a group of greedy, lovesick men. Some Odysseus's more important qualities are, determination, cunning, and protecting.

    Read More

  • The Unheroic Traits of Odysseus in Homer's The Odyssey

    735 Words  | 2 Pages

    A true hero will go through immeasurable lengths to benefit not him or herself, but the people around them. Heroes are neither selfish nor uncaring. They seek every opportunity they get to help those in need. One must have also gone through the entire hero’s journey to be deemed a hero. He must start off naïve and inept and through his challenges, transform into someone worth calling a hero. Most importantly, a hero is not perfect. He must listen to other’s ideas and utilize them. However, in The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus disrespects his crew men and the gods’ advice, lets hubris interfere with his men’s lives, and is unfaithful to his wife Penelope.

    Read More

  • Odysseus as Pawn of the Gods in Homer's Odyssey

    1658 Words  | 4 Pages

    Throughout literature characters have relied upon entities greater then themselves to furnish them with aid as they meet the many challenges they must face. The Odyssey is a tale of Odysseus’ epic journey and the many obstacles that bar his return home. But Odysseus is not alone in this struggle and receives aid from many gods, especially the clear-eyed goddess Athena. There are times when Odysseus beseeches the gods for aid, but other times he is too foolhardy to receive aid from even the immortal gods. In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus’ journey revolves around the cyclical phases of his dependence, independence and his return to reliance upon the gods’ aid.

    Read More

  • Is Odysseus A Hero? in the Poem The Odyssey by Homer

    662 Words  | 2 Pages

    There are numerous heroes throughout “The Odyssey,” but none of them are as significant as Odysseus. “The Odyssey” is a narrative poem written by Homer (around 800 and 600 BCE) to show the numerous adventures and experiences Odysseus goes through. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus a prominent Greek epic hero is on a quest to return back to his home in Ithaca; to his wife Penelope, and his son Telemachus. Just like real life, not all heroes are picture-perfect; they all have imperfections. In this case, Odysseus is sometimes insolent, and discourteous; but he is still considered an epic hero because of the many heroic qualities he endures. Odysseus proves himself to be an outstanding hero in various ways such as showing loyalty, intelligence, bravery, strength, and courage which are all some of the most momentous qualities found in a hero. If a true hero can prove they are a true hero, makes them a true hero.

    Read More

  • Divine Intervention: Athena's Role in The Odyssey

    1600 Words  | 4 Pages

    In The Odyssey, Athena has an extensive and caring relationship with Odysseus. At the beginning of the poem, Athena pleads with her father Zeus to allow her to help Odysseus so he can go home to his family, saying, "But my own heart is broken for Odysseus." Later in the poem she again implores her father for help regarding Odysseus. When he is on the island of Kalypso, Athena tells Zeus that Odysseus "cannot stir, cannot fare homeward, for no ship is left him, fitted with oars-no crewmen or companions." Athena also aids Odysseus as he is sailing away from the islands, checking "the course of all the winds but one, commanding them, `Be quiet and go to sleep'." As Odysseus departs she protects him because it is her desire that he will return home safely after a long absence from his family. At the end of his voyage from the island of Kalypso, Odysseus is again blessed by the guidance of Athena. As he reaches the land he spots a "leaf-bed" and Athena "showered sleep that his distress should end, and soon, soon." It should also be noted that Homer often c...

    Read More

  • Odysseus The Hero

    1489 Words  | 3 Pages

    Odysseus is a hero because he acts courageously while facing the many challenges he encounters. Odysseus’s shows great bravery when he engages in physical challenges. Odysseus daringly fights against the suitors, while significantly outnumbered: “For I must tell you this is no affair / of ten or even twice ten men, but scores, throngs of them” (XVI, 291 – 293). Even though Odysseus is facing hundreds of men, his bravery keeps him confident that he can win the battle. Odysseus must use his physical strength when Poseidon punishes him with turbulent waves: “Odysseus’s knees grew slack, his heart / sickened, and he said within himself / Rag of man that I am, is this the end of me?” (V, 307 – 309). Odysseus is exhausted from the torrential sea, yet refuses to give up because of enormous courage and his unwillingness to surrender. Odysseus must also cope with emotional challenges throughout his journey. His emotions are tested when he ventures to the underworld, Hades, and must confront his greatest fear, death: “From every side they came and sought the pit / with rustling cries; and I grew sick with fear. / But presently I gave command to my officers” (XI, 45 -47). Although Odysseus is deeply fearful when he comes face to face with the dead, his mental f...

    Read More

  • Athena, and the Role of Women in the Odyssey

    1353 Words  | 3 Pages

    The great epic, Homer's Odyssey, is a tale of an adventure; a journey through the mind body and soul. Odysseus was strong throughout his voyage and was able to conquer his obstacles thanks to the help from the Goddess Athena. Athena provided physical and emotional support for this man, to get him on his way home to Ithaka. She also provided this same support for Odysseus' son, Telemakhos. Without her involvement, "The Odyssey" would not have turned out the way it did; because she plays such a crucial role in the story. It is understood that Odysseus is the primary character in this epic; concerning his fears and eventually returning to his home, Ithaka. The only reason this was possible is because he had the help of the clever and intelligent Goddess, Athena.

    Read More

  • The Character Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey

    1048 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Character Odysseus in Odyssey "Odyssey" is an epic story that has been a significant piece of literature since it was first composed and will remain so for ages to come. One of the reasons it has been so is because of the hero, Odysseus. Odysseus was one of the first Greek mythic heroes renowned for his brain as well as his muscles. Indeed he is a man with an inquiring mind, and he is also a man with outstanding prowess and bravery" (123helpme.com/assets/3603.html). "We also must not forget that he is a top-notch athlete which only adds more to this seemingly insuperable character.

    Read More

  • The Odyssey

    537 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Odyssey is a tale that has changed literature and storytelling. In this tale Odysseus is a Soldier from the battle of Troy trying to get home to his island of Ithaca, where he is king. His wife and son must wait ten years while he is trying to make his way home. In Odysseus’s absence wooer’s, or better known as suitors, learn of his absence and travel to Ithaca to win his wife’s hand in marriage. These men come every day feasting on Odysseus’s food and wine, and give his servant’s orders. His son Telemachus, does his best to keep the suitors from ruining his fathers house but he is only a boy, and doesn’t receive the respect of an adult. Telemachus then has a visit from the god Athena, whom Odysseus is friends with, who advises him to travel to find out about his father. In his travels he hears that Odysseus may still be alive. Meanwhile Odysseus goes through a series of adventures and hardships that prove his wisdom. It is interesting in contrast of the Iliad, even though Achilles was much stronger and a better warrior, Odysseus was portrayed as a greater hero due to his wisdom. He uses this wisdom to escape from the Cyclops.

    Read More

  • Odysseus Being Helped By The Gods In The Odyssey In The Odyssey

    2043 Words  | 5 Pages

    Throughout The Odyssey, there is a reoccurring theme of either Odysseus being helped by the gods, or being punished by them. There are certain gods or goddesses that like Odysseus and want to see him get home, and there are some that want nothing less than to see Odysseus die at sea. Some gods have a major impact on his journey, while others have a minor impact, but Odysseus needed both in order for him to get home. We could argue that with all of the gods help, they were the ones who determined the course of events. However, even with all of the help he receives, he would not be able to get home without the skills that he had. Odysseus has skills and characteristics that most epic heroes had. Epic heroes had characteristics that are heroic,

    Read More

  • Telemachus Struggles In The Odyssey

    384 Words  | 1 Pages

    In Homer's classic Greek epic, The Odyssey, its main character Odysseus, a Greek hero, struggles to overcome difficulties he faces while he is stranded away at sea. Odysseus has been lost at sea for ten years since the fall of Troy, and as a result, his wife and son in Ithaca are lost and having doubts regarding both their beliefs about whether or not their beloved husband and father is alive, as well as whether or not they will be able to rid the rowdy suitors who have laid waste to his palace. As Odysseus struggles to maintain his sanity and return to his family in one piece, his son Telemachus must prove himself at home with his mother Penelope, by saving the integrity of their family's reputation, as well as his mother's faithfulness from

    Read More

  • Kindness In Odysseus

    1838 Words  | 4 Pages

    Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known;” this quote by Joseph B. Wirthlin echoes what so many people believe. Everyone needs the kindness of others at some point in their life, and those who show the good in their heart are a gift to others. Odysseus, in The Odyssey, needs some of this generosity. Whether Odysseus is on a strange island alone or he is on the island of his people, but unwelcome, Odysseus faces trials and has already been on an arduous journey. He was exhausted and could not have done what he did without the kindness of two crucial characters; Nausikaa and Eumaios. Although their roles may have seemed small in comparison to some of the supposed heroes

    Read More

  • Roles Of Women In The Odyssey Essay

    664 Words  | 2 Pages

    For instance, without the help of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Odysseus could not have completed his journey back home. With Zeus and Poseidon fighting against him, Odysseus is left with a vigorous and unruly predicament. He has no other choice to receive help from Athena, who could not be happier to assist. In multiple circumstances, Athena disguises Odysseus, which in turn helps him retain information as another persona. As he arrives on the island of the Phaeacians, Athena disguises him in a cloud of mist, allowing him to make an entrance without causing attention. This aids him in the long run because he is able to create trust between him and King Alkinoos, a fortunate ally. Later in the Epic, Athena disguises Odysseus as an old beggar on his home island of Ithaca.

    Read More

  • Not Always the Hero

    2022 Words  | 5 Pages

    The Odyssey paints a picture of the supposed savior Odysseus. The irony of Odysseus’ situation is that he really is not the marvelous hero that many who read The Odyssey see him to be. When imagining a great hero, the words of cruel, unfaithful, selfish, or careless never come to mind, but the son of Laertes sets examples for each attribute. Odysseus makes many poor decisions that cause his dislikable traits to outweigh his few better ones. Several of his more prominent characteristics are exhibited on numerous accounts.

    Read More

  • Odysseus's Heroic Attributes

    920 Words  | 2 Pages

    The epic poem The Odyssey, written by Homer, centers around the main protagonist Odysseus and his long journey back home. Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, returns home after defeating the Trojans in a ten year war. On his way back, he angers Poseidon, god of the sea, by blinding his son, Polyphemus the Cyclops. Due to Odysseus’ actions, Poseidon refuses to let Odysseus reach home, and Odysseus and his crew are forced to go through a series of obstacles throughout the epic. Through this adversity, Odysseus must show his heroic attributions in order to survive. Homer portrays Odysseus as a hero by giving him characteristics such as: craftiness, loyalty, and bravery.

    Read More

More about Characterization Of Odysseus In The Odyssey

Open Document