Homer’s Odyssey and the Odyssey of Our Lives

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Homer’s Odyssey and the Odyssey of Our Lives

Homer’s Odyssey is a magnificent mythological tale. This work was presumably created after his encounter with goddess Athena. Although Odysseus’ journey is filled with unrealistic adventures and mythical powers, some principles behind this story can relate to our everyday lives. Odysseus’ adventures in Odyssey relate to the heroism, intellect, and ruthlessness that are in our lives.

Odysseus’ determination of returning home will help him prevail. Odysseus’ determination rises above hunger and would starve himself if that was needed. However, his crew does not have as strong as a will as Odysseus does, and for giving in to their temptation for food, the gods punish them by diverting them from coming home. The Sun’s retribution is showed here, "Out of the ship my comrades fell and then like sea fowl were borne by the side of the black ship along the waves; God cut them off from coming home." (Homer 121). Odysseus’ crew had slain and eaten the cows of the exalted Sun even though they had been warned. Odysseus proves that his determination to return home is strong than hunger. To Odysseus, once he has reached his goal, even food shall taste much greater than before. His heroism shows that he is very determined and confident that he will overcome all obstacles and will reach Ithaca.

Odysseus is not afraid of death. His journey down to Hades and his conversation with Achilles shows that he thought of death as some light matter. When Odysseus spoke with Achilles, he said that Achilles should be happy with death because he is the ruler of the lost souls. Achilles remarked, "Mock not at death, glorious Odysseus. Better to be the hireling of a stranger, and serve a ma...

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...ght or flee, if any man will save himself from death and doom. But some here will not flee, I think, from instant death"(Homer 213). Odysseus builds up his courage and he has his moment.

Odysseus’ journey is like many peoples’ journey in life. His journey was hard, excruciating, and painful, but at the end he harvests sweet fruits from his heroism, determination, and ruthlessness. People in today’s society opting for an easy way in life do not find their way "home" and do not fulfill their goals. The harder journey....the sweeter the reward.

Works Cited and Consulted

Heubeck, Alfred, J.B. Hainsworth, et al. A commentary on Homer's Odyssey. 3 Vols. Oxford PA4167 .H4813 1988

Homer The Odyssey. Translated by Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books 1996

Van der Valk, Marchinus. Textual Criticism of the Odyssey. Leiden: A.W. Sijthoff, 1949.

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