Kingship In Odysseus Odyssey

Odysseus alters the way one can embody the warrior ethic by fighting a metaphorical battle opposed to a literal battle. Unlike Gilgamesh, who fought only to create a legacy for himself, or Achilles who was motivated solely by rage, Odysseus is fighting for a notion of home and is motivated by his need to return to his family. His devotion to returning his homeland and his family adds a new level of intimacy to the values of kingship, and displays the importance of kingship to those who are ruled over.

In a sense, one could look at Odysseus’ Odyssey as a war in itself, a war against nature, time, and several gods in which victory would be returning home. In viewing his story in this way we can see that Odysseus does in fact always place his

mission first, never accepts defeat, never quits, and refuses to leave fallen comrades. Odysseus was devoted to his homeland, returning to it was his mission. To preserve his cause he pushes his crew and himself to exhaustion. He is always looking for the next move that will bring him home, even in the face of danger and death Odysseus does not give up. Though Odysseus’s’ men constantly delayed him on his journey, he did not cease his endeavors to return home. This meant back tracking at Aolia after Odyseus’ men release his gift of the wind. He constantly warns his men, both at Circe’s palace and at Thrinakia, the land of Helios’ cattle. Though he easily could have abandoned them all and journeyed on his own, still he fought to save as many as possible each time they neglected to heed his advice. His respect for his men is most obviously seen when he follows through on his promise to Elpenor when he gave him a proper burial after returning from the Underworld, though it prolonged his stay on Circe’s island.
Odysseus’ motivations for pursuing battle contrast starkly with the best warriors seen in the previous epics we have read. His dedication to his home is nothing like that of Gilgamesh, who abused his home land habitually. In fact, Gilgamesh took an anti-odyssey in a sense when he left his homeland to look for his own eternal life instead of staying to protect his homeland. Odysseus’ motivation of love and home is drastically different than Achilles who was primarily motivated by rage and hatred. Achilles allowed his rage to spur him on, and often to lose control as seen when he defiled the body of Paris. His riotous behavior again differs from the cool head and wisdom brought by Odysseus in the Odyssey.
In all previous epics we saw very little of what occurred in the heroes homeland during his absence. The Odyssey effectively shows the devotion of a nation and king alike through the continued devotion to the other. While Odysseus fought through his Odyssey for his home, his nation held hope in him as well. Odysseus is beloved by wife, servant, and kingdom alike, and his long absence is felt all across the land. In Odysseus’ absence the suitors persistently pursue the queen’s hand in marriage, so that they could steal Odysseus’ kingdom. The queen delays their advances by weaving ad unweaving a burial shroud, but will eventually have to accept a proposal to keep the men from completely depleting the stores of the palace. Odysseus’ absence also causes his son to be raised without a father, a transformative experience for both father and son. Odysseus’ son chooses immediately to fight along side Odysseus when he reveals himself.