Loyalty In The Aeneid In Homer's Odyssey

Loyalty creates trust. Without trust there is no reason to believe that the person is acting without ulterior motives. A hero needs to be someone that we can rely on. If the person has no loyalty then nobody is going to trust and look up to the person. In books, heroes are often recognised for their devotion and loyalty to others, sometimes risking their lives in order to save someone else's. Loyalty is a very important attribute in heroes because people need someone that they can rely on.

The character of Odysseus is a very complex one. As well as being a brave and competent leader he also shows that he has a sensitive side. His ongoing desire to return home makes him emotional, in book five when Odysseus is trapped on the island with calypso

Odysseus sits on the beach and weeps “his eyes were wet with weeping, as they always were. Life with its sweetness was ebbing away in the tears he shed for his lost home… torturing himself with tears and groans and heartache, and looking out with streaming eyes across the watery wilderness.” (book 5, page 92, lines 151-158.) Odysseus has many episodes of weeping for his home, yearning his loved ones, and the death of his crew. Odysseus never cries because he is frustrated or lonely, but he frequently hides his tears from those around him. The ancient Greeks expected heroes to only show public displays of emotion at appropriate times, crying was an act for when you were alone. If Odysseus was to cry in front of those who admire him, it could cause them to lose respect for him and think that Odysseus is weak.

Odysseus becomes very emotional when he reunites with his family after his 20 year absence. “Penelope’s surrender melted Odysseus’ heart, and he wept as he held his dear wife in his arms, so loyal and true, sweet moment too for her, sweet as the sight of land to sailors struggling in the sea…” (Book 23, Page 346, lines 270-273)

Aeneas deeply respects his father, so naturally when Anchises passes, he grieves for him.

“O bitterness! I lost, my father, lost my solace in every adventure and every care.” This shows that Aeneas and Anchises had a very emotional bond in the Aeneid. The Romans believed that it was a son’s duty to respect his father, and that the relationship between Father and son was of utmost importance. Aeneas also demonstrates anger and remorse at the fall of troy, wishing that he had died in battle. The first time we see Aeneas he appears as a frightened man, cowering in the fear of Juno’s

storm.

Katniss is a strong, stubborn and often appears as a cold individual, but she is also emotional and sensitive.

In the first chapter we learn how her father died, and can see how this death had a lasting effect on her character. Katniss hardens, and wears a mask as a way of protecting herself. She doesn't want to take after her Mother, who seems completely consumed by grief that she can barely function.It is fairly common, for heroes to put on a brave face for others, as they don’t want to appear weak. Katniss describes how she feels when she volunteers, fighting back tears, trying her best to stay composed. “When they televise the replay of the reaping tonight, everyone will make note of my tears, and I’ll be marked an easy target.” (Chapter 2, Pages 27-28) Katniss demonstrates both physical and Emotional strength. Katniss cries and suffers greatly, which shows us that nobody can live in a world without pain, some are just better than others at concealing it. She teaches us that while it is important for heroes to have courage and be brave, they also have emotions, because after all, many of the heroes we idolize are only human. Odysseus is a master strategist, described as a “man of twists and turns” by homer. Odysseus uses his cunning skill, countless times throughout the epic so that he can escape dangerous situations and defeat his enemies. When he finally returns to Ithaca he goes into to city disguised as a beggar. He does this because he isn’t sure who to trust,

and wants to know what kind of change has occurred in his 20 year absence. He also wants to surprise the suitors, and kill them, when they aren’t expecting it. This shows how Odysseus considers all of the factors before acting on them, he is cautious and uses creative strategies to ensure his successes.

There are several reasons why Katniss was able to survive the games, one of which is her ability to think up strategies that ultimately save her life. She remembers things her father taught her and knows about the poisonous foods in the forest. She uses this knowledge to her advantage in order to manipulate the gamemakers. When they announce that the rules have changed, declaring there could be only one victor, instead of killing Peeta, Katniss outsmarts them. “If Peeta and I were both to die, or they thought we were…” (Chapter 25, page 418) so they each grab a handful of deadly berries, convincing the game makers that they would both rather die than live without the other. “The frantic voice of Claudius Templesmith shouts above them. “Stop! Stop! Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present the victors of the seventy-fourth hunger game, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark! I give you the tributes of district twelve!” (Chapter 25, page 419).