Significance Of Names In The Odyssey

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What’s In A Name? Odysseus decides to begin his introduction to his tale with stating his name, “I am Laёrtês’ son, Odysseus”. This is the detail of Odysseus’ introduction which resonates most with me and is important in the fact that names have been important in the Odyssey. From book 1, it is shown that names are an important tool in recognizing and respecting the gods. For example, the goddess Athena is called many names including, “the gray-eyed goddess” and “Pallas Athena”. Each one of these epithets, or nicknames, tells story or shows a particular aspect of that god or goddess.Odysseus’ epithet from this line would be, “Laёrtês’ son,” which tells the story of his lineage. Odysseus’ name itself holds much significance to the people in

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