The Connections Of Odysseus And The Trojan War

The Connections of Odysseus and the Trojan War

The war that launched a thousand ships for love was the Trojan War. This was a vicious, ten year conflict that caused many hardships for Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, and “the son of Laertes and Anticlea” (Odysseus). Due to the events of the war, it presented Odysseus with many difficulties in the Odyssey. The conflict caused him much misery and twenty years away from his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus. However, he had an immense impact on the battle. The great ten year adversities caused by the Trojan War led to Odysseus’ tragic and brutal involvement in the battle.

The Trojan War was a catastrophic historical event that occurred in history due to love. This war took place during the

“Bronze Age conflict between the kingdoms of Troy and Mycenaean Greece” (History.com). The conflict arose when Paris, the Trojan prince, kidnapped Helen, the beautiful wife of the Spartan king. “Helen’s kilted husband, Menelaus, convinced his brother, Agamemnon, King of Mycenae, to lead an expedition to retrieve her. Agamemnon was joined by the Greek heroes, Achilles, Odysseus, Nestor, and Ajax, and accompanied by a fleet of more than a thousand ships from throughout the Hellenic world.” (History.com). As a result of Paris’ reckless action, he forced countless men and courageous Greek heroes, including Odysseus, to take part in a long, continuous, stalemate battle. Additionally, Paris caused one thousand ships to be launched, and he caused the deaths of the Trojan Prince, Hector, and the invincible, Achilles, too. Because of Paris’ irresponsible act, Odysseus was forced to participate in the battle, as well. Thus causing Odysseus to become apart from his loved ones and his home for a numerous amount of years. The thoughtless action from Paris produced adversities for many people, especially Odysseus.
Due to Odysseus’ social position of being king and his oath, it caused him to be involved in the Trojan War.

Since Odysseus was the King of Ithaca in Ancient Greece, he “was bound, by oath, to defend her [Helen], Menelaus,” (Odysseus’ Journey) and most importantly, Greece. Many years before, Odysseus offered Tyndareus, the father of Helen, a solution to Helen’s suitors, in exchange for Penelope, Icarius’ daughter. Furthermore, in order to guarantee the decision, Odysseus and the suitors pledged on a solemn oath to defend Menelaus and Helen if they were ever in a conflict. Because of this pledge to keep Odysseus’ promise to protect Helen, it caused him to participate in the Trojan War. As years went by, after Helen was kidnapped by Paris, Menelaus asked Helen’s former suitors to attain their promises. However, even though the oath was a wise idea; it only caused more conflicts for Odysseus. It must have been such a tragedy for him to leave his family and home for one of the longest wars in the world with no end in sight. Unfortunately, Odysseus was still obligated to participate in the battle. Odysseus’ status and the oath caused him to become involved in the Trojan

War.
The Trojan War led to a ten year battle for Odysseus to conceive a plan regarding the fall of Troy.

He needed to identify an effective strategy and take action because of the battle. There were many difficulties that played a part in determining a solution, but Odysseus finally figured out an approach. Since Troy had a powerful defense and protection with its tall walls, it prevented intrusions from the Greeks. However, Odysseus devised “the idea of the wooden horse [that hid the majority of the] Greek warriors inside” (Odysseus’ Journey). This plan was strategic because the horse became a “peace offering” from the Greeks to the Trojans. “With the help of Athena, they [the Greeks] were able to convince the Trojans to take the horse into the city” (Odysseus’ Journey). Odysseus’ contributions towards the Trojan War allowed the army to enter into the city of Troy, too. Furthermore, when night approached, the Greek army, led by Odysseus, came out and defeated Troy and the Trojans. Due to this brilliant idea, the tiresome battle between the Greeks and the Trojans was ended once and for all. Odysseus’ resourcefulness and cunningness, regarding the gigantic wooden horse, was a major impact on the Greek’s victory. Odysseus’ involvement regarding the strategic ruse of the Trojan horse brought the ten-year Trojan War to a

conclusion.
The connections between the audacious Greek hero, Odysseus, and the historical event, the Trojan War, is endless. Odysseus’ unfortunate contributions in the conflict was caused by the ten year complications from the Trojan War. His involvement in the battle was due to Paris’ inconsiderate action. Additionally, Odysseus’ social status of being the King of Ithaca and the oath he promised Helen’s father led to his participation in the war. Furthermore, his Trojan horse idea led to victory for the Greeks. Odysseus’ participation had a massive influence in the Trojan War. Without Odysseus, the battle might never have been drawn to a conclusion.