A Study of The Different Influences in The Character of Odysseus

The Odyssey: Trials and Triumphs

The Odyssey, by Homer, narrates the epic journey of warrior-king Odysseus, filled with both misadventures and triumphs. With unwavering strength of character, sharp wit, and divine favor, Odysseus endures numerous trials to reunite with his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, after being stranded at sea for over twenty years. Despite his successful return, reclaiming his kingdom from the suitors, Odysseus's story is not without its sorrows. Bearing both physical and psychological traumas from his encounters, Odysseus remains steadfast in his hope of returning to Ithaca, driven by love for his family and the desire to protect his crown from those who seek to destroy his family and kingdom. Throughout his journey, Odysseus faces the choice between succumbing to grief and accepting defeat, or pushing past it to return home (Homer, trans. 1996).

A Study of The Different Influences in The Character of Odysseus

One of the first significant obstacles Odysseus must overcome is his encounter with the Laestrygonians, a race of giant cannibals on the island of Lamos. This encounter sets the stage for Odysseus's heroics, requiring decisive leadership and action to overcome. After their ships are sunk and scouts are devoured, Odysseus and his remaining crew are forced to watch in terror, contemplating their fate had they been discovered. Witnessing such horrors, Odysseus enters the first stage of grief: denial. Successfully escaping, Odysseus and his crew mourn their fallen comrades, marking the beginning of many trials: “We sailed on in shock, glad to get out alive/ But grieving for the comrades we’d lost” (Homer, trans. 1996, Book X, lines 149-150). Odysseus swallows his fear, prioritizing the safety of his crew and mission. The Laestrygonians are among the most brutal foes Odysseus confronts, establishing the story's tone and foreshadowing future challenges.

Another significant example of sorrow shaping Odysseus into a hero is his stay on the island of Ogygia with the goddess Calypso. Here, Odysseus's love for his family and home is tested. Calypso attempts to seduce him with the offer of immortality, yet Odysseus declines, motivated by love for his wife and son. Despite the separation from his family and kingdom, Odysseus chooses to follow his heart, longing for home. He admits his heartbreak to Calypso, acknowledging his suffering in war and at sea: “Still I want to go back/ My heart aches for the day I can return to my home./.../ God knows I’ve suffered and had my share of sorrows/ In war and at sea. I can take more if I have to” (Homer, trans. 1996, Book V, lines 219-224). Odysseus is willing to endure future hardships to return home. Calypso's allure of comfort and ease fails to sway him, as Odysseus remains focused on his past and the life he wishes to reclaim.

A third instance of Odysseus facing insurmountable odds is his encounter with Scylla and Charybdis while sailing from Aeaea. These deadly sea-monsters represent the threshold Odysseus must cross to return home. Scylla, a six-headed serpent, and Charybdis, a whirlpool monster, pose lethal threats. Faced with a difficult decision, Odysseus, warned of the dangers, must sacrifice part of his crew to Scylla while avoiding Charybdis. The torment of witnessing his crew's demise is palpable: “And Scylla devoured them at her door, as they shrieked/ And stretched their hands down to me/ In their awful struggle. Of all the things/ That I have borne while I scoured the seas, I have seen nothing more pitiable” (Homer, trans. 1996, Book XII, lines 263-267). Accepting the inevitable loss, Odysseus realizes that only he is destined to survive the journey, subject to the gods' whims and arbitrariness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Homer’s portrayal of Odysseus as a hero is well-founded, rooted in the sorrow and grief he repeatedly endures. These emotions place him at a crossroads: to flee or stand his ground against the adversities he faces. Grief and sorrow are double-edged swords for a hero like Odysseus, who can either wield them as motivation and leadership or succumb to them. Choosing the former, Odysseus fights on, overcoming both mythic monsters and inner demons to reclaim his family, home, and crown. His journey exemplifies the resilience and strength that define true heroism (Homer, trans. 1996).

References

Homer. (1996). The Odyssey (R. Fagles, Trans.). Penguin Classics.