Even Heroes Make Mistakes: The Odyssey Analysis

The Odyssey is a Greek epic by Homer.  It tells the story of Odysseus, a great Greek hero, known for his bravery and intelligence, and his returning journey home.  During his journey, he comes across many obstacles, many caused by conflicts in the realm of the gods.  However, there are other problems he certainly brings upon himself because he does not learn from his mistakes. 

Odysseus’ worst error during his journey is to barb Polyphemus and bring the displeasure of Poseidon consequent to himself.  In the end, however, Athena demands Zeus to reverse Poseidon’s anger and helps Odysseus return to his home.  Odysseus lets his ego take over when he fools Polyphemus and gives his name in a vapor.  In return, Polyphemus prays to his father Poseidon to curse Odysseus for a long and hard journey home.  Odysseus, opposed to his usual prudence, completely loses it in this situation.  The first time he talks back to the furious Polyphemus, the Cyclops throws a portion of a cliff at the sailors, the current caused by this huge projectile washing them back to shore.  One would think after the results of this first taunt, Odysseus might have been grateful to escape and put all his efforts into getting away.  But not fearless hero Odysseus, despite his crew’s ecstatic pleas, Odysseus throws another tease that dooms him along with his men.  Even though Odysseus had to suffer for his decision, he only does so outwardly.  He causes the death of his crew and keeps himself away longer, but he never takes responsibility for his mistake.  He does not repent.  Athena takes Odysseus’ fate into her own hands and allows him to return home.

Odysseus decides to stay with Circe after his men are turned into pigs, and he is allowed to leave when he wants to and is given help and advice.  Odysseus is only thinking of himself and his pleasure when he decides to stay.  He knows that Circe is probably a dangerous immortal and is not to be trusted since she had literally just turned all his men into pigs, yet he forgives and forgets, accepting her invitation to feast with her and stay for many seasons. Odysseus does not consider his men and is delaying returning home and finishing the quest.  However, he can leave without protest whenever he wants. Circe even helps and gives a prophecy of the future as he leaves.  Odysseus comes across many more trials as he continues with his quest.  He makes a stop in the underworld, avoids the snare of the Sirens, escapes a six-headed monster, and loses all his crew to a thunderbolt from Zeus.  Alone, he arrives on Calypso’s island, an immortal that seems eerily like Circe.  He enjoys himself with Calypso in the beginning, paying no attention to the wife that he left behind in Ithaca so years ago.  There is arrogance involved, the pride that he, is craved by a divine nymph.  He realizes that his betrayal is a mistake, but this time Calypso is intent on keeping him on her island to be with her.  He is forced to stay for years until Zeus enforces the nymph to let him go.

Odysseus is very careful in revealing his identity to Penelope and Laertes, but both welcome him back with open arms.  Odysseus waits until he reveals himself to his wife due to his pride.  The huge flaw that has caused him so much trouble in the past, he still has not learned to control.  He tests Penelope for her faithfulness first, which was not fair for him to do because he had not been faithful.  He does not tell her right out that he, the beggar, was really Odysseus.  Even after he had killed all the suitors and sat alone with Penelope.  He reveals a test from Penelope of his identity.  Odysseus flies into a rage at Penelope because she claims to have moved his bed.  Odysseus does not understand this experience and does not seem to realize that fidelity is sometimes necessary.  He continues to badger his grieving father, pretending to be a traveler that met Odysseus years ago.  One would think that Odysseus has more sympathy for his father and would want to ease his father’s suffering by telling the truth immediately.  It is not until Laertes acutely groans with sadness that Odysseus reveals the truth.

Odysseus is essentially flawed by vanity. It is a necessary part of all Greek heroes.  However, his failure to learn from previous mistakes goes above and beyond his “Achilles’ heel” so to speak.  Being an overly brainy man, it should not be too hard to put two and two together and remember some of the horrible ramifications of past mistakes.  The help of the gods, mainly Athena, has a negative impact on Odysseus.  Every time he gets himself into an awkward situation, Athena or another woman is there to bail him out.  When it comes to his ego, even his intelligence and rationality cannot control him.  Odysseus shows that even heroes are human and make mistakes.

Works Cited

1. Homer, et al. The Odyssey. Viking, 1996.