How Did Odysseus Leave His Family?

The Journey of Odysseus: Why Did He Leave His Family?

Throughout the epic tale of Homer's "The Odyssey," we follow Odysseus, a man on a long and dangerous trip that takes him away from his family for years. This essay's gonna dig into why he left home and how his being gone affected those he loved. By looking at key parts of the story, we'll see what drove Odysseus to leave and how it hit his family back home.

Duty as a Warrior

So, one big reason Odysseus took off was his duty as a warrior. When the Trojan War started, he felt it was his job as king of Ithaca to step up and fight. In Book II of "The Odyssey," you can see this sense of duty when he talks to the assembly about joining the war. He says, "I shall not be found to be a laggard, should someone else here be eager to go." This line shows how he's ready to give up personal happiness for something bigger.

Quest for Glory

Another thing pushing Odysseus was his hunger for glory and fame. Back then, heroes were all about leaving behind a legacy with their brave acts. In Book VIII, he tells King Alcinous about beating Cyclops Polyphemus, saying proudly, "I am Odysseus, son of Laertes, known before all men for the study of crafty designs, and my fame reaches heaven." It's clear he's driven by wanting recognition and maybe even some kind of immortality through his adventures.

The Gods' Influence

And let's not forget the gods! In Greek myths, gods often poked their noses into human affairs. For Odysseus, Poseidon wasn't happy after Odysseus blinded his son Polyphemus. So Poseidon threw all sorts of obstacles in Odysseus' path back home. This divine meddling didn't just delay him but made things way more complicated regarding his decision to leave family behind.

Impact on Family

Odysseus leaving definitely hit his family hard. His wife Penelope had her hands full waiting for him while fending off suitors trying to take over Ithaca. Her loyalty speaks volumes about her character's strength. Meanwhile, Telemachus, their son, had to grow up fast and step into a leadership role since Dad wasn't around. These consequences show how far-reaching Odysseus' choice really was.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Odysseus left because of duty as a warrior, craving fame and influence from the gods. His actions deeply impacted Penelope and Telemachus but also showed their strength and resilience in tough times. So if you're wondering "why did Odysseus leave home," consider these factors that led him on this epic journey.

References

• Homer. The Odyssey. Translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin Classics, 1996.
• Schein, Seth L., ed. Reading the Odyssey: Selected Interpretive Essays. Princeton University Press, 1996.
• Lattimore, Richmond Alexander (translator). The Odyssey of Homer: A New Translation by Richmond Lattimore. Harper & Row Publishers Inc., 1967.
• Powell, Barry B., ed., trans., Introduction to Homer: Oxford Readings in Classical Studies Series.
• Murnaghan, Sheila (1987). Disguise and Recognition in The Odyssey (Princeton University Press).