The Epic Of Homer s Odyssey - 1480 Words

As eighth century BC came to a completion so did the writing of Homer’s The Odyssey. The Odyssey is an epic poem that is the sequel to the Iliad, which is the story of the Trojan War that was fought between Greece and the city state of Troy. The sequel is about a man named Odysseus, his family, and his lifelong journey home. The Iliad was an epic poem that got its toes wet with topics such as human thought and introspection, but that was all secondary to the actual themes which were power and war. Homer’s Odyssey is exactly like its prequel because it is also an epic poem. Aside from that one large similarity the two stories could not be further apart. Rather than delving back into the topic that is human interaction and conflict Homer chose to write about much deeper thought inducing themes such as emotion, knowledge, and despair. Themes that have changed and molded the world into what is seen in today’s society. Whether Homer knew it or not he wrote a piece tha t is so timeless that it will most likely be told to people all over the world for even more centuries to come. This is most evidently seen throughout Odysseus’ travels and what he is able to learn, gain, and accomplish during his seemingly endless journey through life. Although Odysseus was named after the word odium, which means general widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions, the last thing that he was known for is being hated for his choices and actions. Before HomerShow MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Homer s Odyssey1433 Words   |  6 PagesHomer’s Odyssey makes use of its epic qualities to narrate the lives of three men. The tale begins with Telemachus, a young prince who leaves his homeland to learn about his father and about himself at the same time. Through the use of this initial event, Homer creates a chronological structure that is further observed through the introduction of the story’s main character, Odysseus, the king of Ithaca and the father of Telemachus. Both father and son long to see each other after a decade of separationRead MoreHomer s Epic Hero, The Odyssey, By Homer1670 Words   |  7 Pagesafter war. King of Ithaca, Odysseus was a Greek champion in the Trojan War. However , he is known best not for his heroic acts during combat, but for his journey back to Ithaca, to his wife and son, in the ten years that follow. In Homer’s epic hero, The Odyssey, the Greek poet tells of Odysseus’s hardships and how he used his heroic traits to overcome them. The myth is told in twenty four books. Odysseus is a hero because of his cleverness, loyalty, leadership, and courage. Odysseus is, withoutRead MoreThe Epic Of Homer s The Odyssey965 Words   |  4 PagesAn individual s characteristics are the key to their conduct and this is very true in Homer s the Odyssey, which takes place in 700 BC in the Mediterranean, near Greece. The epic story is about a Greek hero, named Odysseus, who has left his home country to fight in the Trojan War twenty years earlier. The focus of the epic and his mission now is to make his way back home to Ithaca. On his way, he shows some great qualities along with strengths that influence the course of his journey. Despite OdysseusRead MoreAnalysis Of Homer s Epic Of The Iliad And Odyssey903 Words   |  4 PagesWith this personal narrative, I will analyze two themes from Homer’s epic’s pertaining to the Iliad and the Odyssey. I have chosen hospitality (Xenia) and shame (Aidos) as the subject of interest, and will focus on these as a main source of the topic. Xenia is the ancient Greek word for â€Å"hospitality†, which is the consideration and kindness shown to those who are far from home and/or associates of the person bestowing xenia upon them. The rituals of hospitality created and conveyed a reciprocalRead MoreThe Hero Of Homer s Epic Tale, The Odyssey1922 Words   |  8 Pagesthe mythological Grecian subject of Homer s epic tale, The Odyssey. This legendary figure displays exemplary brains and muscle, appearing almost superhuman at times. He embodies the ideals Greeks heroes aspired to: manly valor, loyalty to both his family and friends, as well as keen intelligence. The popularity of Odysseus has proven timeless; to this day, he remains greatly admired as both a hero, and an ordinary man who must overcome hurdles and embark on epic adventures in order to regain theRead MoreHomer s Odyssey : The Epic Hero999 Words   |  4 Pages Odysseus can be classified as one of the most well-known epic heroes, and a clear example of Greek priorities and ideals. Written many years after, the Aeneid likewise depicts an epic hero, Aeneas, that also completes a long journey and has closely related aspects to the story of the Odyssey. Virgil’s Aeneid imitates various crucial aspects of Homer’s Odyssey, including: the main protagonist passing through comparable sexual temptations, a similar relationship with the gods, and an analogous endRead MoreThe Epic Hero in Homer ´s The Odyssey 609 Words   |  2 Pages Epic Heroes are those that portray extraordinary traits, in which of displaying honor, integrity, sacrifice for the better, and loyalty. They are considered role models in a sense, thus providing the lessons, morals, and beliefs. Whether it is judging right from wrong, accomplishing the greater good, and many others teach lifelong messages that will continue to be passed down generation after generation. The Odyssey was written by a blind poet named Homer, who was also renowned author of The IliadRead MoreHomer s Epic Poems, The Iliad And The Odyssey1254 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Greek Poet Homer. Actually, there are many who believe that no such ‘Homer’ ever even existed in Ancient Greece. Nonetheless, it is agreed that Homer is one of the first writers that have shaped our culture immensely. Homer gives us a look into what morals the Greeks followed and what their beliefs were. Homer shows us how the Greeks put these beliefs into action by presenting multiple struggles that our characters must go through. Homer’s epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, are thousandsRead MoreAnalysis Of Homer s Odyssey, The Epic Of The Classical Era Essay1585 Words   |  7 PagesPaper Assignment 1 Prompt 1 Homer’s Odyssey is one of the many epic of the classical era to give an detailed overlook on the relationship between humans and gods. Odyssey is not just an adventure story about a king struggling to get back home after having gone to war; nor is it one about a son searching for his father after rumors say that he has been dead for many years. The events that take place in Homer’s Odyssey are heavily influenced by the Greek Gods. One can see how the gods interactionRead MoreEssay about The Odyssey - Gender Roles893 Words   |  4 PagesThe Odyssey is the product of a society in which the dominant role was played by men. In ancient Greece, just as in the whole of the ancient world, and in America and Western Europe until the last century, women occupied a subservient position. Society was organized and directed by men, and all of the most important enterprises were those which men arranged and implemented. Women were valued, but they participated in the affairs of the world only when they had the tacit or open approval and permission