Name: Cara Miller Date: 1/2/23 Class Period:1st The Odyssey, by Homer, is a fictional epic poem. The Odyssey is an epic poem by Homer that tells a story about a man named Odysseus and his adventures. From Troy to the land of the dead, Odysseus loses men and angers the gods, but uses cunning and courageousness to survive. He recites his tale to king Alcinous, who is quartering Odysseus. In the Odyssey, qualities such as sacrifices to the gods, humanlike qualities in the gods, and calling upon the gods are presented. The Odyssey shows that calling upon the gods for help was very important to the Greeks. On page 766, Odysseus says “if but Athena granted what I prayed for” which is referring to when Odysseus is stuck in the Cyclops’ cave …show more content…
The Odyssey shows that sacrifices to the gods were very important to the Greeks.“...performed prayers and rituals...these offerings...were laid on the fire”(790). Even when they are cattle of the sun god, which the men are forbidden to eat, they still know the importance of sacrificing food to the gods. Another example would be “...and make a fair sacrifice to Poseidon”(781). This second quote is what Thebes instructs Odysseus to do, as to apologize to the gods that he has angered. It shows that the Greeks valued their gods and wanted them to be content. The Odyssey shows that Gods having humanlike qualities was very important to the Greeks. “And the lord Helios burst into angry speech among the immortals”(791). Helios was angry at Oddyseus’ men because they had eaten his cattle. Furthermore, Zeus and Helios are trying to compromise, Zeus states“Peace, Helios”(791). Zeus is trying to be more peaceful, whereas Helios is trying to punish the men. When Helios is upset, he wants to get revenge, Zeus however is trying to compromise, just like humans do. It shows that the gods had similar emotions to humans and also shows that the Greeks had a very complex religion and
Philip Zimbardo once stated, “I'm saying to be a hero it means you step across the line and are willing to make a sacrifice, so heroes always are making a sacrifice. Heroes always take a risk. Heroes always deviant. Heroes are always doing something that most people don't and we want to change.” I completely agree with what Mr. Zimbardo said, A hero is someone who will always be willing to make a sacrifice for the greater good.
There are some major conflicts in the Odyssey. In the story Odysseus comes across situations that he thinks he can take advantage of because he thinks he can get away with doing things. Because he thinks so highly of himself and he is useduse to others thinking highly of himself, he gets into some major conflicts. In the Odyssey it states, “Ah how shameless- the way these mortals blame the gods. From us alone, they say, come all their miseries, yes, but they themselves, with their own reckless ways, compound their pains beyond their proper share” (Homer 32-35).
In addition, he shows compassion for his men. Odysseus even wants to sacrifice the noblest of the cattle to the gods as well as build a costly temple for the Lord of Noon to appease the gods. As displayed, the epic states “Come, we’ll cut the noblest cattle for sacrifice to the gods who own the sky; and once at home, in the old country of Ithaca, if even that day comes- we’ll build a costly temple and adorn it with every beauty for the Lord of Noons.” (947). Overall, this quote shows the reader that Odysseus will do anything to ensure his crewmates get home safely.
The Odyssey is a classic epic that tells the story of an ancient Greek hero named Odysseus and his journey back to his homeland of Ithaca. After fighting in the Trojan War he returns home. This epic poem has been passed down through generations in ways of storytelling, acting, and written text. It has become an essential part of Western literature. The Odyssey is a profound narrative that explores a diverse set of themes, including the consequences of human actions, the importance of loyalty, and the value of hospitality.
The Odyssey Epic Hero Essay Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were bound from your family during the time of the ancient Greeks? Well you probably haven’t wondered that, but that is the story of Odysseus. Odysseus is an epic hero, a larger-than-life central character, someone who will always try to help people in need. While trying to get his family back he faces numerous obstacles that put him and his warriors in a life or death situation. In the epic, The Odyssey, by Homer, Odysseus shows both guile and bravery.
The Odyssey, an epic poem written by Homer, follows the journey of Odysseus as he faces nonstop trials that risk his life on his way home to Ithaca. Homer characterizes Odysseus’s extreme loyalty to portray the specific trait of a Greek epic hero. One day, Calypso is told by Zeus that she has to release Odysseus from her island, which she had been keeping him captive on. So, Calypso, mad at the gods' hypocrisy, tries one last attempt to get him to stay: “After all these years with me, you still desire your old home? Even so, I wish you well.
The Odyssey by Homer is an epic poem. The Odyssey is about Odysseus and his travels home to Ithaca while he encounters different mythical creatures and when he tricked them and the way Odysseus provoked them. Many Greek rhapsodies have been telling the world about the story of The Odyssey. This story was written and changed over time by believing in many gods and Greek values. These values have made their way into the Odyssey.
Throughout the story of Odysseus’s journey told by Homer, there are many defining examples of interaction between humans and their gods. The gods primarily interact with humans by either siding with or against them. The gods would often side with humans since they wanted to help them such as Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, helping Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, whereas the gods seeking revenge such as Poseidon, who sought revenge on Odysseus for slaying his son Polyphemus, would turn against them. While actual interaction between gods and humans seems to be a rather risible idea, there was much guidance given to humans by the gods throughout the Odyssey.
They are allowed to interfere with humans in certain ways to certain extents, they have rules, and by punishing/rewarding humans, they create an order of morals/hierarchy so they serve a purpose as well. This presentation of the gods reveals that the Greeks see them as powerful, smarter, and "magically" significant beings. I think that the story shows that they see the Gods to be like us, but with power and authority.
In Homer’s Odyssey, gods and other supernatural beings dominated every aspect of mortal life. All living things and phenomena that occur in the world can be traced back to the gods. Seeing as how gods are responsible for the lives of mortals and the state of the natural world, performing deeds that anger the gods would prove to be disastrous while performing deeds that please the gods would prove to be beneficial. Odysseus’ journey back to Ithaca after the Trojan War was took ten years due to angering gods like Poseidon and Helios. However, it was through Athena’s aid that he was able to make it back home.
The odyssey tda In the epic poem the Odyssey the main caracter Odysseus is on a quest to find his way home. He had been in Troy fighting which made Zeus angry and he made Odysseus's way home unbearably tricky. In the Odyssey Odysseus is the epic hero. He shows his epic heroics with his bravery,leardership,and intelligence.
The Odyssey is an epic poem written by the blind, illiterate poet Homer. It takes place in ancient Greece and tells of a man’s journey home from war. The topic, intervention of the gods, is seen throughout the book numerous times as the gods who are in favor of Odysseus lend a helping hand. It is well-known that the gods are very important to the Greeks. In this epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer demonstrates the importance of the positive and encouraging intervention of the gods in Greek culture; the brave actions, encouraging words, and cunning strategies of Athena as she assists and guides Odysseus on his journey back home.
Poseidon, Apollo, Athena, Zeus, and Hermes are all Greek Gods that appear in the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer. These gods all play a significant role in The Odyssey by both helping and hindering Odysseus on his 10-year journey home. Homer illustrates the theme of divine intervention in The Odyssey using Poseidon’s wrath, Athena’s providence, and Hermes’ guidance. Poseidon is one of the main gods that appears throughout The Odyssey, Homer shows Poseidon's divine intervention through his wrath on Odysseus during his journey home.
The relationships between the Greek gods and mortals have always been complicated. The gods can be generous and supportive, but also harsh and destructive towards the humans. They claim to be all powerful beings with unlimited power and influence, but in truth, they are far more human than they are perceived. They meddle with human lives, not because they are wise, but because of their own selfish reasons. In Homer’s
In each of the given circumstances, there are lessons and principles to be taught or to learn from that were important to greek culture. Homer tells these stories clearly to show that the decisions you make are important and determine how you are treated by the gods and the expectations of the people around you. Greek values of cleverness, hospitality, and loyalty are featured in this epic poem and are either rewarded or