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Comparing Eurylochus And Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey

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Even the most intelligent of people can be lead astray by temptation. Eurylochus' willpower is tested as he travels with Odysseus in Homer's epic, The Odyssey. When the crew encounters the beautiful enchantress Circe, Eurylochus is able to sense danger and resisted Circe's charm. On the other hand, when faced with starvation in the presence of Helios' cattle, he ignored Odysseus’ warnings and yielded to provocation. Overall, while Eurylochus is wise, he is mortal and susceptible to deception. Following their arrival on Circe's island, the goddess invites the crewmen into her home per the law of hospitality. Eurylochus is the only one to see past Circe's temptation and refuse her offerings. "...and she came swiftly to the shining …show more content…

This is prominent when he is faced with a difficult choice: starvation or Helios’ cattle. Eurylochus tells the others, "You've gone through everything; listen to what I say. All deaths are hateful to us, mortal wretches, but famine is the most pitiful, the worst end that a man can come to. Will you fight it? Come, we'll cut out the noblest of these cattle for sacrifice to the gods who own the sky..." (Homer 12.365-371). Eurylochus shows a juxtaposition in his character. He cleverly avoided Circe’s trap but makes an irrational decision with Helios’ kine. Action such as this proves that while Eurylochus is clever, he is not …show more content…

Once again, Eurylochus displays a juxtaposition. He did not follow the others into Circe's home because he knew there was trouble and potentially death awaiting. However, he willingly killed the cattle knowing full-well he and the other crewmen could be punished. His reason was clouded by temptation and

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