ipl-logo

Fate And Free Will In Homer's Odyssey

308 Words2 Pages

The ancient Greeks believed that the gods were responsible for any unexplained event or fate, expressed in the epic poem, “The Odyssey” written by Homer. As the epic begins, the narrator introduces Odysseus’ predetermined fate, remarking “That year spun out by the gods when he should reach his home”(20). The word “spun” creates an image of the god’s meticulous plot for Odysseus’ life, specifically a human “year”. This demonstrates the god’s capability to meddle on a mortal’s fate. As Athena prepares to enter Ithaca, the narrator displays her godly presence, when “She fastened the supple sandals, ever glowing gold, that wing her over the waves and boundless earth with the rush of gusting winds.”(113-115).The Greeks use extravagant words like “glowing gold”, possessing a positive connotation of wealth and elegance. The “wing her over” of the elements of nature: waves, earth, and winds, signifies a great deal of power presented by Athena. …show more content…

A true presentation of the Greeks worship, occurs when “Poseidon went to receive an offering, bulls and rams by the hundred----far away at the feast the Sea-lord sat and took his pleasure”.(30). The large dash in this sentence applies hyperbole to the hundreds of “bulls and rams” to exaggerate the Greeks meaningful contribution to their gods. It also brings more significance to “far away”, as if the two clauses that are separated by the dash, are indeed far away. The Greeks chose to portray this scenario to illustrate the dire measures humans take to please their gods, in return for good fortune. The Greeks devotedly believed in their mythology, even as they describe it in a hyperbolic, fairy tale like manner. Their only explanation lead to the gods, resulting in the fate of the weather, and precisely, life or

Show More
Related

  • Role Of Fate In The Odyssey

    671 Words  | 3 Pages

    Fate and destiny are very important parts in The Odyssey. Many gods and goddesses find their fate and destiny through the choices they make. For example, in Book 9, the Cyclopes predicts Odysseus’ destiny. “...Grant that Odysseus, raider of cities, never see his home… Should destiny intend that he shall see his roof again among his family and his father

    Read More

  • Theme Of Self Control In The Odyssey

    955 Words  | 4 Pages

    In Homer’s Odyssey, there are many themes shared throughout the book. One of the more important topics is self-control. Self-Control is good because it allows the character to be able to restrict themselves at will. Also, it enables the user to of self-control to be calmer and calculated when in dire situations. Both of these examples of self-control are implemented by Homer in Odysseus, who is the main protagonist of books six through thirteen.

    Read More

  • Self-Control And Restraint In Homer's Odyssey

    271 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus exemplifies sophrosyne through his self-control and restraint. After the Trojan War, Odysseus is on his journey home, when he and his crewmates make their way to the land of the Cyclopes. Once on land the luxurious resources in the cavern lure them, and they enter without consent. In shock, as two of his men are in the hands of the one-eyed Cyclops, Odysseus stands speechless at the sight of the “ruthless brute”, Polyphemus. His first thought is to bring the Cyclops harm, however “a fresh thought held [him] back” how could this crew lift such an immense boulder the Cyclops had left in front of the entrance (Fagles 9. 336-339)?

    Read More

  • Theme Of Self-Restraint In The Odyssey

    257 Words  | 2 Pages

    Odysseus, in The Odyssey by Homer, and I both demonstrate self-restraint. One time Odysseus shows self-discipline is when he’s in the cyclops’ cave and stabbed his eye. The cyclops “squatted in the breach with arms thrown wide for any silly man or beast that bolted” (907). Odysseus restrains himself from running the first time he sees a way out. Instead he stays back and plans for a better way out.

    Read More

  • Free Will In Homer's Odyssey

    1730 Words  | 7 Pages

    Outside of the holy city of death, dead bodies are stacking up like mountains. Alonso feels like he has been standing here for many days. Now he is pretty sure that he is the only living “thing” here. This is a special space. From time to time he has gained some subconscious insights.

    Read More

  • Fate And Free Will In Homer's The Odyssey

    1426 Words  | 6 Pages

    Trouble frequently arises throughout his journey as the meddling of the gods often hinders his progress. Almost every action Odysseus takes is influenced by the gods in some way. This creates conflict between the function of fate and free will in Odysseus’ decision making. Thus, it is questioned whether Odysseus’ destiny is acquired through his own free will or through the actions of the gods.

    Read More

  • Disrespecting The Gods In Homer's Odyssey

    1204 Words  | 5 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • Athena Intervention In The Odyssey

    1056 Words  | 5 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • Divine Intervention In The Odyssey Essay

    384 Words  | 2 Pages

    Should destiny intend that he shall see his roof again among his family in his father land, far be that day, and dark the years between. Let him lose all companions, and return under strange sail to bitter days at home. " The theme of divine intervention is shown as Poseidon hinders Odysseus on his way to Ithaca by the curse, which made it years before Odysseus returns home whereas he would have returned in a matter of days, had Aeolus helped Odysseus again, but he didn't because he believed "their voyage has been cursed by the gods" (Homer 16). Homer demonstrates Athena's divine intervention through her providence towards Odysseus. Athena aids Odysseus multiple times throughout The Odyssey, an example of this is when she disguises Odysseus as a beggar in book 17 of The Odyssey to protect him from the suitors.

    Read More

  • The Gods And Mortals In Homer's The Odyssey

    610 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Odyssey, gods like Athena and Poseidon interfere with humans to satisfy their own desires, showing that they are just as imperfect and flawed as the mortals that they rule over. Athena favors Odysseus since he reminds her of herself. He portrays the same cunning, guile, and intelligence as she does; Athena had confided to him that “two of a kind, we are, contrivers, both,” comparing how similar they are. “Of all men now alive,” she says, “you are the best in plots and story telling.

    Read More

  • The Challenges In Homer's The Odyssey And The Journey

    1209 Words  | 5 Pages

    Chuck Norris, a famous American artist, actor, film producer, and screenwriter has found “that anything worth achieving will always have obstacles in the way and you've got to have that drive and determination to overcome those obstacles on route to whatever it is that you want to accomplish” (Chuck Norris Quotes). This quote relates to the two poems, The Odyssey and “The Journey”, which discuss the difficulties of achieving a goal. In both poems, the main characters are faced with many obstacles that they must overcome. They do eventually defeat these obstacles through determination. The Odyssey focuses on the obstacles that Odysseus has to overcome in order to make it back to his homeland, Ithaca.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Deus Ex Machina In The Odyssey

    805 Words  | 4 Pages

    During the plot of the poem, mythological gods and goddesses are present in people’s lives to aid them when problems arise. In the text, the gods play a prominent role in helping Odysseus travel safely home, blessing men and women, and aiding during a war between two powerful leaders. Even though these stories were written thousands of years ago, they are still applicable to many societies

    Read More

  • Role Of Divine Intervention In The Odyssey

    1197 Words  | 5 Pages

    Surya Govindaswaami Vidya Madavan English A HL 3 May 2016 The Influence of Divine Intervention on the Portrayal of Fate and Free Will in The Odyssey by Homer The Odyssey is not only considered one of the most prolific mythological epics of all time, but one of the greatest texts written by man. It recounts the arduous journey of the war hero Odysseus, in which he faced a multitude of adversities and obstacles that he had to overcome, as well as numerous challenges upon his arrival.

    Read More

  • Life Lessons In Homer's The Odyssey

    972 Words  | 4 Pages

    Determining the difference between right and wrong can be difficult, but life lessons help us figure it out. During The Odyssey, by Homer, Odysseus learns a few lessons, and one of them is that you should be aware of your surroundings and ready to use them. Another moral that he learned was to heed all warnings, regardless what your instincts say. These messages can be used in life today to help guide people during their lives.

    Read More

  • Greek & Roman Mythology A To Z

    211 Words  | 1 Pages

    Additionally, it provides an overview and introduction to Greek mythology such as what it is and where it originated. The book features two maps, 45 diagrams, an index, and a bibliography. The bibliography provides sources and references making it genuine and authentic. It was written by Kathleen N. Daly and was revised by Marian Rengel.

    Read More

More about Fate And Free Will In Homer's Odyssey

Open Document