loy·al·ty ˈloiəltē/ noun the quality of being loyal to someone or something. a strong feeling of support or allegiance. Loyalty is very strong and very meaningful, like true love or brotherhood. Loyalty has to be earned, not just given away. In The Odyssey, the epic poem by Homer, Odysseus’ crew is steadfastly loyal to him and follow nearly his every direction, even though they are given many reasons not to be.
Weakness is a trait all groups of humanity find themselves bound to in many senses, whether it be mentally or physically, but much like Odysseus in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, translated by Robert Fitzgerald, strength can be found within this turmoil. The tale begins on the island of Ithaca where Telemakhos, the son of the warrior Odysseus, is confronted by the goddess Athena. The Grey-Eyed-Goddess tells Telemakhos to step up and make something out of his life, by setting out on a quest to learn about his father, who has been away for 20 years. While Telemakhos is set off on his journey to find his father, Odysseus is trapped on the island of Kalypso, lusting for his home. He then sets out on a long journey in an attempt to get back to his wife, Penelope, and his family back in Ithaca.
Saving Others, Selflessly The word “hero” usually brings to mind a knight slaying a dragon or a firefighter rescuing someone from a burning building. But does one have to save a life to be considered a hero? Oftentimes, we assume that heroism is limited to physical bravery. This term, however, implies the notion of helping and inspiring others: a teacher cultivating a love for learning or a paraplegic Olympian reaching out to youth with disabilities. Because heroes range from Olympians to teachers, not all are famous--in fact, many remain unrecognized.
Throughout the story “The Odyssey” by Homer Odysseus, the main character counters countless amounts of trouble. As king and leader it is his job to keep his men save and get the job done. Odysseus does whatever it takes to keep his men unharmed, and more importantly, alive. All his crew and him dream about is getting back to their homeland, but first they have to pass the obstacles. Odysseus demonstrates good leadership qualities by doing whatever it takes to get the job done, using his advanced cunning abilities to trick his enemy, and constantly saving his crew from dangers.
Odysseus’ leadership qualities The journey of Odysseus attempting to return home, to Ithaca, after being being in Troy is recited in Homer's epic named the Odyssey. Greek gods are extremely impactful in the voyage of his crew and himself. Without challenges, leadership skills are not able to be identified as clearly. Not all of the gods cause challenges for Odysseus to face yet some do.
Humanism and Heroism Odysseus showed lots heroism and humanism throughout his dangerous journey. His humanism was shown with encounters that delayed his journey and that endangered it. Also Odysseus showed heroism when he took down dangerous obstacles that took his ca down. Another way his heroism was shown was steering his crew away from danger and back home. Calypso showed lots of affections towards Odysseus and held him as a prisoner.
Similarly, Odysseus doesn’t communicate any of the information given to him by Circe. Odysseus is given two choices by Circe for the first part of the journey, sail close two different rocks, Scylla or Charybdis. While it is possible for the crew to avoid misfortunes by sailing near Charybdis, avoid when she sucks down the black water, Odysseus chooses to sail near Scylla where there is no avoiding the deaths of at least six crew members (12. 99-111). Additionally, Odysseus doesn’t fully take the advice of Circe and uses weaponry, even though Circe warns him not to arm himself no matter the circumstances (12. 234-235). Odysseus’ inability to fully follow directions proves his large ego, and belief that he can do no wrong.
Madisen L. Ring Mrs. Kriegbaum Creative Reading and Writing 3 November , 2016 The Odyssey In relationships loyalty is an important aspect. Romantic relationships, friendships, or even family relationships loyalty is key.
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.
There are many contributing factors to support the reason that Odysseus is more of an admirable hero than Achilles. During the Ancient Greek time period, heroism was greatly valued, and heroic characters in epic poems were courageous warriors who showed expertise in their ability to fight in battle. Both of these individuals, Achilles and Odysseus are heros in themselves, but Odysseus is known for being a more credible hero due to his actions. In the Odyssey three major events occur: Odysseus defeats the cyclops, escapes Calypso’s island, and visits the underworld. Odysseus is more of an admirable hero than Achilles due to his extreme leadership skills and his talents he portrays in difficult situations.
In the novel “The Odyssey” retold by Barbara Leonie Picard (initially by Homer), Odysseus was a significant character who changed. Throughout the story, he changed by learning how think before acting, being honest and communicating with his team, and becoming persistent toward his main goal which is going back home. He also displayed many of Art Costa’s "habits of mind” such as teamwork, persistence, and stop and think. We can learn from Odysseus’ journey as we read about him. Odysseus was a king, husband and father.
In The Odyssey, Odysseus proves to be a weak leader by being overconfident in Book 9, forgetful in Book 10, dishonest in Book 12, and having a short temper in Books 21-23. Odysseus has been gone from home for twenty years. Ten years in the Trojan War, and ten years trying to get back home. Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, has waited for her husband to return home, and has gotten to the point where she believed that her husband was dead. However, he was not dead.