Homelessness In The Odyssey

“Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story of that man skilled in all ways of contending, the wanderer, harried for years on end, after he plundered the stronghold on the proud height of Troy.”

(Homer, 1.1-5, 1)

These words were spoken in praise of Odysseus by the classical poet, Homer. The Odyssey tells the tale of Odysseus’ ten year journey after he departs from Troy bound home for Ithaka. Odysseus’ motivation throughout the poem is to be reunited with his son, Telemakhos and his wife, Penelope, but his task doesn't come without struggle. Before he may return home, he must overcome numerous challenges put forth by both mortals and gods that test his abilities and virtues. Odysseus surpasses all morals in strength of mind and body;

Yet, it is true, each day

I long for home, long for the sight of home.”

(Odysseus, 5.224-229, 87)

Odysseus avoids a possible conflict by using his tact. He makes his wife seem humble while flattering Kalypso. He also focuses on the point that no paradise can replace home, showing her that his choice to leave is independent from his feelings for her. Kalypso is satisfied by his response and lets him leave. Had he not had his tact to rely on, he may have been trapped on Kalypso’s island forever.

In addition to Odysseus’ tact, his resilience saves him time and time again. He uses this resilience to save himself during his journey home from Troy. After an immortal being warns Odysseus that those who feast on Helios’ cows are fated to die, he is determined to follow her warning, however, when he and his crew find themselves stranded on Helios’ island for weeks on end while a storm prevents them from setting sail, the men are tested. Odysseus makes an attempt to convince them to continue persevering:

“Old shipmates, our stores are in the ship’s hold, food and drink; the cattle here are not for our provision, or we pay dearly for it.

Fierce is the

He used his tact to sway delicate situations in his favor and flatter those who had him at their mercy. Using his resilience, he persevered on his journey until the very end, willing to suffer great cruelties simply to continue homeward. This resilience left him as the sole survivor of his crew after a series of tests put forth by the gods, and it allowed him to reunite with his family. Odysseus used his cunning to deceive enemies and friends alike, spinning an intricate web of lies and transforming himself at his will. These are the qualities that make Odysseus an epic hero, and they are the reason that Odysseus was able to live to see his family even after he watched his friends die off one by one. Odysseus fought tirelessly to protect his crew, his family, and himself, and used his four strongest qualities to do so successfully. With the evidence presented, it is clear to see that as a result of his use of tact, cunning, resilience, and loyalty, Odysseus is able to complete his journey