Odysseus has been away from home for 20 years. 20 years after fighting one of the most gruesome wars in history. This man is a real trooper. He just keeps on going and trying to get home. There is nothing else that drives him. That right there is a good man. Its actually quite ridiculous how much he has to go through. After fighting the Trojan war he is essentially cursed by the gods to wander forever, even though there isn't really a good reason for them to hate him (except maybe Poseidon, but that comes later). He is just forced to wander the sea fighting off monsters and sexy witches. Quite the life isn't it?
It's no wonder why Odysseus is regarded as a hero and his story told for millennia. His is really an inspiring story and he is quite the inspiring character. I'm pretty sure everyone wishes that they were as badass as Odysseus. I've noticed some people commenting that the help Odysseus receives from the gods diminishes his heroism, but I think that the help is actually a large factor in what makes him such a hero. Especially for the time, being in favor with the gods was the biggest honor, and even a peasant could be invited to a king's banquet if he had the mark of a god on him. Plus some of the tasks that Odysseus has to undertake would be impossible without a god's help. If not for the gods, Calypso would have of been able to keep Odysseus on her island. Nor would he have been able to survive Poseidon's wrath.
It's hard not to admire Odysseus/
I think we all should take a moment and appreciate Odysseus. He is 20 years away and he is still fighting to get back home. I am surprised he continues to persevere. He makes love with other women, encounters obstacles and fights them through, and somehow is still alive. He really is a man "of twists and turns." He is a lost soul, but continues to march on eager to get home. I have the utmost respect for Odysseus because he fought heroically in the Trojan War for 10 years, and is trying to find his way back home for another 10 years. That is crazy!
ReplyDeleteI agree that Odysseus is audacious in the way that he continues to struggle to return home despite all the obstacles in his way. However, he is far from a perfect hero, for example all his sleeping around with random goddesses, although you could maybe argue that because he was a mortal he could not say no. Overall, Odysseus's actions are impressive, and his motivation to get home is pure, even if not all of his actions are.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is admirable that Odysseus fought for as long as he did to get home. If you were in his position, it would be easy to give up and just live on Calypso's island forever as her husband! I also agree with Ben that Odysseus is definitely not the perfect hero, but I think that his flaws make him more human and realistic in a way.
ReplyDeleteOdysseus sure is one amazing guy! He has endured a lot of hardships and saved Greece in the Trojan War. I just wish he was a better person--gloating to the Cyclops was unnecessary and resulted in the death of a perfectly helpful crew and the ruin of an entire island.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you wrote this right before out class discussion about Odysseus' heroic qualities (and less than heroic qualities). I have to admit that Odysseus has a remarkable story. However, I don't find him to be as admirable as I feel like I should. He is without a doubt a hero, but all of his personality traits/flaws make me view him as a not so great person. I guess what I'm trying to say is that while I find Odysseus' story to be admirable, I find his character to me less appealing. So I guess I have mixed feelings about our hero.
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