Undoubtedly, in Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus is depicted as the most revered hero of ancient times. This celebrated character showcases exceptional intellect and strength, often invoking a divine aura.
Odysseus is considered by the ancient Greeks to embody their cherished values of courage, loyalty, devotion to religion, and intelligence. Despite the passage of time, Odysseus remains revered as both a hero and an ordinary man who faced extraordinary challenges in his quest to regain his previous life. Over twenty years, Odysseus successfully overcame every obstacle presented by the gods while showing respect for their power and acknowledging that he needed their assistance to return home to Ithaca and reunite with his beloved family. Throughout all his endeavors, Odysseus demonstrated keen perception, instinct, and prudence.
Odysseus displays exceptional skills in disguise, emotional concealment, and deceit that helped him overcome obstacles. However, he also exhibits many human characteristics. He often experiences overwhelming emotions and sheds tears. Additionally, he makes mistakes, faces difficult situations, and struggles to manage his anger. Throughout the story, Odysseus emerges as not just a hero but also as a spouse, parent, and child. He takes on various human roles such as an athlete, warrior, sailor storyteller carpenter beggar lover.
Despite displaying both brutality and boldness, Odysseus also possesses sensitivity and shyness, making him relatable to people. Furthermore, he is perceived as a practical survivor, embodying the qualities of a contemporary individual. Nonetheless, he faces numerous hardships, endures suffering, and confronts his inevitable destiny bestowed upon him by the mighty beings on Mt. Olympus.
Odysseus is popular because he possesses both heroic and human qualities, allowing ordinary people to relate to him. Despite having the skills, strength, and intelligence of a hero, Odysseus also experiences the emotional limitations of being human. These combined traits enable him to navigate the disorderly chaos of his adventure. Like everyone else, Odysseus encounters various individuals and locations during his journey, regardless of whether it is ancient Greece or modern times. People can sympathize with Odysseus while idolizing him for his ability to confront life’s challenges directly. To survive two decades filled with battles, storms, and divine anger, Odysseus exhibits the extraordinary qualities expected of a hero.
Odysseus demonstrated his heroism from the beginning as a skilled warrior in the Trojan War. He showcased his leadership abilities, ensuring that the battle for Troy progressed smoothly. Not only was he an exceptional fighter, but he was also cunning and ruthless. He constantly came up with ingenious plots and schemes, staying ahead of everyone else (34). Despite the warriors’ decade-long struggle and failed strategies, it was Odysseus’ idea to infiltrate Troy with the wooden horse that ultimately led to the army’s triumph over the Trojans.
Odysseus demonstrated his high level of intelligence through actions like these, which were a key factor in his hero status. Some characterized him as a man whose wisdom equaled that of the gods (150). Despite enduring numerous hardships on land and at sea, Odysseus possessed the wisdom to overcome every obstacle he encountered. His remarkable thinking abilities allowed him to devise clever solutions, comparable to those of the gods. For instance, when he found himself trapped in the Cyclops’ cave, Odysseus devised the brilliant plan of blinding the Cyclops by rubbing pollen into his eye while he slept (106).
In order to blind the Cyclops and allow the sailors to flee, Odysseus demonstrated his heroism. He proved to be an unconquerable man (49), possessing immense physical strength that made him invincible.
Despite facing twenty years of obstacles, Odysseus never faltered in strength and courage, earning him admiration from the Greeks who believed he must be made of iron (143). When warned by Ino that Poseidon would wreck his raft, Odysseus swam for two consecutive nights and days, a feat that would have killed a lesser man. Similarly, upon reaching his homeland of Ithaca to find over a hundred suitors attempting to take his wife, Odysseus took swift action to exact his revenge.
Despite his outnumbered status, Odysseus managed to eliminate all the intruders with the aid of his son, displaying intelligence and strength as key heroic attributes. Alongside these characteristics, Odysseus possessed expertise in disguises and exceptional lying skills. Upon reaching Ithaca, he cunningly assumed the persona of an elderly beggar, effectively deceiving even his devoted wife. Moreover, he exhibited extraordinary self-restraint by concealing his feelings of happiness until the perfect moment, a difficult accomplishment for anyone who has been separated from their home and loved ones for an extended duration.
Despite acknowledging the numerous challenges he has faced in his life, Odysseus declares, “I could tell you of more sorrow than theirs, which I have borne from first to last” (85). However, despite enduring more obstacles than the average person, Odysseus possesses extraordinary intellect, physical strength, and emotional resilience that distinguish him from ordinary individuals. His exceptional abilities and accomplishments during his journeys confirm his status as a hero. Nevertheless, Odysseus is not exempt from experiencing emotional pain and encounters the difficulties of life just like any other human being.
Despite being a hero, Odysseus also experienced moments of imperfection, making him more relatable and human. The emotional and physical trauma that typical qualities of an ordinary man go through had a significant impact on him during his twenty-year journey. He often felt utterly wretched and miserable (62).
While on the island with Calypso, Odysseus felt a deep longing for his own home. This overwhelming sense of sadness sometimes overshadowed his brave and heroic nature. Calypso would frequently see Odysseus, sitting in his usual spot on the stone, consumed by sorrow and shedding tears (63). The fact that he was trapped on an island made Odysseus extremely upset. He felt powerless and yearned for his family, which stripped him of his heroic qualities and transformed him into an ordinary man who succumbed to his emotions.
Odysseus contemplated giving up at times. Before reaching the land of the Phaecians, he was lost at sea for two nights and two days, hoping for death (70). The suffering caused by Poseidon was so unbearable that even Odysseus, a strong warrior, believed death was his only escape from earthly pain. But in this moment of despair when it seemed like everyone had forsaken him, he somehow found the determination to persevere. Eventually, he made it to land and sought shelter in a thick bush by a river.
Despite the fact that his suffering was far from over, Odysseus physically endured the consequences of his demanding journeys. His entire body was swollen, and he experienced the discomfort of salt water bubbles emanating from his mouth and nostrils. Additionally, he faced an overwhelming weariness (71). Although Odysseus was not immortal and could feel pain like any other person, it typically required more to greatly affect him. Furthermore, Odysseus was occasionally prone to making mistakes and finding himself in tricky situations.
After successfully escaping from the clutches of the wretched Cyclops, Odysseus tormented the mighty beast, resulting in the Cyclops breaking off the peak of a tall rock and throwing it (110). Though this action could have endangered Odysseus and his men’s lives, like any ordinary man, proud Odysseus felt compelled to celebrate his victory by mocking the Cyclops. In moments like these, Odysseus relied on the assistance of the gods, frequently praying to his guardian goddess (81).
Odysseus pleaded with Athena for protection and guidance, acknowledging his own limitations as a mortal and recognizing that he did not possess the strength or knowledge required to safely reach his homeland of Ithaca. He humbly admitted that he was not like the immortal beings who resided in the vast heavens, as he lacked their divine stature and appearance. Odysseus recognized that he could not accomplish his journey alone.
Despite being mortal, Odysseus acknowledged his need for assistance, which made him remarkable yet human. He confronted the emotional and physical limitations that all humans confront. From ancient Greece to present-day, Odysseus continues to captivate readers with his courageous accomplishments while also conveying relatable human emotions. After two decades of traveling, he unquestionably achieved renown not only for his prowess as a warrior and hero but also for possessing extraordinary personal characteristics.
Odysseus became renowned for his interactions with different gods and goddesses, including Poseidon, Circe, and Calypso. His talent for calming their anger made him famous among the deities of Olympus. Among them, Athena held a special admiration for the extraordinary Odysseus (37). Right from the beginning, it was clear that Athena was fascinated by Odysseus as she actively aided him in his quest to return to his homeland of Ithaca and be reunited with his family.
The text states that Odysseus Laertiades, also known as prince never unready, was always prepared for the challenges he faced and never wavered despite being away from home. He was admired by both mortals and King Menelaos expressed his deep love for Odysseus when asked by Telemachos about his father.
(47). Odysseus was adored by the Greeks not just for his survival skills but also for his renowned wit(66). His reputation as a brave warrior started during the Trojan War when he came up with the idea of the wooden horse, which led to the covert attack on the Trojans. Consequently, he gained admiration for overcoming various challenges during his twenty-year journey. With his exceptional intelligence and instinct, Odysseus earned the reverence of people across the land, who treated him like a deity(62).
Odysseus was held in high esteem and revered by the Greeks for embodying their admired qualities. He represented the ideal persona that Greeks aspired to attain, earning respect from both gods and mortals in ancient Greece. His fame has endured through time, even upon his much-awaited return to Ithaca, where he was already expected to be popular.
He sought revenge and his renown shall endure for generations to come (36). Odysseus faced a tumultuous homecoming, slaying the multitude of suitors who had invaded his house. He exacted his retribution upon them for the suffering his wife and son endured throughout the years. This act served as the grand conclusion to the impressive list of accomplishments that would forever establish Odysseus’s popularity. In Greece, Odysseus was held in high regard and undeniably maintained significance for centuries. During Greece’s Golden Age, he commanded respect and admiration for his unwavering strength in facing the gods and avenging himself.
Odysseus symbolizes the modern pursuit of strength, wisdom, and emotional depth. He encompasses these traits and more as he navigates challenges from the gods with reverence. His battles showcase both intelligence and physical prowess, while his compassion endures on his journey. The odyssey is marked by its length, diverse adventures, encounters with different individuals and locations, straying from initial plans. Unpredictability defines this life filled with surprises.
Odysseus, despite his reputation as the Victim of Enmity, serves as a source of inspiration for those confronting life’s obstacles. His ability to conquer all adversities offers hope not only to present-day readers but also to future generations.
