Characteristics of an Epic Poem in The Odyssey The Odyssey is about a man named Odysseus who has a long and dangerous journey home from fighting for ten years in the Trojan War. After fighting for ten years, he takes another ten years to get home. Homer uses many characteristics of an epic poem that are common in literature. In The Odyssey, Homer includes characteristics of an epic by portraying archetypes, epic themes, and an epic hero. One of the first characteristics of an epic poem that is used in The Odyssey is the use of archetypes. In most of the books, there is at least one archetype. Archetypes are characters, situations, and images that are recognizable in many times and cultures. In book 21, we see the archetype of loyal servants, Eumaeus and Philoetius. The servants said, “Ah, let the master come! Father Zeus, grant our old wish! Some courier guide him back!” (Homer 1252) This is what Philoetius said after “the old man” asked them if they would stand by Odysseus if he returned or if they would stand with the suitors. Another example of an archetype used was a wicked …show more content…
Two of the themes are loyalty and homecoming. Loyalty is important in this story because Penelope, Argos, Eumaeus, and Philoetius were loyal to Odysseus the whole time that he was fighting and trying to get back home. Homer writes, “but death and darkness in that instant closed the eyes of Argos, who had seen his master, Odysseus, after twenty years…” (Homer 1249) This shows us that Argos wanted to see Odysseus one last time before he passed away. He had hope that he would come back even after twenty years. Penelope stays loyal to Odysseus by not marrying another man or losing hope. Another epic theme in The Odyssey is homecoming. The whole story is about Odysseus’ homecoming and all the struggles he faces trying to get home. Loyalty and homecoming are the main two themes throughout The Odyssey and they are shown a