Examples Of Chivalry In The Odyssey

An epic hero is usually known to be chivalrous; in this case the epic hero, Odysseus, shows qualities of both chivalry and rebellion. To be chivalrous, one does kind acts and is polite. To be rebellious, one breaks the rules in favor of themselves. The epic poem, The Odyssey, written by Homer, has many instances of chivalry and rebellion portrayed by Odysseus, the main character, through his words, his actions and behaviors, and his personality. In The Odyssey, Odysseus has shown chivalrous qualities through his personality. Throughout the epic poem, Homer introduces Odysseus’ personality by saying, “…while he fought only/ to save his life, to bring his shipmates home” (Homer 951). Odysseus and his men were on a ten year journey to return home to Ithaca. The quote shows that Odysseus is chivalrous because he was not only fighting to save himself, but he also tried to return his shipmates home; it shows that he is selfless and courageous. Odysseus and his men ended up on the island of the Lotus-Eaters, and

After Odysseus and his men staked the Cyclops’ eye, they waited until morning to escape, which they did by riding under the bellies of the Cyclops’ sheep and rams. Once they escaped and made it back to the ship, Odysseus called out to the Cyclops saying, “O Cyclops! Would you feast on my companions? / Puny, am I in a cave man’s hands? / How do you like the beating that we gave you, / you damned cannibal? Eater of guests/ under your roof! Zeus and the gods have paid you!” (Homer 965). This shows that Odysseus was rebellious because he was being antagonistic and was antagonizing the Cyclops after him and his men finally escaped. In the outside source, the writer explains that Odysseus is an epic hero and he is rebellious because of his dangerous adventures ("Iraq Academic Scientific Journals"). Everybody in one point of their lives is made grander by