Examples Of Weakness In The Odyssey

Weakness is a trait all groups of humanity find themselves bound to in many senses, whether it be mentally or physically, but much like Odysseus in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, translated by Robert Fitzgerald, strength can be found within this turmoil. The tale begins on the island of Ithaca where Telemakhos, the son of the warrior Odysseus, is confronted by the goddess Athena. The Grey-Eyed-Goddess tells Telemakhos to step up and make something out of his life, by setting out on a quest to learn about his father, who has been away for 20 years. While Telemakhos is set off on his journey to find his father, Odysseus is trapped on the island of Kalypso, lusting for his home. He then sets out on a long journey in an attempt to get back to his wife, Penelope, and his family back in Ithaca. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus faces many challenges that change and bring out his true identity from a weak and lonely man to a cunning and prideful hero. Odysseus’s change in identity can be established through his weakness and struggles in attempting to break away from the lonely Island of Kalypso, to his cunning strength during the battle of Troy and passing

Odysseus uses his mind to save the Akhaians rather than his physical strength by keeping Antiklos from giving away their disguise, ultimately demonstrating Odysseus’ wittiness is stronger than his physical strength when he faces challenges. Odysseus uses his mental abilities on his way home to Ithaca when they encounter the Seirenes. First, he ordered his crew to stuff their ears with beeswax in order to block out the voices of the Seirenes songs and cries. He then and commands them to tie him to the mast of the ship, so that he is the only one who can hear the calls of the Seirenes, but can not tell the crew to go towards them. This allowed him and his crew to successfully avoid the deadly