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The Responsibility Of The Gods In Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey

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In epic Greek poems, gods have a major influence in the overall storyline and the Odyssey is no exception. The gods and goddesses constantly are appearing sometimes in a disguised form, but all nonetheless crafting the scenes to their accord so that they may offer gratitude for the mortal’s loyalty or to gain revenge for their disloyalty. Not only do they alter events, but people also alter their actions while keeping the appeasement of gods in mind. By paying respect to the gods, the characters express much more than a simple gesture of reverence; instead, it is also a way of showing compassion for something other than themselves. Odysseus strategically exploits his devotion to the gods in various scenes in a way to improve his own character …show more content…

When Nausicaa discovers Odysseus in great need of assistance, he first offers a compliment by equating her to “great Zeus’ daughter Atremis” (151). By initially showing his competency in knowledge of the gods, Odysseus applies the same respect he has for the gods to Nausiccaa. With mirroring his devotion to the gods/goddesses and Nausicaa, Odysseus displays his cunning arête. Using every situation to his advantage, the mention of the gods is seen as a way of establishing a common basis with a stranger, in this case, Nausicaa. This arête is evident in every encounter; furthermore, by his keen awareness of the gods also allows the reader to place him on the highest level a mortal can be to a god. His proficiency in the gods is further verified when he mentions the “palm shoot springing up near Apollo’s altar” (163). Howard Clark claims this action shows that “Odysseus is not only well traveled but pious” (53). Again, this comment further supports Odysseus’ arête by using his previous experiences to display his constant acknowledgment for the gods. It shows his concern for what is greater beyond those before him, but also aware of the constant watchful eye of the gods and goddesses. This awareness shows that Odysseus is mindful of the events taking place, while having his ultimate goal of returning home in …show more content…

When Odysseus first encounters the royal family, Alcinuous ordered the herald to “mix the bowl and sere the wine” to “pour libations also to Zeus” (7.191-192). By this action, the Phaeacians not only express their hospitality of opening their home so that this stranger may too join worship, but express what is most important in their country. Even before they ask Odysseus where he is from, they ensure that their guest has a good standing with the gods. Compared to the neighboring Cyclops who show no interest in the gods and act as savages, these civilized Phaecians are quite different since they express this form absolute hospitality to Odysseus. With such a good relationship with the gods, they are also seen a surreal kind of people with arête. Having a good standing with the gods ensures that the people have consistency in their lives and are concerned with more than just their current interests. Showing respect the gods as well as honoring guests show their wholesome character, and their own god-like personality since they are skilled craftsmen and sailors. Not only do the Phaeacians show honor to the gods in their initial encounter with Odysseus, but Arete gives him a gold cup for libations to Zeus for the future (8. 465-467). They are truly concerned to ensure the continuation of honor to the gods even away from their land. By giving Odysseus an outlet to

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At this point in Homer’s, The Odyssey, Odysseus approaches Nausikaa with only an olive branch to cover his nakedness. He begins to use his speech in order to convince the Phaikian princess of his civilization. This passage is significant because it shows qualities of Odysseus’ character and infers the Greek theme of hospitality This passage reveals that Odysseus is a civilized and well-spoken character.

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Odysseus and his family confront innumerable amounts of people, but the divine makes noticeable impacts for the better, making Odysseus’s arrival possible. Throughout Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, the divine interacts with humans to help them by providing protection, guiding them and motivating them. The gods helps common mortals by protecting them. Specifically, when Odysseus was on his journey return to his home, he stayed at Calypso’s island for a long duration and it was time for him to depart. Odysseus leaves Calypso's island and sails into a menacing storm, which causes him to lose hope.

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In the beginning of the book Odysseus is impulsive and arrogant. After Odysseus blinds and defeats the Cyclops, he cannot contain himself. Out of pure impulsiveness and the inability to be humble, Odysseus yells out to the Cyclops, “If any man on the face of the earth should ask you/ who blinded you, shamed you do so–say Odysseus,/raider of cities, he gouged out your eye,/Laertes’ son who makes his home in Ithaca!” (Homer 9.556-562). Odysseus is so impulsive he has to scream out his name to the gods and the Cyclops.

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Throughout the story of Odysseus’s journey told by Homer, there are many defining examples of interaction between humans and their gods. The gods primarily interact with humans by either siding with or against them. The gods would often side with humans since they wanted to help them such as Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, helping Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, whereas the gods seeking revenge such as Poseidon, who sought revenge on Odysseus for slaying his son Polyphemus, would turn against them. While actual interaction between gods and humans seems to be a rather risible idea, there was much guidance given to humans by the gods throughout the Odyssey.

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Naturally, he has much to be proud of: his sexy and loyal wife, his bravery, and his victorious battles from the Trojan War and beyond. However, his arrogance creates a weakness in his character that negatively impacts himself and the people around him. The evolution in Odysseus’s personality turns him from an arrogant flaunter to a humble man, and demonstrates that the strifes he encounters during his journey home is not simply new experiences, but also his beginning of a profound revelation. Starting from the middle of the mountain, Odysseus’s new transformation will allow him to soar to the top with eagle

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We cyclops care not a whistle for your thundering Zeus or all the gods in bliss; we have more force by far.” The Polyphemus doesn't care about it and just thinks he is better than the gods by saying that he doesn't care about the gods and he has far more force. The Polyphemus also states that he doesn't care for Zeus or any gods in bliss and this matters because Odysseus and the cyclopes have different cultures and beliefs. The third example would be to have faith in trust in the gods and honor them with respect and dignity. This means that he promised Elpenor a burial and respected that he wanted one and also he has to trust that Tiresias was giving him the right information to go

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Odysseus has grown from the man he was before, as now he finds comfort and safety in obeying the gods when in the past he did not consider their wishes. Odysseus has only returned due to Athena and he has recognized that and his compliance is founded in his appreciation and respect for her. Odysseus is now a hero due to the obedience he now has to the gods, founded in a sense of humility. Through Odysseus’ experiences on his journey, he learns the value of obedience and dangers of arrogance and ultimately, become a hero through the lessons learned.

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