Obstacles In The Odyssey

The epic poem, The Odyssey, is a story about Odysseus's journey home to Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan War. Across his expedition, he faces a sequence of obstacles and confrontations with mythical creatures that he will be required to overcome. These metaphorical creatures test his bravery and ingenuity as they prevent Odysseus from returning home. However, Odysseus gains valuable traits and lessons as he embarks on his journey. Homer allows the reader to follow the quest meticulously. He reveals that the journey itself is more significant than the destination by showing that the voyage is often an internal quest rather than a physical one. Homer’s, The Odyssey, is a physical and spiritual journey as Odysseus becomes a stronger person

Each island has a lesson for Odysseus to learn, which the reader or listener can reflect on in their own life. For instance, the Sirens are a symbol of temptation to hazardous situations. Odysseus is relaying information told to him by Circe, “Sirens weaving a haunting song over the sea we are to shun, she said, and their green shore all sweet with clover.” Even though their song seems nice, if you follow down their path you will meet your demise. Allegorically, sirens can be a symbol of temptations such as gambling, cheating, or substances. Although they may seem appealing at first from greed or stress, it’s important to think logically and metaphorically tie yourself to the mast of your ship to remain on the right course. This is just one example, for there are many lessons that Homer teaches throughout the journey of The Odyssey. (Homer

When Odysseus was on the journey back to Ithaca he faced different Gods and Cyclops which provided new challenges. Once Odysseus started to face these deterrents he knew he had to use his critical thinking in order to protect himself and his men. For example, when Odysseus explains his escape from the Cyclops he explains how he “tied the rams silently together, twining cords of willow from the ogre’s bed; then slung a man under each middle one to ride there safely, shielded left and right. So three sheep could convey each man.” (360-365). This shows his outside-of-the-box thinking and how he used a strategy. He wouldn’t have faced this obstacle if it wasn’t for the journey he was on. He also learned from his mistakes as shown when they arrived at Aeolus’ island and realized that their voyage was cursed by the Gods, he narrated “After nine days’ sail, with Ithaca in sight, the men untie the bag of winds, and their ships are blown straight back to Aeolus’ island. Realizing that their voyage is cursed by the gods, Aeolus drives them away.”(491-495) This showed Odysseus that the Gods weren’t always on his side. Subsequently, Odysseus faced many ups and downs throughout the journey and experienced new challenges that came with it. This is why the journey is so important, you need to get through hardships in order to get the good or find the