Odysseus's Journey And Challenges In The Odyssey In The Odyssey

Odysseus, one man on a journey to return home, goes through many struggles on his quest in which he “fought only to save his life, to bring his shipmates home… [but] their own recklessness destroyed them all” (951). The Odyssey is a story reflecting on Odysseus’s past 20 years of adventure, challenges, and battles as he struggles to return home. Written by Homer, it showcases the adventures of Odysseus one by one as he struggles on his quest. Character archetypes enhance the story by affecting Odysseus and his quest based on the traits of the archetype, either as a hindrance or help, including Circe the temptress, who evolves into a spiritual guide, gods playing the part of the mentor, and the many monsters he faces along the way that serve

Her temptress nature becomes apparent when Circe’s singing, combined with her sweet facade, lures Odysseus’s men to her, causing them to fall into her trap. One of Odysseus’s most trusted friends leads the group inside, as he announced that “a woman, a goddess perhaps, is singing sweetly within… Let’s call out to her, now” (1). Due to Circe’s beauty in her looks and her voice, she acts as bait to the group of men. This leads to their temporary downfall, since her appeal caused them to put too much trust into her. Had his comrades been permanently taken out, it is likely the hero would’ve ended up falling too, as he would have drastically less support than before. However, this later changes. Odysseus proves his worth to Circe, characterizing him with an epic hero trait, and she then helps and aids the crew to get him to put his trust into her. This characterizes her in a new light, evolving her from foe to friend. She lets them rest at her palace after, telling them, “eat my food and drink my wine, till you each regain the spirit you had when you left your homes on rugged Ithaca” (3). While the temptress archetype doesn’t come much into play here, she takes on the new role of a spiritual guide, affecting his journey differently than before. Due to Odysseus’s strength and legend, Circe’s impact on

Hermes helps out Odysseus by gifting him something that will protect him when he goes to save his comrades. Before acting, Odysseus encounters Hermes who “gives him a magical plant – called moly – to protect him from Circe’s power” (1). Asides from that, Hermes warns him that he “must make the goddess swear that she will play no ‘witches’ tricks’” (1). In giving Odysseus a plant that will protect him from the powers of Circe, and also giving him advice on how to deal with her, Hermes acts a mentor as he assists the hero to fulfill his quest. Without the help, it’s likely that Odysseus also would’ve been turned into a pig by Circe. This leads to Circe’s cooperation with them, and allows the hero to continue on with his quest. Another instance of this occurs in part 2 of The Odyssey, when Athena is there to help Odysseus to defeat the Suitors. Athena tells Odysseus that “the time has come… you together will bring doom on the suitors in the town. I shall not be far distant then, for I myself desire battle,” and she then “tipped her golden wand upon [him]” to disguise him, all a part of the plan (994). With Athena’s assistance, including the disguise and power she gives to him to take his enemies down, Odysseus manages to eliminate his enemies and achieve his ultimate goal of returning home to his family. Due to the help she has given him to aid him in his quest, she plays a mentor figure to