The Attributes Of Odysseus And Moses

Odysseus and Moses are both revered historical figures in each of their fields of literature. Both of these men had a calling from on high, and they were both tested by their gods. However, the paths they took to get there were quite different. Odysseus was a fearless warrior yet arrogant and prideful. He was called to lead his people out of Troy, but he struggled with his ego throughout his journey home. Moses was at first skittish and timid but because of the God he served, he became one of the most revered leaders of his time. While both Odysseus and Moses dealt with their struggles, the call that they had on their lives remained strong. Both Moses and Odysseus exhibit notable attributes of a hero. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus’s character

The Odyssey begins with Odysseus trapped on the island of Ogygia under the captivity of the sea nymph Calypso. The strength of his loyalty and love for his wife Penelope is tested. What is presented as a test of character turns into a seven-year affair. The call of Odysseus occurs in the prequel of the Odyssey, the Iliad, where he is summoned to join Agamemnon to battle to attack the city of Troy. Like Odysseus, Moses also receives a call to action. The call of Moses transpires in Exodus. The Lord appears to Moses in a burning bush, summoning him to rescue the Hebrew people from captivity in Egypt saying “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt'' (Exodus 3:10). After hearing God’s plan for the saving of the Israelites, Moses responds by questioning God if he is the right guy for the job. Conversely, Odysseus responds to the invitation he received to fight for his country with great dignity and pride. He strives quickly to prove his valor on the battlefield and exemplifies great strength. Although Moses displays his strength differently, both men are of great importance. Moses exemplifies humility in his leadership while Odysseus

Moses serves the only living God while Odysseus participates in a polytheistic religion serving many gods. Throughout the story, Odysseus’s praise focuses on Athena, Circe, Calypso, and Poseidon. He is constantly working to earn the favor of the gods and strives to prove himself even to the gods that are against him. Odysseus’s religion is a works-based faith, requiring him to have to work for the sake of his faith. However, Moses serves a different kind of god. He practices a monotheistic faith, serving only one god-the God of Israel. Rather than Odysseus, Moses consults God faithfully and has a real relationship with him. It is nearly impossible to have an actual relationship with the gods Odysseus serves. The gods Odysseus serves are fickle and inconsistent. They are petty and persnickety, making it impossible to please them. The difference between Moses' and Odysseus’ faith greatly impacts the outcome of both stories. Moses’s success in leading the people of Israel out of slavery and through the wilderness is attributed only to his faith in God. If Moses was without faith in God, he would not have been the leader he was. Israel would not have been rescued at the hand of Moses but at the obedience of someone else called by God. Odysseus’s religion is the reason for his delay in returning home. The gods did whatever they could to hinder his arrival