From Hubris to Humility: How Odysseus Learned to Respect the Power of Fate
Odysseus is portrayed as the hero of Homer's epic poem, but is he really? Odysseus has to learn the hard way that pride is not everything before he can become a true hero. In The Odyssey Odysseus first lets his Hubris take a hold of his decision although, through his actions and dialogue, Homer depicts that Odysseus learns that respecting and listening to fate makes life easier.
In book 12 of Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, Odysseus navigates the perils of the sea and the threats of the gods and witnesses his prideful nature take hold of his decisions, despite the consequences he has previously faced. After returning to Aeaea, Circe tells of what will happen to him and his crew, instead of listening Odysseus begs Circe to “ tell me the truth now, goddess,’ I protested/ Deadly
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When Odysseus and his men are about to engage in a battle against the suitor’s family. Odysseus is encouraging his men to fight bravely and confidently by telling them “There we’ll see/ what winning strategy Zeus will hand us” (Homer 23.156-157). The dialog suggests that Odysseus and his men know that the gods will lead them to victory. Through Odysseus' action, he shows he is willing to trust in god's divine guidance to help them achieve victory. To avoid a battle between the suitors' families, Odyssey listens to Athena beg for peace. Odyessus “obeye[s] her, glad at heart” (Homer 24.598). The use of the adjective “glad” shows that he is willing and happy to let the gods dictate what the outcome will be—fully knowing and accepting that the gods are on his side and that they know what is best. Despite the fact that Odyessus made some troubling choices he ultimately makes the necessary decision to put his fate in the god's