ipl-logo

Theme Of Humility In The Odyssey

629 Words3 Pages

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 …show more content…

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

Show More
Related
287 Words | 2 Pages

Odysseus possess the character strengths of loyalty and compassion because he cares deeply for his comrades. For example, Odysseus proves his loyalty to his dead comrade Elpenor when he travels back to the island of Aeaea, “We cut logs in haste and out on the islands jutting headland his funeral rights in sorrow, streaming tears” (12.10-12). Odysseus feels a deep sense of loyalty towards his comrades as shown when he immediately returns to bury his friend. He exhibits compassion and loyalty towards his trusted friends throughout the book; he always puts the safety and well-being of his men first. Furthermore, Odysseus portrays his compassion and loyalty when after gaining Circe’s trust, he demands, “If you really want me to eat and drink, set

Read More
754 Words | 4 Pages

Odysseus and his team must surpass the death and torture through the human headed bird called Sirens. After he and his men attend the funeral at Aeaea for Elpenor, Circe tells Odysseus that he

Read More
735 Words | 3 Pages

Odysseus is instructing his men to return to their ship after causing turmoil, but the crew refuses, leading to major consequences. Odysseus's direct language, such as telling the crew to get “back [to the ship] and quickly” (155) demonstrates his dominion over his followers.

Read More
144 Words | 1 Pages

One example from the text that shows odysseus does not have the incredible heroic trait of humility is found in book 101 the odyssey . in lines 416 -419 , odysseus says,”cyclops if ever mortal man inquires how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him odysseus,laetres son. whose homes on ithaca “ (384). odysseus wanted the cyclops to know who to credit for bringing him. his bragging almost cost him and his men their lives.

Read More
1107 Words | 5 Pages

Although Odysseus in The Odyssey by Homer does not learn life lessons easily and constantly puts himself and others in danger, the challenges that come his way helps him

Read More
1764 Words | 8 Pages

In the book called The Odyssey by Homer, it mainly follows the story of a king of a village called Ithaca, hundreds of years ago-This man, is named Odysseus. Odysseus goes through many adventures after the victory of the Trojan War. However, this is where Odysseus, is not being as strong as a great war hero and a king as he should be. Although Odysseus was seen as a very strong person, physically and mentally, he lacks the appreciation and the care of his crew throughout the trials and didn’t think through many of his actions thoroughly and how they would affect not only his crew but people around him.

Read More
1631 Words | 7 Pages

Along the journey home, Odysseus and his men are presented with many situations that act as tests of their personal character and self-control. Whether it is the temptation of revelry, the ability to escape their worries, or gluttony, the men must choose between their own selfish desires or resistance for the communal good. The crew’s success or failure in giving in to their temptations depends upon their possession of certain characteristics. Throughout Homer’s Odyssey, the failure of Odysseus’s men to recognize their lack of self-control due to foolishness results in them bringing misfortune upon themselves and ultimately their community while their king and commander, Odysseus, successfully displays how to avoid this lack of self-control

Read More
500 Words | 2 Pages

In the epic story the Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus is returning from the Trojan war, and on his way home he finds many obstacles ahead of him. Odysseus is the ruler of Ithaca and he is trying to return home to his land. Many creatures try and stop him from achieving his goal of returning home, but he and his crew have to push through and get home. Odysseus portrays bravery and courage leading his crew through these tough challenges. Odysseus heroically leads his crew and himself through dangerous obstacles, but also foolishly endangers them during the journey home.

Read More
688 Words | 3 Pages

The Odyssey by Homer revolves around the character, Odysseus, and his ten-year struggle to return home after the Trojan War. As the epic’s idol, he displays the combination of a clever, handsome, and courageous man popular among the mortals as well as the gods. Essentially, he embodies the ideals of the ancient Greek culture, being adorned with many favored characteristics of the era. However, an intriguing aspect of Odysseus lies in his personality. As the protagonist, he does not manifest the entirety of a stereotypical hero because Odysseus has a fatal flaw—his arrogance.

Read More
1437 Words | 6 Pages

Odysseus’ Lessons Throughout the Odyssey "There are certain lessons that you can only learn in the struggle" (Koyenikan). In the epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who wanders and endures hardships for ten years to get home after the Trojan War. In Homer's The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson, Odysseus learns to be courageous and control himself, but he needs to learn to manage his prideful nature. Throughout his journey, Odysseus gradually learns the value of courage. On his way home, he needs to visit King Alcinous for ships, men, and supplies.

Read More
1550 Words | 7 Pages

Thesis: In the novel “The Odyssey” Homer displays the main character Odysseus, the master of his sword and the shepherd of men, with god like qualities which clouds his judgement and sense of superiority that he will never transpire to respect the other warriors through his harsh tones. After Odysseus came from the encounter he had with the beautiful witch goddess Circe,, his men are grateful to see him . His men gather around him like a master and a shepherd, his men surrounded him. Odysseus a well respected man who is admired by his men and treated as a mortal god due to his God like qualities .

Read More
591 Words | 3 Pages

Just as Achilles is confronted in the Iliad with the problem of balancing his honor with his pride, Odysseus repeatedly faces situations in which self-restraint and humility must check bravado and glory-seeking. In his early adventures, he fails these tests, as when he taunts Polyphemus, inflaming Poseidon. As the epic progresses, Odysseus becomes increasingly capable of judging when it is wise to reveal himself and when it is appropriate to rejoice in his

Read More
351 Words | 2 Pages

Why was Odysseus being so resourceful and using so much hubris within the book? In the epic poem ¨The Odyssey¨ by Homer, a key strength and weakness are shown by Odysseus. He shows resourcefulness and hubris in an attempt to save him and his men. This poem by Homer demonstrates Odysseus´ greatest strength, resourcefulness, and his greatest weakness, hubris. He does this to teach his readers that certain actions can have bad consequences.

Read More
664 Words | 3 Pages

Have you ever felt tempted to cheat on your homework or on a test? Have you been prideful of what your status or accomplishments? In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, the brave hero Odysseus encountered these obstacles of temptations and pride that people today still face. Therefore, temptation and pride were Odysseus’ greatest enemy throughout his journey back to Ithaca, as they distracted him on his voyage, prevented him from getting home, and displeased the gods.

Read More
846 Words | 4 Pages

Odysseus’ reverence to the gods is shown again after the suitors families and the town learns of Odysseus’ homicide, they come after the royal family. Athena and Zeus come to Ithaca, ordering a peace. Homer describes the event and Odysseus’ reaction, “So she commanded. He obeyed her, glad at heart." (Homer 24.598).

Read More

More about Theme Of Humility In The Odyssey

Related Topics

Open Document