Why Is Persistence Important In The Odyssey

Persistence Is Key Persistence is the vital key to success. Persistence is used whether you are pursuing goals of your own or in one's profession. The ability to face the struggles in life is what separates successful individuals, and underachievers. Time and time again, the Greek myths show their heroes and gods overcome challenges, and develop resilience, letting them accomplish their goals. Certainly, Greek myth writers wanted to show why persistence is the most important attribute to build character, furthermore to progress toward goals in life.

Persistence was the most important attribute in the Greek world, as shown in the myths of Gods like Odysseus, Jason, Zeus, and Perseus. Odysseus countless times throughout his story demonstrates

Sirens, attempting to lead them astray, and rough tides, including huge boulders, do not faze Odysseus, so their pursuit of Ithaca continued. Although what Circe thought became true, Odysseus continued without his men to Ithaca to finally reunite his family. This proves that persistence is the key to success as Odysseus would have stayed accompanied by Circe or worse died at sea if he had given up, never allowing success in his goal. One other example of persistence shown to be the most valued in Greek culture is the hero Perseus. Perseus was challenged to be sent on a quest for the head of a Gorgon, Medusa. Perseus was confident and accepted the challenge. “He stood up before them all and did exactly what the King had hoped he would do, declaring that he would give him a present better than any there.” (Hamilton 148) Shown here Perseus is so confident that he announces his goals to the world, even though he is mortified by the quest itself, he sets off on it. Despite his fears, resilience, and persistence rushed through himself, progressing to Perseus slaying Medusa, building character, plus finding

This is very logical as countless times in the stories show how strength is what they needed to win. In the popular Greek epic, The Wandering of Odysseus, Odysseus must hold on to a ram all night to hide from the Cyclops. “So three sheep could convey each man. I took the woolliest ram the choicest of the flock, and hung myself under his kinky belly, pulled up tight, with fingers twisted deep in sheepskin ringlets for an iron grip.” (Homer 908) Cleary the Greeks credit Odysseus to be one of the strongest heroes and imply strength is necessary to be successful. According to the myth, Zeus, the god, used immense strength to pull a lightning bolt from the sky to defeat Kronos. Zeus’s lightning bolt was a symbol of authority, including strength. These myths may demonstrate strength as key to winning battles, and overcoming obstacles, but would Odysseus be able to hold on to the ram all night if it wasn’t for the sheer willpower to do so? Also, could Zeus have gained strength from the lightning bolt, if he let his mind give in, not asking his grandmother for help during his time of weakness and exhaustion? I do not think so. One must go through persistence first to achieve strength. I believe that the Greeks wanted to show you must learn to master your doubts about yourself and others to achieve success in