The Odyssey Essay Research Paper O ODHSSEASThe

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The Odyssey Essay, Research Paper O ODHSSEAS The Odyssey, written by Homer, tells the story of Odysseus and how he faced misfortune in his attempts to return home after the Trojan War. Odysseus is not famous for his great strength or bravery, but for his ability to deceive and trick. To his friends, he was a brilliant strategist. To his enemies, he was a deceiver and a manipulator of the worst kind. During his journeys Odysseus often makes the mistake of bragging to his enemies but learns that doing this gives his enemies a chance to seek revenge against him. After leaving Troy, Odysseus attacks the land of the Ciclopes. Instead of leaving after his victory he stays to celebrate until a force is gathered against him. He must then flee after many of his men are killed.

Afterwards Odysseus and his crew land on the island of the Cyclops. they are attacked and some of the men are eaten by Polyphemus. After getting the giant Cyclops drunk, Odysseus and his men blind the monster with a spear in his one eye. The men could have made an escape without misfortune but Odysseus mocked Polyphemus and shouted out his real name, when before Odysseus had told Polyphemus that his name was “Noman.” With this new information Polyphemus prays to his father, Poseidon, to have Odysseus and his men punished. Because he angered Poseidon, Odysseus must wander throughout the sea while his men slowly die one by one. Odysseus learns that bragging can have ill effects and uses this knowledge on the island of Phaecians and Ithaca when he does not openly bray about his

deeds and his journeys. Odysseus also learns to pay close attention to the instructions of the gods, or he might have to face a terrible price. when Odysseus and his crew landed at the island of Aeolus, they were given a parting gift that would have helped if they had paid attention to the warnings of Aeolus. He gave Odysseus a bag full of the bad winds that would keep them from their home of Ithaca. Odysseus and his crew were in sight of the homeland they had waited so long to see, when a hand of rebel crewmen opened the bag. because they thought it contained treasures, creating a great gale that blew them back to Aeolus. When Aeolus saw this he believed that Odysseus was cursed and banished him from the island. this is not the only time Odysseus was betrayed by his men and

suffered a great price. When they landed on the island of Hyperion, bad winds prevented them from leaving. Food soon became low, and when Odysseus was asleep, the crew killed the cows of Hyperion against the god’s warnings. Hyperion was enraged to see this and had all of Odysseus’ men killed in a great storm. After the storm all Odysseus had left was his own strength and the favor of Athena. Odysseus learned that the gods must be respected in order for any man to succeed. Hstera apo cronia me thn Kalhyo, o Odhsseas mpori na menh me thn Kalhyo aqana-tos u na phgainh piso sthn Peneloph. Hqele na phgaini spiti. Throughout his wandering for home, Odysseus becomes a humbler and more respectful man. The once boastful man learns that his bragging can turn people against him, and is

quieter than before he left for Troy. He also learns that the immortal gods of Olympus can be merciful and bring great fortune, but they also punish those that disobey their wishes. Every time Odysseus had not been respectful he has been severely punished and his trip home delayed. Out of this great tragedy he has become a greater man to regain his kingdom and live a long life. During his journey Odysseus used what he has learned from is mistakes to return home and kill the suitors of his wife. On the island of Ciclopes, and with his encounter with Polyphemus, Odysseus learned that bragging can bring great misfortune. On Ithaca Odysseus never brags to the suitors and is able to enter his house with the Antinous and the other suitors knowing his real identity. He takes the