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The Odyssey

Introduction to the odyssey, summary of the odyssey, major themes in the odyssey, major characters of the odyssey, writing style of the odyssey, analysis of the literary devices in the odyssey, related posts:, post navigation.

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The Odyssey Essays

Within the four walls of the Ancient Greece, somewhere around 2,500 years ago, Homer’s exquisite power of words gave birth to one of the largest and most enduring of all time Epic, Odyssey. Odyssey is marked by an immense panorama of wondrous journey of a man through the lands of magic and mystery...

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The Odyssey In The Odyssey, Odysseus had to face many challenges during his travels; a few of these difficulties were a cannibalistic Cyclops, huge whirlpools, determined suitors, along with many hardships. Odysseus fought constantly to return to his homeland of Ithaca, but to accomplish this...

The Odyssey Report In The Odyssey , Homer uses guest-host relationships as an ethical norm against which behavior is measured. When the ritual is preformed correctly by guest-host, good results ensue. In contrast, the violations of this ethical norm results in misfortune. This idea was taken very...

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The Odyssey The Odyssey was full of wonder, power, and surprises. It is packed with epic heroes, creatures, gods, and goddesses. The gods, goddesses, and creatures had supernatural powers that effected the lives of Odysseus, his crew, and his family. Their actions proved to be powerful, beneficial ...

The Odyssey: Telemachus Telemachus recounts his confrontation with the Old man of the sea who could change his appearance in order to escape danger. Telemachus reveals the information which he obtained from the Old man of the sea to the reader. The Old man told Telemachus of the sorrowful tale of...

The Greeks, as portrayed by Homer, are a very vengeful people. Throughout The Odyssey, a theme of vengeance is dominant. These displays of retribution come from different entities for fairly different reasons. So why is revenge such a factor in The Odyssey? Fear and the overwhelming feeling of...

The Odyssey is the product of a society in which the dominant role was played by men. In ancient Greece, just as in the whole of the ancient world, and in America and Western Europe until the last century, women occupied a subservient position. Society was organized and directed by men, and all of...

When one ponders the Greek mythology and literature, powerful images invariably come to mind. One relives the heroes’ struggles against innumerable odds, their battles against magical monsters, and the gods’ periodic intervention in mortal affairs. Yet, a common and often essential...

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The Odyssey and Its Themes Homer’s great literary classic, The Odyssey, represents and illustrates many emotional and mental values. All of these values can be classified under three different main themes that are constant throughout the epic tale. These themes are: A boy’s struggle to...

Loyalty to family, community, and the gods is an important quality in the lives of ancient Greek citizens. These qualities are clear demonstrated in The Odyssey through Penelope, Telemakhos, and Odysseus. Penelope shows her loyalty in several ways. She shows loyalty to Odysseus by waiting for his...

Relationships in the Odyssey Essay Throughout the Odyssey, there are many relationships that represent love between two people. These relationships show loyalty, compassion, and the wanting to be near one another. Two of these kinds of relationships are between Odysseus and Telemakhos, and...

"There is no safety in unlimited hubris" (McGeorge Bundy). The dictionary defines hubris as overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance. In The Odyssey, Homer embodies hubris into the characters Odysseus, the Suitors, and the Cyclopes. Odysseus shows hubris when he is battling the Cyclopes, the...

The Odyssey and The epic of Gilgamesh (Similarities and Differences) Both The Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh are two incredible stories written long ago everyone knows this but what a lot of people don't is that these two epics share many of the same concepts. Such as the nostro (the Greek term...

The Odyssey has much to teach us about the feminine psyche. The feminine psyche is the way that the female mind and soul react to and process situations. Females are generally faithful, giving, and respectful to their mates. We have an insight into the feminine psyche in several things that...

Homer, name traditionally assigned to the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, the two major epics of Greek antiquity. Nothing is known of Homer as an individual, and in fact it is a matter of controversy whether a single person can be said to have written both the Iliad and the Odyssey...

Homer's poem The Odyssey depicts the tendency of people to ignore the consequences of their actions. Odysseus punished Penelope's suitors without thinking of consequences that he would have to endure. He did not acknowledge the consequences because that would prevent him from doing what he wants...

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In the epic the Odyssey by Homer (translated by Robert Fitzgerald) one of the most descriptive and best written passages in the entire epic is "The Slaying of the Suitors" (book 23 lines1-62). This is a good passage for many reasons, one of these is that it is a part of the story that has been...

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The Women of the Odyssey Many people regard Homer's epics as war stories? stories about men; those people often overlook the important roles that women play in the Odyssey. While there are not many female characters in the Odyssey, the few that there are, play pivotal roles in the story and one...

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The Odyssey Odysseus was always considered to be a great man and a great hero. He was known for his brain as well as his muscle. He was an epic hero of a narrative poem about the deeds of gods or heroes. He possesses qualities superior to those of most men, yet remains recognizably human. These...

Everyone has a home. Regardless of its location, it is a place of acceptance and belonging. In a sense it's where the heart is. Though in The Odyssey, the concept of home is blurry and for the most part incomplete, it is the most important thing to Odysseus, and he is willing to go through utter...

In any discussion concerning roles of male and female in the “Odyssey,” it seems natural to concentrate mainly on the evidence having to do with the situation on Ithaka, both because Ithaka is the most complex and the most fully described society in the Odyssey. All the women met...

A long time ago people believed that gods ruled the world. Each god was responsible for a certain element of nature, and all those gods are described in the well-known “Odyssey.” In this article, we’ll provide you with the way Poseidon was described in the poem. Poseidon was...

The feeling of self-confidence is a positive feature as long as it does not turn into arrogance. Hubris is one of such traits when people have too much pride in themselves, and this leads to disasters or problems. Odyssey is a great example of a character whose actions are sometimes ruled by his...

Recently, an approach of researchers to problems of the Homeric epic has changed significantly. In the field of their view, new problems are increasingly emerging. One of the widely discussed topics is a theme of hospitality in the “Odyssey”. From our perspective, this is one of the...

In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Daisy Buchanan is an important woman character, but only in relation toga Gatsby dream. Ever since Gatsby had come back from the army, he had longed to have Daisy back in his life, and so everything he did and built up was in some way for her (e...

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An epic is best described by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero. Epics like "Beowulf" and "The Odyssey" are perfect examples of this definition; they are each centered on the deeds and triumphs of their...

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Many of the tragic pitfalls of Odysseus and his men were from their own weaknesses to women. The temptations that the crew submits to always either anger the gods or distract them from their goal- returning home. In The Odyssey, by the legendary poet Homer, Odysseus and his crew desire to complete...

Pankaj Selvam English 10 Honors Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth Chosen Monomyth: The Odyssey 1. Hero introduced in his ordinary world Odysseus is a strong ruler of Ithaca (Greek city-state), however lacks experience in war. He is also the son of Laertes 2. The call to adventure He wins the Trojan war...

Joel Schain Period 2 3/28/10 Book 9: In the Eyes of Polyphemus This morning was like any other day. I got up to see the sun rise, and then I went into the forest to find something to eat for breakfast. Most days were quiet in the land of the Cyclopes. All you could hear were your own thoughts, and...

Reflective journal 1 The Odyssey Date due MB and ME: 23rd January 2014 at 8:30am – via Blackboard – – Submission to VeriGuide – Choose ONE of the following question groups and write a short essay, about 400-600 words in English or 700-900 characters in Chinese. (* A question may break down into a...

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Composition and early translations

• English translations and legacy

What is the Odyssey ?

Did the odyssey actually happen.

• Was Homer a real person?
• Did Homer write the Odyssey ?

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• Table Of Contents

The Odyssey is an epic poem in 24 books traditionally attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer . The poem is the story of Odysseus , king of Ithaca , who wanders for 10 years (although the action of the poem covers only the final six weeks) trying to get home after the Trojan War .

Where does the Odyssey take place?

The majority of the Odyssey takes place on and around the Aegean Sea before concluding in Odysseus’s kingdom of Ithaca .

How was the Odyssey originally performed?

The Odyssey was intended for oral performance. The poem was likely transmitted through generations of oral poets well before it was written down. It’s been suggested that oral poets performed epics such as the Odyssey in song form.

What are the most popular English-language translations of the Odyssey from the 20th century?

Among the most notable English-language translations of the Odyssey produced in the 20th century were those by Robert Fitzgerald (1961), Richmond Lattimore (1965), Albert Cook (1967), Allen Mandelbaum (1990), and Robert Fagles (1996).

While there is no conclusive evidence supporting the historicity of the Odyssey ’s story and its characters, it has been proposed that geographic elements of Homer ’s poem were real and have persisted into the present. In particular, scholars and ancient-history enthusiasts have suggested a possible location for the Ithaca of the poem, and it’s not the Greek island now named Ithaca.

Odyssey , epic poem in 24 books traditionally attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer . The poem is the story of Odysseus , king of Ithaca , who wanders for 10 years (although the action of the poem covers only the final six weeks) trying to get home after the Trojan War . On his return, he is recognized only by his faithful dog and a nurse. With the help of his son, Telemachus , Odysseus destroys the insistent suitors of his faithful wife, Penelope , and several of her maids who had fraternized with the suitors and reestablishes himself in his kingdom.

The Odyssey does not follow a linear chronology. The reader begins in the middle of the tale , learning about previous events only through Odysseus’s retelling. The first four books set the scene in Ithaca. Penelope, Odysseus’s wife, and their young son, Telemachus, are powerless before her arrogant suitors as they despair of Odysseus’s return from the siege of Troy . Telemachus is searching for news of his father, who has not been heard from since he left for war nearly 20 years earlier. He journeys secretly to the Peloponnese and seeks out two men who fought with Odysseus in the war at Troy, Nestor and Menelaus , and discovers that his father is indeed still alive.

The second four books (V–VIII) introduce the main character, Odysseus, as he is being released from captivity by the nymph Calypso on the island of Ogygia. He suffers a shipwreck and lands on the shore of Scheria, the land of the Phaeacians. In Books IX–XII Odysseus tells the Phaeacians of the harrowing journey he and his crew endured as they tried to find their way home—including their encounters with the lotus-eaters, Laestrygonians , and the sorceress Circe , their narrow escape from the cave of the  Cyclops  Polyphemus, their ordeal navigating between Scylla and Charybdis , and the final shipwreck in which Odysseus is washed ashore on Ogygia alone.

Finally, Books XIII–XXIV, the second half of the poem, find Odysseus back in Ithaca, facing unexpected obstacles and danger. He meets with his protector-goddess Athena and reveals himself first to his faithful swineherd Eumaeus and then to Telemachus before developing a complicated plan to dispose of the suitors. During Odysseus’s absence, Penelope resisted the importuning of more than a hundred suitors—who have stayed in Odysseus’s house, eating, drinking, and carousing while waiting for her to decide among them. In order to reunite with his wife, Odysseus kills them all, with the aid of Telemachus, Eumaeus, and Philoetius (a servant and cowherd).

Scholars date the writing of the Odyssey to about 725–675 bce . The poem was intended for oral performance. It was composed of 12,109 lines written in dactylic hexameter (sometimes referred to as “Homeric hexameter”)—that is, each line consisted of six feet , or metrical units, and each foot consisted of a dactyl (a stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables). The original work may not have been constructed into the 24 books known to the contemporary reader, and the parts were certainly not in codex form. In the ancient world, the poem was likely written in columns on rolls made from papyrus , or possibly some kind of animal skin (such as vellum and parchment ). Given its extraordinary length, the poem may have actually occupied 24 individual rolls. Homer’s role in the writing of the poem and whether he was literate have been a source for rich scholarly debate, commonly referred to as the “Homeric Question.”

Until the 15th century all volumes of the Odyssey in circulation were in handwritten Greek. In 1488 the first printed version (still in Greek) was produced in Florence . The earliest vernacular translations of the Odyssey from its original Ionic Greek dialect began to appear in Europe during the 16th century. Applying the ancient Greek metre to contemporary vernaculars , especially to words meant to be spoken aloud rather than read privately, posed a particular challenge, forcing translators to add and invent words in order to make the metre work. Some have translated it into prose and some into verse.

The Odyssey Themes – Meaning and Main Ideas

Home » Literature Explained – Literary Synopses and Book Summaries » The Odyssey » The Odyssey Themes – Meaning and Main Ideas

Main Themes of The Odyssey – Introduction

The events of this epic poem occur along the Mediterranean Coast during the Bronze Age, which took place in the late 11th century into the 12th century. It is clear from the language used in the poem that Homer sees this age as a time of great innovation in which kings possessed great wealth and warriors won strong favor for their courage from these wealthy kings.

In literature, this translates into heroes having superhuman strength and extraordinary beauty. Gods are able to walk among humans and to bless them with their supreme knowledge, meaning that no human on Earth was truly ever alone in their suffering. This idea translates into wonderful storytelling, such as in the case of our hero Odysseus.

As is the case in any narrative, The Odyssey has many motifs that work to support the story’s overall thematic elements. The motifs mainly speak to traditions that were important in the culture of the time it was written. Many of the most upstanding values are able to be reflected in some way or another thanks to the motifs.

Seeing as the story focuses around a human man trying to get back home to his family while being thwarted by supernatural forces, it makes sense that motifs such as disguised characters, storytelling traditions, and temptress characters are present. These represent the human ability, under great moral character, to withstand temptation and to carry on a legacy of honor by doing what’s right.

Homer’s Odyssey Themes

The Power of the Mind Over Physical Strength

The dangers of temptation, the dangers of isolation, maturity from trials and triumphs.

What makes Odysseus such a hero is not just his outstanding physical strength and his triumphs over impressive monsters, but his ability to withstand mental trials as well and to look forward with cunning to help him get out of certain situations that can’t be fixed with sheer manpower. There are many times throughout the story in which Odysseus knows that his physical abilities alone won’t get him out of a dire situation. However, he is able to plan, to think ahead, and to make calculated moves to outwit his opponents.

During all of Odysseus’s travels, he is plagued by temptation. In fact, the very reason that his journey back home turned into such an ordeal is due to the rape of the Trojan princess Cassandra while the Greeks plundered the city. As a result of this weak moment of one man’s surrender to temptation, the goddess Athena sought vengeance against the offending Achaean fleet, complicating Odysseus’s journey home.

Odysseus and his men are repeatedly faced with the possibility of giving in to mortal weaknesses and being punished by the gods as a result. These kinds of acts really anger the gods and make them place further tempting obstacles in humans’ paths. Odysseus himself has a lot of pride over being a hero and his desire for the glory that comes along with that is another type of temptation.

The overarching idea is that if Odysseus and/or his men give in to temptation, it will only continue to prolong their journey home because they will be punished for these misgivings.

While he’s away from home, the main guiding light for Odysseus to return home is to be reunited with his family and to protect their honor. Although he meets with many interesting and even challenging forces on his way home, he never loses the hope that he will make it back home. The separation he feels fuels his fire to experience a grand homecoming.

In the Greek heroic tradition, part of a hero’s great triumph is his celebrated return home from his journeys. Part of the problem that arises for Odysseus, though, is that his kingdom may not be as he left it, which would prevent him from receiving this highest triumph.

While his family are isolated from Odysseus, they do their best to preserve his honor in any way possible. However, they are also feeling this isolation, which only increases the threat that Odysseus may not have the homecoming he so desires. The family’s isolation from one another really increase the tension with this idea.

In the case of Odysseus, his journey helps him to reaffirm what is important to him—his family and his family’s honor back home. He learns a lot of lessons about triumphs, retribution, overcoming obstacles, and withstanding temptations.

This all translates to his increased maturity. Mirrored with this is his wife and son’s journey to defend Odysseus’s honor while he’s away. They both mature as well, especially his son, Telemachus, as he learns how to be a leader and protector earlier than he would have otherwise. When Odysseus comes home, the two are able to bond over coming together to thwart the mob of suitors and massacre them in payback for terrorizing their home and their family name.

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Poems — The Odyssey

Essays on The Odyssey

When it comes to writing an essay about The Odyssey, the epic poem by Homer, there is a wide range of potential topics to explore. The story of Odysseus' ten-year journey home from the Trojan War offers plenty of material for analysis and discussion. However, with so many options, it can be challenging to narrow down a specific topic. This article will discuss the importance of choosing the right topic, offer advice on selecting a topic, and provide a detailed list of recommended essay topics, divided by category.

Choosing the right topic for your essay on The Odyssey is crucial for several reasons. First, it's essential to select a topic that you are passionate about and interested in exploring further. This will make the writing process more enjoyable and result in a more engaging and well-researched essay. Second, selecting a specific and focused topic will help you to develop a clear thesis and argument for your paper. Finally, choosing a unique and thought-provoking topic will set your essay apart from others and capture the reader's attention.

When choosing a topic for your essay on The Odyssey, consider your interests and the aspects of the poem that intrigue you the most. Think about the themes, characters, and literary devices that you find most compelling. Additionally, consider the scope of your essay and the length requirements. It's important to select a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow, allowing for in-depth analysis within the confines of your assignment.

Recommended The Odyssey Essay Topics

Writing an essay on The Odyssey by Homer? Here's a list of essay topics to help you get started. These topics are categorized to make it easier for you to find the perfect one for your assignment.

Themes and Motifs

• The theme of hospitality in The Odyssey
• The role of disguise and deception in the epic
• Revenge and retribution in The Odyssey
• The significance of loyalty in the story
• The concept of fate and destiny in The Odyssey
• The motif of homecoming in the epic
• Power and authority in The Odyssey
• The portrayal of women in the epic
• The importance of storytelling in The Odyssey
• The theme of heroism and courage in the narrative

Character Analysis

• Odysseus: A hero's journey
• Penelope: The strength of a faithful wife
• Telemachus: Growing up in the shadow of a hero
• Athena: The goddess of wisdom and warfare
• Poseidon: The god of the sea and his role in the story
• Circe: The enchantress and her impact on the narrative
• Calypso: Love and longing in The Odyssey
• The Suitors: Arrogance and greed in the epic
• Eurycleia: The loyal servant in the household of Odysseus
• Eumaeus: The swineherd and his loyalty to Odysseus

Symbolism and Imagery

• The significance of the bow in The Odyssey
• The symbolism of the sea in the narrative
• The imagery of the underworld in the epic
• The meaning of the olive tree in the story
• The role of dreams and prophecies in The Odyssey
• The symbolism of the epic's title
• The imagery of light and darkness in the narrative
• The significance of the scar on Odysseus' leg
• The symbol of the lotus-eaters in The Odyssey
• The imagery of the sirens and their allure

Comparative Analysis

• Comparing and contrasting the portrayal of Odysseus in The Odyssey and other ancient texts
• Comparing the themes of The Odyssey with other epic poems
• Exploring the similarities and differences between The Odyssey and The Iliad
• Comparing the portrayal of gods and goddesses in The Odyssey and other ancient literature
• Examining the role of women in The Odyssey and other ancient texts

Historical and Cultural Context

• The portrayal of ancient Greek society in The Odyssey
• The significance of the Trojan War in the context of the poem
• The political and social implications of Odysseus' return to Ithaca
• The role of religion and spirituality in ancient Greek culture
• The influence of mythology on the narrative of The Odyssey

With these recommended essay topics, you'll have plenty of options to choose from when writing about The Odyssey. Whether you're interested in exploring the themes, characters, literary devices, or historical context of the poem, there is a wealth of material to dive into. Remember to select a topic that resonates with you and allows for a focused and engaging analysis. Happy writing!

Analysis of Odysseus and The Cicones

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Pride and Hubris in The Odyssey

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Fate and Choice in Homer's Odyssey: an Analysis

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A Study of The Theme of Self-identification in The Odyssey

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c. 8th century BCE

Epic Poetry, Epic

Ancient Greek

Odysseus, Telemachus, Penelope, Athena, Poseidon, Zeus, Antinous, Eurymachus, Amphinomus, Eumaeus, Eurycleia, Melanthius, Melantho, Calypso, Polyphemus, Circe, Laertes, Tiresias, Nestor, Menelaus, Helen, Agamemnon, Nausicaa, Alcinous, Arete

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Book Review: ‘The Future Was Now’ is a brilliant look back at the groundbreaking movie summer of ’82

This cover image released by Flatiron shows “The Future Was Now: Madmen, Maverick, and the Summer Sci-Fi Abducted Hollywood” by Chris Nashawaty. (Flatiron Books via AP)

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The moments are seared into the pop culture pantheon. And our collective consciousness.

A friendly alien taking Henry Thomas’ character Elliott on an airborne bike ride with the full moon as a backdrop in “E.T.” Carol Anne (Heather O’Rourke) in “Poltergeist,” getting out of bed, staring into a pulsating TV screen, turning to her family and warning: “They’re here.” Arnold Schwarzenegger’s titular hero Conan the Barbarian succinctly listing for his compatriots what is best in life: “To crush your enemies. See them driven before you. And hear the lamentation of their women.”

Former Entertainment Weekly film critic Chris Nashawaty walks readers through the significance (and making) of each of the films, as well as five other science fiction/fantasy classics — “Blade Runner,” “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior,” “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “The Thing” and “Tron” — that, incredibly, were released within two months of each other in the summer of 1982.

In the ultra-entertaining and informative “The Future Was Now: Madmen, Mavericks, and the Epic Sci-Fi Summer of 1982,” Nashawaty makes the case that the octet of flicks altered the trajectory, not only of the auteurs at the helm, but of Hollywood filmmaking.

“The summer of 1982 was the moment when sci-fi, fantasy, and splashy blockbusters ripped from the pages of comic books would grow up,” Nashawaty writes. “These films could no longer be nonchalantly dismissed as kids’ stuff.

“They became the harbingers of a new era and eventually the most dominant force in popular entertainment.”

His thesis is solid, sure. But it’s not what makes “The Future Was Now” a great read. The behind-the-scenes intrigue does that.

Nashawaty digs deep into the history of how these groundbreaking films got — and were — made. Perhaps most fascinating is the tale of burgeoning cinema maestro Steven Spielberg leading his young charges through the filming of the now-classic “E.T.” and more or less taking over the production of “Poltergeist,” a much different kind of film that now is considered to be a landmark in the horror genre.

Add in the complex origins of the “Star Trek” and “Mad Max” sequels, plus Ridley Scott’s odyssey in transforming a Philip K. Dick novel into the big-screen cult classic “Blade Runner,” and you’ve got a must-read for any cinephile.

The summer of ’82 paved “the way for our current all-blockbusters-all-the-time era,” Nashawaty writes.

But the real treat is having a front-row seat as the author’s painstaking research and expert recounting bring to life how these silver-screen gems came to be.

AP book reviews: https://apnews.com/hub/book-reviews

Father-Son Relationship in The Odyssey by Homer Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

The relationship, works cited.

In Homer’s most famous epic poem, “The Odyssey” there is certain facts that are obvious to the reader about the nature of a father – son relationship. For instance, that the structure and the organization of the Greeks was patriarchal (Caldwell 40). The men were highly respected especially those that were strong and courageous. Their sons were mostly prized too if they exhibited their father’s achievements and skills.

In Odyssey therefore, it is expected that the relationship of Odysseus and Telemachus is as admiring as it is; the father is proud of his son, who is courageous and the son is proud of his father who has earned a reputation as a warrior who defended his territory bravely.

However, it is surprisingly that distance earned the father – son affection. A son must earn his father’s respect and it is by leaving home and fighting his own battles that a son is able to achieve this. Through distance, a son and a father establish their share of beliefs and values but not through direct contact

In the Odyssey , the father and the son spend most of their time apart and it is through distance that they developed admiration and love for each other. The physical distance between the father and the son is vital and cements their relationship. The father created the distance by being far from home for twenty years.

His son then decided to go on a journey and look for him. It is through this journey that Telemachus is able to prove his worth. Blazina says that there is unique bond between Odysseus and his son Telemachus “desired to connect all along” (285) and the distance strengthens this bond and proves their achievements.

Telemachus went and faced the king when he was enquiring on his father’s whereabouts as explained in the most important quotes from the Odyssey, “to see lord Menelaus…There face-to-face [to] implore father’s whereabouts” (Homer 52).

There is also the connection of emotion when the father and the son meet, “salt tears rose from the wells of longing in both men…./So helpless they cried pouring out tears” (Homer 268). The distance allowed the father and the son to develop a strong bond and feelings towards each other.

In respect to the distance that existed between the father and the son, Telemachus discovered his father in him. Through Telemachus victory, Odysseus saw himself in his son. There are some secrets, not pronounced in fathers that appear in their sons. The father is similar to his son and the vice versa is true. Some aspects and values that fathers and sons share define them.

These values are in The Odysseys by Homer to help shape father- son relationship. According to Homer there are characteristics, “that a son must be willing to do anything for his father, whether it is avenging him or keeping a secret for him (49).” Through these believes and values, the father and son establishes a solid relationship where every one looks after the other.

With this sense of responsibility to look after one another, the sons will always avenge their fathers from any humiliation. When Telemachus went enquiring from the king about his father the king told him of Orestes and what he did to the man who murdered his father. Nestor says, “… you’ve heard of Agamemnon – how he came… how Aigisthos waited to destroy him…paid a bitter price for it in the end… that is a good thing…a son behind him… (Homer 41).

According to Homer every man should have a son that would avenge for him when he his gone. A son should look at his father as his greatest father and uphold him in his highest esteem. The father on the other hand should protect his son from any harm. Odysseus would do anything to protect his son from any danger. He was gone for twenty years but when he returned Odysseus made sure that he protected his son.

He attacked all the suitors who disturbed his son saying, “You yellow dogs, you thought I’d never make it/you took my house to plunder…You dared bid for my wife while I was still alive…Your last hour has come. You die in blood” (Homer 410) He made sure that he put them to death because that what they deserved for disturbing his son.

In conclusion, the relationship between a father and his son is strong bond that cannot be broken. It is usually internal as expressed in the Odyssey. It is stipulated clearly that a father will go to any limits to protect his son and with the same measure; a son will protect his father.

However, the quality of this relationship is determined through the distance between the two. As aforementioned, a worth of a man develops by fighting and winning own battles. Odysseus won his battle just like Telemachus and each saw himself through the lenses of victory of the other and their relationship grew stronger every day.

Blazina, Chis. “Mythos and Men: Toward New Paradigms of Masculinity.” The Journal Of Men’s Studies 5.4 (1997): 285-294.

Caldwell, Richard. The Origin of the Gods: A Psychoanalytic Study of Greek Theogonic Myth, 1993. New York: Oxford University Press.

Homer. The Odyssey . Trans. W. H. D. Rouse. New York: Signet Classics, 1999.

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IvyPanda. (2018, May 24). Father-Son Relationship in The Odyssey by Homer. https://ivypanda.com/essays/father-son-relationship-in-the-odyssey-by-homer/

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IvyPanda . (2018) 'Father-Son Relationship in The Odyssey by Homer'. 24 May.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Father-Son Relationship in The Odyssey by Homer." May 24, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/father-son-relationship-in-the-odyssey-by-homer/.

1. IvyPanda . "Father-Son Relationship in The Odyssey by Homer." May 24, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/father-son-relationship-in-the-odyssey-by-homer/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Father-Son Relationship in The Odyssey by Homer." May 24, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/father-son-relationship-in-the-odyssey-by-homer/.