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... that at times could overcome even his strongest heroic qualities. Calypso would often observe Odysseus, sitting in his usual place on the stone, wearing out his soul with lamentation and tears. (63). Being held prisoner on an island made Odysseus very upset. Feelings of helplessness and missing his family drained him of any heroism and left him very much an ordinary man, giving in to his emotions. There were times when Odysseus wanted to give up.
Before arriving in the lad of the Phaecians, he tossed about for two nights and two days on the rolling waves, always looking for death. (70). The physical pain he was experiencing under the direction of Poseidon was too great for even this strong warrior, and he felt death would be his only relief from earthly suffering. Yet, in this hour of trial when the entire world seemed to forsake him he managed to survive once again. He made it to land, where he took shelter in a thicket near a river.
His suffering was far from over though. All his body was swollen, and the salt water bubbles from mouth and nostrils and awful weariness overcame him. (71). His body physically suffered from all that was demanded of him during his journeys. He was not immortal, and did experience pain like other people, though it usually took more to affect him. Odysseus was also known to occasionally make mistakes, getting himself into tricky situations. After he had safely escaped from the clutches of the wretched Cyclops, he tormented the mighty beast, causing him to, break off the peak of a tall rock and throw it (110).
This mistake could have cost Odysseus and his men their lives, but like any normal man a proud Odysseus thought it necessary to celebrate his victory by mocking the beast. It was times like these Odysseus needed the help of the gods, and was often, praying to his guardian goddess. (81). Odysseus prayed to Athena to keep him safe and help him return to Ithaca, knowing he possessed neither the strength nor the knowledge nec essary to get home. He even admits he is, not at all like the immortals who rule the broad heavens, either in stature or feature, but I am just a mortal man. (85). Odysseus couldn't possibly do it all on his own.
Like he said, he was just a mortal man, and like any mortal he needed help at times. Being able to admit this makes Odysseus an extraordinary man, but none the less just a man. He experienced the emotional and physical constraints characteristic of any human. From the earliest Greek society to today's modern reader, Odysseus is ever popular for the heroism he displayed in his adventures, while still experiencing the human emotions that make him seem more realistic. After traveling for twenty years, he no doubt became well known, not only for his accomplishments as a warrior and a hero, but also for his qualities as an exceptional human being. Odysseus is best known for dealing with the wrath of gods and goddesses.
He dealt with Poseidon, Circe, Calypso, and numerous others, and was well known on Olympus for this. He was especially popular with Athena, who cared greatly, for that glorious man Odysseus. (37). From the beginning Athena took a special interest in Odysseus, helping him to return to Ithaca and his family once again. She even refers to him as Odysseus Laertiades, prince never unready! (271). He was indeed always ready to his obstacles, never faltering under the difficulties of the tasks and the strain of being away from home. Odysseus was equally popular among the mortals.
When Telemachos was asking about his father, king Menelaus says, Dear me, I did love that man. (47). The Greeks loved Odysseus not only for his ability to survive harsh conditions, but for his famous cleverness (66). His popularity began as a warrior in the battle of Troy, where he devised the wooden horse for the secret attack on the Trojans. From then on, he was admired for all that he overcame in his twenty years of adventures.
Odysseus had more intelligence and instant than the average human, and for this people throughout the land would honour him like a god (62). Odysseus embodied all that the Greeks admired, and for this he was held in reverence. He represented the persona that Greeks could only hope to attain. Not only was Odysseus popular with the gods and mortals of ancient Greece, he remains well known even today. Upon Odysseus' long awaited return to Ithaca, his popularity was already foreseen. He did indeed take his vengeance, and his fame shall be carried down in the world for generations to come. (36).
Odysseus hardly had a peaceful homecoming, killing the hundreds of suitors invading his home. He took his revenge on them for the years of torment they subjected his wife and son to, and this act was the grand finale to the list of achievements Odysseus would remain ever popular for. Odysseus was greatly admired in Greece, and has undoubtedly remained a figure of importance for hundreds of years. During the Golden Age of Greece, he was respected and admired for the strength he displayed in dealing with the gods and taking his vengeance. In more modern times, Odysseus symbolizes the goal that has fleeted many for years- to be strong and wise, yet capable of human feeling. Odysseus is all this and more.
He overcame all that the gods put forth while still being respectful of them, he showed extreme wit and strength in all his battles, and remained a loving and compassionate man throughout the entity of his journey. His odyssey was long and full of adventure, rich with people and places, never going as planned. It was a life, full of the surprises and extremely unpredictable. When people today experience obstacles in their own lives, they need only remember Odysseus to get them through the tough times.
The common translation of the name Odysseus is Victim of Enmity. Odysseus was indeed a victim, yet overcame all his problems, giving hope to the readers of this age and for generations to come that we too can overcome whatever obstacles life may bring us. Bibliography:
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Research essay sample on Return To Ithaca Mortal Man Odysseus
