The Orphic Mysteries cannot be looked at through the eyes of a single generation of Greeks. One must use fragments from many different centuries and from many authors to get an approximation of what the Orphic Mysteries were about. The first part of the essay will outline the character of Orpheus. We know from different … Read more
To consider someone a hero, he must boast certain characteristics that are harder to detect in an average person, such as being humble, merciful, loyal, and a great leader. King Odysseus of Ithaca survived the Trojan War. While most of his other men returned to their native lands immediately following the war, it took Odysseus … Read more
Virtue is having high moral integrity. One who is virtuous will do what must be done, not for the benefit of themselves, but for others. According to Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, a virtuous man must embody the four cardinal virtues: prudence, doing the right thing, justice, giving people what they deserve, courage, being brave … Read more
Throughout Homer’s “The Odyssey,” Odysseus’ actions and choices are the driving point of the plot. When he and his crew encounter Polyphemus the Cyclops, he tries to secure his legacy by shouting his real name, and giving other important information away. The Cyclops prays that a curse befall him and his friends and Poseidon hears … Read more
Arrogance to Modesty: The Hardest Journey To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, “A great man is always willing to be little”. In Homer’s “The Odyssey”, the oldest epic poem known to man, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, is called to the Trojan War. He leaves his home, thinking that he will be back soon, without realizing that … Read more
In The Odyssey, Homer’s exciting and exhilarating tale of the great Odysseus, the mighty hero, brave and strong, slays and conquers many terrors and great evil. The greatest evil however, is his hamartia, hubris against the gods, his arrogance. Odysseus’ pride is the worst villain of all, keeping Odysseus away from his goal. Does his … Read more
Many cultural values are transmitted and discovered within myths, especially in the story, The Odyssey written by Homer. The Odyssey continues from the events of the The IIliad, focusing on Odysseus after the Trojan War and his long journey back home to Ithaca, to his wife Penelope and his son, Telemachus. Throughout the ten year … Read more
It was thought only planarians can regrow their spines, however, it turns out that some humans could also perform this feat. This was done by a hero back in the times of the ancient Greeks. Telemachus, the protagonist of Telechamy (the first four books of The Odyssey by Homer), was introduced as a victim for … Read more
Homer’s emphasis of good hospitality is visible throughout the entire book, but it is most clearly seen In Phaeacia. “Hearing that, Alcinous, poised in all his majesty, took the hand of the seasoned, worldly-wise Odysseus raised him up and sat him down in a burnished chair, displacing his own son… ” (Odyssey Book 7, Pg: … Read more
Stories have been around since the beginning of time as a way to communicate ideas, past experiences and history passed down from generation to generation. According to the presentation in class a hero story deals with adventures, a fight/ quest and a transformation. In the stories of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey both characters possess different … Read more