Even now, centuries after it was written, Homer’s The Odyssey still seems to
astonish readers of all ages. In this epic poem is a story of a man being ripped from
his kingdom of Ithaca, to fight in the battle of Troy. Early in the story before he is taken
away, Odysseus tells his wife that if he isn’t back by the time Telemachus is a man, beard
on his face, then she is to remarry. After the stunning defeat of Troy, Odysseus, king of
Ithaca, urges to return to his home where his wife, Penelope, his son, Telemachus, and his
kingdom await him. On the king’s lengthy journey home, he is faced with many
challenges that include cyclops, sirens, Charybdis, Scylla and even a few gods. Twenty
years have past and Odysseus hasn’t returned. They presume he is dead. Telemachus now
has a beard and Penelope has no choice but to remarry. Eventually the king makes a
remarkable comeback. In the years that the king is gone, he reveals tremendous courage,
plenty of loyalty, and unbelievable intelligence. All of which make him worthy of a
hero title.
A character with substantial talent, Odysseus’ utmost strength lies in his courage. Countless times he and his men must overcome menacing rivals on their journey to Ithaca. And when the king returns, his struggles aren’t over. As Telemachus tells Odysseus how the Suitors have annexed the palace, the king refuses to resign. When dealing with the men who intend to replace him, the protagonist announces, “ ‘You yellow dogs, you thought I’d never make it/home from the land of Troy. You took my house to plunder.’ ” Immensely outnumbered the returning king forewarns any man get in his way their future is at risk. To make such a challenge requires a substantial amount of courage. Keeping your word with others can be pretty difficult for some people.