The Conversation Of Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey
Odysseus conversation with Elpenor Akhilleus once again reminded us of one of the most important parts of an epic which is death. His conversations not only reminded Odysseys that death is evident, but it also gave the reader insight into how ancient Greeks saw death. Everything thing during that time involved tradition. From praying to the gods, to death it was all important to the Greeks. The fact that Elpenor came to Odysseus first shocked me the most, not that long ago he was with breathing and talking amongst Odysseus and his man, and now he lies dead. He appears before Odysseus even though he really hasn’t even had time to really mourn his death. To me it Odysseus and everyone else around him realized after he died that death has no number and they could die at any time. Elephanors states, “O my lord, remember me, I pray, do not abandon me unwept, unburied, to tempt the god’s wrath, while you sail for home;” (Pg. 187 Line 80-2) this statement alone tells me
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how important burial is to Ancient Greek culture and the gods. Burring someone was not only for a family member, but also for any lost soul so that they could be at peace, and the fact that Elephanors spirit comes to him first in a way proves that he wasn’t at peace.
While amongst the dead Odysseus also speaks to Akhilleus.
To me he seems to be the most concise of death, he says that he would rather be alive in the inglorious position of farm hand than "lord it over all the exhausted dead" though he is a warrior he would rather have life than die of glory, even if that means he had to live a hard life. I found that interesting because in that culture dying in battle was the ultimate gold and the fact that he in a way rejected that principle is interesting. I think that sense death he has realized how precious life is, which makes its easier for him reconsider that principle he once held dear before death. Though later he follows that statement by asking if his soon has made a name for himself in battle. Though it is a contradiction it makes sense because what father doesn’t want great things for their son. And though he wishes to be alive instead a dead warrior, he still in a way holds dear that principle of glory and honor which he has been thought his whole
life.
In conclusion I feel that odysseus conversation with elphenor and Akhilleus was very important to his story.
how important burial is to Ancient Greek culture and the gods. Burring someone was not only for a family member, but also for any lost soul so that they could be at peace, and the fact that Elephanors spirit comes to him first in a way proves that he wasn’t at peace.
While amongst the dead Odysseus also speaks to Akhilleus.
To me he seems to be the most concise of death, he says that he would rather be alive in the inglorious position of farm hand than "lord it over all the exhausted dead" though he is a warrior he would rather have life than die of glory, even if that means he had to live a hard life. I found that interesting because in that culture dying in battle was the ultimate gold and the fact that he in a way rejected that principle is interesting. I think that sense death he has realized how precious life is, which makes its easier for him reconsider that principle he once held dear before death. Though later he follows that statement by asking if his soon has made a name for himself in battle. Though it is a contradiction it makes sense because what father doesn’t want great things for their son. And though he wishes to be alive instead a dead warrior, he still in a way holds dear that principle of glory and honor which he has been thought his whole
life.
In conclusion I feel that odysseus conversation with elphenor and Akhilleus was very important to his story.