![]() ![]() This is where Odysseus’ wife Penelope waits patiently for 20 years for him to return home from the Trojan War. It is off the northeast coast of Kefalonia and to the west of continental Greece. The beautiful island of Ithaca, the homeland of Odysseus is located in the Ionian Sea. So pack your bags, hire a boat, and avoid angering any gods, as we set off on the trail of the Odyssey in the modern-day. While journeys today are definitely not as hard, this could be the perfect opportunity for tourists looking to do a spot of classics-inspired island-hopping, as well as a unique way to explore the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean. Exploring The Trail Of The Odyssey In The Modern Day Their reunion was a reminder to all that love can survive the most trying of circumstances. ![]() The reunion of Penelope and Odysseus was a fitting conclusion to the main themes of love and fidelity that were woven into the story. ![]() It was only after Odysseus revealed to her the details of their marriage bed, that Penelope was convinced that he was indeed her husband. Though Penelope was overjoyed to see her husband, she was initially suspicious of his true identity. Her hospitality and respect towards Odysseus who is disguised as a beggar adds more dimensions to Penelope’s character.īook 21 to 24: Finally, after twenty long years of separation, Penelope and Odysseus are reunited. Penelope’s cleverness and intelligence are highlighted in this section. When Odysseus encounters his old dog, Penelope, his wife narrates how lonely the dog and she has been in her husband’s absence. This highlights the values of humility and kindness.īook 17 to 20: Loyalty and fidelity are the two main heroic characteristics developed in these books. On the other hand Eumaeus who is an epitome of loyalty and fidelity offers food and shares his bed with a vagabond. He becomes more humble and displays a lack of arrogance. When he is disguised as a beggar, there is a change in Odysseus’ character. Upon Odysseus’ return to Ithaca, Athena turns Odysseus into an old beggar to protect him from enemies. The books also show how his journey is not simply a physical one, but an emotional and spiritual one as well.īook 13 to 16: These books focus on two of the most important themes: hospitality and loyalty. Through his experiences, Odysseus matures into a great king and leader, who is wise and understanding. This reveals an additional layer to his character, with a range of emotions, both positive and negative.īook 9 to 12: The four books provide an insight into the trials of Odysseus, showing how he navigates the dangers of the sea and the underworld, and how he overcomes his weaknesses and temptations. As the story progresses we get to see another side of Odysseus where he demonstrates his vulnerability and susceptibility to his emotions. He is shown to be a man of contradictions, as he is found alone, on Calypso’s island and seemingly defeated, yet still manages to evince strength through his emotions. ![]() The focus is more on Odysseus’ son, Telemachos and his efforts to expel the suitors of his mother.īook 5 to 8: It is in book 5 the readers are first introduced to Odysseus, the epic hero of the story. Moved by Athena’s passionate words, the king of the gods agreed to help the great hero. Read on to know what each of these books had in them.īook 1 to 4: It starts with the gods gathering in the great hall of Mount Olympus and the goddess Athena, daughter of Zeus’ desire to help Odysseus, who was held captive by the sea nymph Calypso. The Odyssey by Homer is divided into 24 books (book 1-4 exposition, 5-8 escape to the Phaeacians, 9-12 Odysseus’ account of his adventures, 13-20 Return to Ithaca and 21-24 Slaying of the Suitors) which is still widely read by modern audiences. The great Greek leader who wandered for 10 years trying to get home after the Trojan War is explained in this epic poem. Following the other famous Homeric epic, the Iliad tells the story of the Trojan War, while the Odyssey focuses on the character of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, his long and complicated journey back home after the war. One of the most famous Greek epic poems, the Odyssey is attributed to the equally legendary Homer. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |