Olivia Saal

Miss Skirtich
18 April 2018
English 10: World Literature

Homer's Values in The Odyssey

Parents teach their kids about how to properly respect themselves and others. Just as
parents teach, Homer teaches readers throughout The Odyssey, using Odysseus to display all five
of the Greek values throughout his journey after the Trojan War. Homer showcases the Greek
values of bravery, loyalty, and hospitality in The Odyssey.
Homer showcases the Greek value of bravery in The Odyssey. Oneway Odysseus
replicates the Greek value of bravery occurs, "My men stood around me and some God inspired
us. My men lifted up the olive-wood stake and drove the sharp point right into his eye" (Homer
72). In this quote, Odysseus and his men are trapped in a cave by the Cyclops and have to find a
way out. Odysseus, being as smart as he is, comes up with the plan to get the Cyclops drunk. He
builds up enough courage to stab the cyclops in the eye with a wooden stake. His bravery saves
the lives of his men. Another example of when Odysseus shows the Greek value of bravery
occurs when they visit the Underworld, "I called to my men to flay the slaughtered sheep and
burn them as a sacrifice to the gods, to mighty Hades and dread Persephone. Myself, I drew my
sharp sword and sat, keeping the feeble death-heads from the blood until I had questioned
Tiresias" (Homer 96). In this quote, Odysseus and his men travel to the underworld to seek out
Tiresias in-order-to get back home. The thought of facing the dead spirits frightened Odysseus
but he has to follow through. Even though he was terrified, he will stay and accomplish what he
has to do. These examples show how Odysseus is brave because he will do anything to come
home, even if it is risking his own life.
Additionally, Homer showcases the Greek value of loyalty in The Odyssey. One example
of his loyalty occurs in book 12, "Light blossomed like roses in the eastern sky, and I sent some
men to the house of Circe to bring back the body of Elpenor" (Homer 112). This quote displays
loyalty because Odysseus travels to the Underworld and then goes back to Aeaea where Circe
lives, to give Elpenor a proper burial. This is loyalty because he is one of Odysseus's men who
has journeyed with him, and he is giving him the burial he deserves. Another example of
Odysseus's loyalty occurs when Odysseus has lived with Calypso for seven years and yearns to
go home, "She found him sitting where the breakers rolled in. His eyes were perpetually wet
with tears now, his life drained away in homesickness" (Homer 34). Odysseus has spent the last
several years with the Goddess, but he wants to go home. This proves his loyalty because
regardless of who he sleeps with, he still loves Penelope and wants to return to Ithaca. These
examples showcase the Greek value of loyalty in The Odyssey.
Finally, Homer showcases the Greek value of hospitality in The Odyssey. One example in
which hospitality plays a role occurs when Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds, tries to help
Odysseus return to Ithaca. He gives Odysseus a bag of winds, "But he let the West Wind out to
blow my ships along and carry us home" (Homer 78). This demonstrates hospitality because
Aeolus tries to help Odysseus return home after his long journey, and since he is in charge of the
winds, he attempts to help Odysseus out by giving him something he owns. Another example of
hospitality occurs when Eumaeus feeds and gives Odysseus shelter, even though he appears to be
an old beggar, "Meanwhile, in the hut, Odysseus and the noble swineherd had a kindled a fire
and were making breakfast in the early light" (Homer 140). This demonstrates hospitality
because Eumaeus does not know that this is Odysseus, it appears that he is beggar, but also a
stranger. Still, Eumaeus takes him into his hut and treats him like royalty or like close friend.
These examples showcase hospitality throughout The Odyssey.
In conclusion, Homer the Greek values of bravery, loyalty, and hospitality in The
Odyssey. Odysseus displays these Greek Values throughout his 20-year journey home. Readers
 In conclusion, Homer the Greek values of bravery, loyalty, and hospitality in The
Odyssey. Odysseus displays these Greek Values throughout his 20-year journey home. Readers
learn that no matter how far they travel away from home, it is important to still treat others with
respect, love, and kindness.