Blake Fuller

Mrs. Meyers

English 1 P4

Odyssey lessons

In the Odyssey Homer relays many important lessons through Odysseus’s journey home. Homer

gives lessons about perseverance, bravery, pride, and heroism. Furthermore, in the first part of

the Odyssey Odysseus must stand up to Polyphemus the cyclops and remain calm to successfully

save himself and his crew. This requires bravery. However, after they successfully escape the

Cyclops and are free to sail away unharmed, Odysseus’s arrogance makes him yell out and

jeopardize the crew's safety for the rest of the trip. “O hear me, lord, blue girdler of the islands, if

I am thine indeed, and thou art father: grant that Odysseus, raider of cities, never see his home:

Laertes’ son, I mean, who kept his hall on Ithaca. Should destiny intend that he shall see his roof

again among his family in his father land, far be that day, and dark the years between” (Homer

484-491). This quote from Polyphemus describes the curse cast upon Odysseus because of his

arrogant actions. This specific part of the Odyssey relays the lesson to think before you speak

because your actions may have consequences.

Another lesson Homer portrays informs one about temptation and self-control. Odysseus’s crew

is informed that if they kill Helios cows they will die. Unfortunately, temptation gets the best of

them, and they cannot resist their urge. They convince their selves that the worst death is of
hunger. Eventually, they give in and kill the cows. This leads to the destruction of their ship and

the end to their lives. “O Father Zeus and gods in bliss forever, punish Odysseus’ men! So

overweening, now they have killed my peaceful kine, my joy at morning when I climbed the sky

of stars, and evening, when I bore westward from heaven. Restitution or penalty they shall pay—

and pay in full—or I go down forever to light the dead men in the underworld” (Homer 907-

914). This quote from Helios describes the effects their indecisive actions have on the crew.

Lastly, Homer relays the importance of perseverance and overall benefits of not giving up

throughout the story. An example is Odysseus never giving up regardless of the series of

hardships he went through for over 20 years. Odysseus determination and desire to be home is

the reason he was able to overcome the challenges along the way. ““You yellow dogs, you

thought I’d never make it home from the land of Troy. You took my house to plunder. . . You

dared bid for my wife while I was still alive. Contempt was all you had for the gods who rule

wide heaven, contempt for what men say of you hereafter. Your last hour has come. You die in

blood” (Homer 1440). This quote represents Odysseus’s determination to take back his kingdom

and be at peace in Ithaca with his family. Personally, I relate to Odysseus’s love of home and

desire to always be there. Furthermore, I never really like to take long vacations because I end up

missing home and can't wait to be back. I feel comfortable and at ease at my home just like

Odysseus.