Essay on Voyage and Psychological Development in Homers...

The Voyage and Psychological Development in Homers Odyssey Homers Odyssey arguably stands out head and shoulders above any other piece of epic literature produced by Western civilization for nearly three millennia. Most remarkable is the extent to which the Western hero archetype is to this day still a result of the molding that occurred upon the character of Odysseus so long ago. In imagining a police lineup of the most profoundly influencing protagonists of Western epic poetry, surely Odysseus would impress in stature and roguish airs far beyond the others for is not the gray-eyed Athena, daughter of rain-bringing Zeus himself, bound in devotion to this mortal hero? It is she who repeatedly enhances Odysseus appearance so†¦show more content†¦The sea goddess, Leucothea gives voice to Odysseus singular ability to survive on both land and sea, in the physical and in the psychological realms: Ill-fated man, why is the earth-shaker Poseidon So strikingly angry that he spawns you these many ills? He will not wear you down, however he may desire it. (5.339-41) The tempering and strengthening of ego by the forces which the gods unleash upon Odysseus function to cement his inward journey along with the external evolution he undergoes from sacker of cities to a man of deep feeling. The end product of such an evolution comprise what was in Homers time, and remains in ours, the new hero. Odysseus challenge is not only to think on his feet in battle but to reach a depth of soul engendered from the threats and creatures which defy the ordinary imagination. The Odyssey is the story of one mans encounter with the unconscious and his subsequent survival. The myth of the new hero, as embodied by Odysseus, stands in sharp relief to the poignant lamentations uttered by Achilles shade in the underworld: Noble Odysseus, do not commend death to me. I would rather serve on the land of another man Who had no portion and not a great livelihood Than to rule over all the shades of those who are dead. (11.488-91) For Achilles, no personal reward has been won from the TrojanShow MoreRelated Tom Robbins Jitterbug Perfume Essay3119 Words   |  13 PagesJitterbug Perfume In his 1984 novel Jitterbug Perfume, Tom Robbins presents a narrative that rivals the often fantastical tales told in myth. Using classical mythology as a foundation, and, in particular, providing a loose adaptation of The Odyssey by Homer, Robbins updates and modifies characters and concepts in an effort to reinforce the importance of the journey of life and the discovery of self. Like the ancient myth-makers, Robbins commands the reader’s attention with outrageous situationsRead MoreGreek Mythology8088 Words   |  33 Pages  Greek   mythology.  Athena  (known  as  Minerva  in  Roman  mythology)  was  protector  of  numerous  Greek  cities,  especially   Athens,  and  was  associated  with  industry,  art,  wisdom,  and  warfare.  In  the  two  major  epics  of  Greek  antiquity,  the   Iliad  and  the  Odyssey,  Athena  fought  on  the  side  of  the  Greeks  in  the  T rojan  War  and  aided  Odysseus  in  his  return   home  from  the  war.  The  Greeks  dedicated  numerous  buildings  and  shrines  to  Athena,  including  the  prominent   temple  in  Athens,  the  Parthenon.  This  ancient