In books one through four, Odysseus is merely talked about and praised by others, but has yet to be introduced in person. The author waits to introduce him in the first four chapters, and rather begins with his son, Telemachus’s story, who has never known Odysseus. As Telemachus begins his quest for his father from Ithaka through Pylos and Sparta, it is clear by the people’s and the gods actions how Odysseus not only a beloved war hero, but also a respected leader necessary for peace to be restored in Ithaka.
Throughout the journey thus far, the gods have shown their love and faith for Odysseus through their relentless help with Telemachus in addition to their kind spoken words about him. Athena, the grey-eyed goddess of wisdom says, “But my own heart is broken for Odysseus, the mastermind of war”(3). Here she shows how deeply she cares for a man true to her heart. Above any other god, Athena connects to Odysseus’s story as she is the goddess of military victory as well as wisdom. The fact that she adds that he is the “mastermind of war” gives context as to why she has such a special place in her heart for him. Zeus also has kind words to say about Odysseus. It states, “There is no mortal has so wise; no mortal gave so much to the Lords of the Open Sky”(3). Zeus not only recognizes Odysseus’s wisdom but also his sacrifice for the people and consequently, the gods. He ruled Ithaka and saved the Akhaians in the Trojan war. Even after that, Odysseus continues to fight to come home to the Ithacans. Not even Zeus can ignore this man’s ruthless efforts for the people. He therefore let’s Athena intervene on Odysseus’s behalf, justifying itself the type of person he is. From Zeus’s permission, she guides Telemachus throughout his journey through Pylos and Sparta, offering advice and comfort disguised as old friends of Odysseus. Athena’s visits give him confidence and help him grow up, as she teaches him things Odysseus never got the chance to teach him. Under her leadership, Telemachus shows strength and maturity and commands respect from the new people he meets. The actions of the people in Ithaca, Pylos, and Sparta are also a testament to the great and feared leader and man Odysseus was. Above all, Penelope’s loyalty and love for him shows his greatness is not overrated. For twenty years, she waited patiently for her beloved husband to return, not know of his whereabouts or if he was even alive. Even with the suitors taking over her house and fighting for her hand in marriage, she still resisted their temptations and never lost faith that he would one day return. This not only displays her great love for him, but also her high expectations of his devotion to her. In Pylos, Nestor said to Telemachus, “He had no rivals, your father, at the tricks of war,”(38) Odysseus being the hero in war he is known as, did not get there through physical strength and …show more content…
However, the strategic decision to wait to introduce Odysseus still adds suspense to the story, as well as mystery. The gods and the friends and family of Odysseus add to his legacy by raving of his cleverness, leadership, and courage, but Telemachus, as well as the reader, will have to wait and see for
Throughout the journey thus far, the gods have shown their love and faith for Odysseus through their relentless help with Telemachus in addition to their kind spoken words about him. Athena, the grey-eyed goddess of wisdom says, “But my own heart is broken for Odysseus, the mastermind of war”(3). Here she shows how deeply she cares for a man true to her heart. Above any other god, Athena connects to Odysseus’s story as she is the goddess of military victory as well as wisdom. The fact that she adds that he is the “mastermind of war” gives context as to why she has such a special place in her heart for him. Zeus also has kind words to say about Odysseus. It states, “There is no mortal has so wise; no mortal gave so much to the Lords of the Open Sky”(3). Zeus not only recognizes Odysseus’s wisdom but also his sacrifice for the people and consequently, the gods. He ruled Ithaka and saved the Akhaians in the Trojan war. Even after that, Odysseus continues to fight to come home to the Ithacans. Not even Zeus can ignore this man’s ruthless efforts for the people. He therefore let’s Athena intervene on Odysseus’s behalf, justifying itself the type of person he is. From Zeus’s permission, she guides Telemachus throughout his journey through Pylos and Sparta, offering advice and comfort disguised as old friends of Odysseus. Athena’s visits give him confidence and help him grow up, as she teaches him things Odysseus never got the chance to teach him. Under her leadership, Telemachus shows strength and maturity and commands respect from the new people he meets. The actions of the people in Ithaca, Pylos, and Sparta are also a testament to the great and feared leader and man Odysseus was. Above all, Penelope’s loyalty and love for him shows his greatness is not overrated. For twenty years, she waited patiently for her beloved husband to return, not know of his whereabouts or if he was even alive. Even with the suitors taking over her house and fighting for her hand in marriage, she still resisted their temptations and never lost faith that he would one day return. This not only displays her great love for him, but also her high expectations of his devotion to her. In Pylos, Nestor said to Telemachus, “He had no rivals, your father, at the tricks of war,”(38) Odysseus being the hero in war he is known as, did not get there through physical strength and …show more content…
However, the strategic decision to wait to introduce Odysseus still adds suspense to the story, as well as mystery. The gods and the friends and family of Odysseus add to his legacy by raving of his cleverness, leadership, and courage, but Telemachus, as well as the reader, will have to wait and see for