Odysseus, a Hero's Journey Essay

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The Hero’s Journey:

The Odyssey by Homer is the story of Odysseus, a very brave, strong and smart Greek mythic hero who embarks on an epic journey. His journey fulfills all the requisites of a Hero’s Journey.
Odysseus’ Journey takes him through various mental stages which will be outlined in bold. Odysseus’ ordinary world is that of the island of Ithaca where he lives with his beloved wife. When he was looking for a bride, Odysseus visited Sparta where he met Menelaus who was to wed Helen, Zeus, the mighty king of gods’ daughter. During this visit, he swore loyalty to Menelaus not knowing that he would one day be called to carry out his promise. The Call to Adventure or Action indeed comes when Menelaus calls all the …show more content…
He cannot do so immediately, but instead must cunningly drive the suitors out of his home.
Athena reunites him with his son and brings reminders of his lost greatness in the form of the swine herder who reminisces of the good times when Odysseus lived and ruled Ithaca P.33. She also inspires Penelope to hold a shooting match with Odysseus’ great bow, whereby she will marry the winner. Odysseus, disguised as a beggar takes the bow and shoots through all the suitors’ axes and defeats them.
His reward is that of by reclaiming what is rightfully his.
His victory is followed by a ceremony ‘road back’ whereby he “purifies the hall with prayers and incense”p.37. He also goes to visit his elderly father. This is not the end of his ordeals as both he and his father almost lose a great fight against the suitors' families who want to avenge their deaths. Odysseus' resurrection or rebirth comes only after goddess Athena declares that they should put down their weapons and after Odysseus has managed to make peace with Poseidon. His final return occurs when Odysseus manages to return to his life of peace with Penelope and his son.
Odysseus is a changed man Odysseus has managed to overcome many obstacles and has ultimately reaped the benefits by being able to come full circle and to once again return to a life of peace with family. The hero has not only been taken on a physical journey but has undergone a
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