When I was reading through books 5-8 in The Odyssey, I was amazed by Odysseus’s mental strength – conquering temptation and being determined.
First, he did not accept the tempting offers made by Calypso, the promise to save him from having to face future woe, and immortality to live with a beautiful goddess like herself. One of the plea Calypso gave to Odysseus was: “I don’t mind saying she’s not my equal in beauty, no matter how you measure it. Mortal beauty cannot compare with immortal.” (Book 5 line 211) But Odysseus just simply replied to Calypso that he’s aware everything Calypso had said to him and offered to him, but the only thing he wanted to do is go back to his land.
Secondly, when Poseidon stirs up a storm keeping Odysseus from landing on Scheria, the white goddess Ino came to help Odysseus by giving him a immortally charmed veil, advising him to abandon his ship and swim to the land. However, Odysseus ignores the advice of the goddess and instead, he trusted in his own abilities to survive on the stormed sea until his raft were broken down. Odysseus said, “Not this. Not another treacherous god scheming against me, ordering me to abandon my raft. I will not obey. I’ve seen with my own eyes how far that land is where she says I’ll be saved. (Book 5, line 358) I found this line quite important because it not only tells us Odysseus is determined making his own decisions, and it also tells us that he’s not willing to obey everything that god/goddess tell him to do.
These two examples I mentioned above made me admire Odysseus’s character, and I think these two components are one of the many reasons why Odysseus is considered a hero.
Hi,
Indeed, we respect the firm belief of Odysseus. In addition to these two examples, when Odysseus arrived to Scheria, Alcinous said to him,”I would wish, by Zeus, by Athena and Apollo, that you, being the kind of man you are—my kind of man—would marry my daughter and stay here and be called my son.” (Book 7, line 332) This is also a good choice in other people’s eyes, but Odysseus has strong belief to return his land. Therefore, he asked Alcinous to help him.
For the detail of the white goddess Ino used her veil to help Odysseus, at the beginning, I really do not understand why Odysseus was reluctant to accept help. However, because of the suffering he experienced, he can only believe himself at that time, so I think what I learn the most important thing from him is to have a firm belief and always full of hope.
Linyan Fu (Linda)
Hello,
I really like your point on how Odysseus does indeed have his own mind, and doesn’t always comply to what the gods say. It would be expected that most mortals don’t think twice when a god/goddess speaks to them, but Odysseus trusts his decisions first. I also agree with what you mentioned about Odysseus being a hero, these two parts in the book extremely compliment his character. They show Odysseus being everything he was described as in books 1-4. Odysseus having denied immortally, something that is typically honored, really proves just how loyal and true he is to his people and life.
Paulina Brzostowska
I definitely agree with you, the most beautiful part of this story till now, is that he denied a lifestyle that most people would accept. An offer that a goddess would be your lover and you will be immortal, but Odysseus refuses it. First this shows the mental state Odysseus was in wanting a happiness thats true and accepted the truth. The happiness thats true is the joy with your family and your loved ones and not the lust. Also the truth he accepts is he is a human and he has responsibilities such as taking care of his land and family. Even though he suffers his doesn’t give up indeed he has the hope that one day he will return. I really salute the hope and the strength this man has and really looking to read forward and complete reading Odyssey.
Beyond doubt we can see more of Odysseus’ characteristics at play in Books 5-8. Truly, we all see his “hero” persona stepping out and just how far determination will get you to bare the unimaginable at times. I also think it is noteworthy to acknowledge his cunningness/ his ability to respond accordingly to not offend immortals or anyone that may get in the way of him finally getting home like Calypso and Nausicaa. He for example spent quite a bit of time in book 6 trying to charm Nausicaa possibly so she could show him favor and help get him home.
Overall, blogger TC made some interesting observations and left us meaningful food for thought. However, I am a bit uncertain if I were in a similar position, if I would trust my gut feeling instead of trusting the white Goddess Ino with her mystical veil in that moment thinking I might drown. Though we have seen the Gods of that age aren’t always trying to help but sometimes the exact opposite for selfish reasons.
Also, (just one quick note, I think the symbolism of the white-Goddess Ino appearing was supposed to be representation of purity, protection for or against something and possibly sign of genuineness). The use of a veil instead of like carpet or regular cloth just seems to suggest she meant well. Historically color white suggest these things too if I’m not mistaken.
QL
You are right about that Odysseus that he is making his own decisions and not listening to goddess. However, Once he decides to ignore goddess and go through all the troubles himself he couldn’t do it, and he has no choice but use their help and save himself. Odysseus is trying to go home by himself but I think he could do some things by himself but not everything, even though she ignores goddess, he still needs them.
I do agree with you about his not accepting Calypso’s offers. She offers him a lot of thing that no one could have but he still loves his family and his land. I am amazed too, that he visits so many places on the way home which are beautiful but he still admires his own.
I agree with you that an amazing part of Odysseus is his mental toughness and determination. I would add his physical toughness is just as impressive since not many people could endure what he did and survive. Odysseus swimming across the sea to the land of Phaeacia reminded me of Diana Nyad, the woman who swam from Cuba to Florida. While she showed that it is humanly possible to swim great distances for days, Odysseus was able to do it while a god who was trying to kill him and survive after being smashed on the rocky shore.