In the Odyssey, Odysseus constantly faces many hardships on his plan for returning home after ten years of war. He is captivated on Calypso’s island for seven years and is finally released after Athena persuades Zeus to send Hermes to allow this decision. Being that Odysseus’ boats were destroyed previously, Calypso helps him build a raft to only be destroyed by his enemy, Poseidon. Poseidon creates a storm to wreck Odysseus’ boat because of the release Odysseus during his absence. Odysseus and his men later on are captured by Cyclops Polyphemus and manage to escape after blinding him. After escaping the land of Cyclops, he travels to Aeolus, the ruler of the winds for help. Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag of winds directing him and his men the way home. On the boat as Odysseus is asleep, the sailors open the bag thinking it contains gold and all the wind flies out stirring in with the storm. Odysseus then sails back to Aeolus’ island seeking for help, but only for Aeolus telling him to get out of his island. He states “Crawling back like this- it proves the immortals hate you! Out-get out!” (p. 372) Odysseus then leaves in despair, but still filled with hopes.
A similar article in the NY Times that closely relates to the situation of Odysseus is called Trapped 68 Days, First Chilean Miners Taste Freedom. These miners were trapped half a mile underground for more than two months and managed to survive through the obstacles. Being underground, it was dark and had barely any food for them. The drilling in order to save the miners required many people to take part in this action including NASA and many drilling experts. Even before the rescue, many people believed that the miners would survive and endure this challenge. Mr. Piñera states “I had a strong conviction, very deep inside of me, that they were alive, and that was a strong support for my actions.” As one victim is saved, his father states “I’m so overcome with emotion now, as if I’ve been touched by God.” This shows the happiness of the miners and their family being able to reunite.
This article resemble Odysseus’ sequence of adventures as he battles to go home. He doesn’t give up his hopes and even if his hopes are deceived, he still insists on returning home to reunite with his wife and son where he finally does at the end after engaging in an archery competition with the suitors. The nurse tells Penelope “Follow me down! So now, after all the years of grief, you two can embark, loving hearts, along the road to joy.” (p. 533) This shows how happy Penelope should be that her husband is back and awaiting for their reunion. Both the Odyssey and Chile miners endured such a long journey just to see their family again.
