The Odyssey Essay -- Homer, Odyssey Essays

The Odyssey details Odysseus arduous return to his homeland. Ten years have passed since the end of the trojan war and Odysseus, the most cursed man alive, has been missing and presumed dead by galore(postnominal). (10.79). Throughout the novel, gods play a significant role in the slew of Odysseus and other characters. The extent of the gods role though is not unqualified, contrary to Telemachus suggestion that, Zeus is to blame./He deals to each and every/ laborer on this earth any(prenominal) convict he pleases (1.401-403). While Zeus does have this power, his description of how humans meet their fate is more accurately depicted throughout the novel. As he aptly points out, from us alone, the say, come all their miseries, yes,/ but they themselves, with their own reckless ways,/ compound their anguish beyond their proper sh are (1.38-52). While the gods do doom certain mortals, many of these mortals exacerbate their ill fate by making rash decisions and ignoring the god s warnings. The gods are also not always disrupting mortals lives they often aid mortals in need. In fact, mortals who effectively court the favor of the gods often benefit greatly. While the gods powers are unquestionable, no one gods power is insurmountable. Gods can be outsmarted and their wrath escaped. The Odyssey, in congruence with Zeus statement, ultimately, portrays human freedom as existent, but limited. While mortals do not unjustly complain about their fates, they let out to acknowledge that they are also responsible for their ill fate, as mortals themselves, possess a sizable degree of control. There is little doubt that Odysseus and his crew are unlucky, but had it not been for their brash decisions they would have reached Ithaca much sooner. After Od... ...st have some level of freedom, even if it is limited.Telemachus is valid in complaining of how Zeus dooms mortals. Zeus, unequivocally, causes many mortals pain and suffering. Zeus, though, aptly points o ut that mortals magnify their own pain and suffering. Zeus ability to acknowledge that gods are the root of mortals pain strengthens his credibility. Mortals abilities to successfully navigate their deal will lead to an easier life. If mortals are able to avoid the ill will of the gods, by securing the favor of the gods and making intelligent decisions, they will not compound their pain beyond their proper share (1.52). The final position of The Odyssey supports Zeus belief in regard to mortals misery, since he acknowledges his own role in their suffering, which is clearly evident, speckle also recognizing how mortals increase their own pain.