The Deities Of Trojan War
Homer was a master of the epic narratives, drawing themes of courage, bravery, and commitment before the readers. Even though The Iliad and Odyssey were written around eighth century BC, the values promoted in these heroic stories are still applicable today. The Iliad and Odyssey provide accounts of the great deeds performed by their protagonists; these stories relate to almost gods-like spiritual and physical strength possessed by the characters. In The Iliad, Greeks fight against Trojan’s, with both parties expressing immense courage and bravery on the battlefield. On the one hand, Trojans defend their city from Greek oppressors. On the other hand, Greeks show cases proving their notable behavior and moral values during the battle.
As the Odyssey opens, the poet asks the Muse, the daughter of Zeus, to sing in him the man who suffered much, saw much, and experienced much in the attempt to save his own life and the lives of his friends after the tragedy of Troy. “The crier soon came, leading that man of song whom the Muse cherished” (The Odyssey, p. 139). This quote illustrates that the Muse praises only the best men, giving high appreciation of their qualities of bravery and courage. The poet invites the Muse to begin with events leading up to the destruction of Odysseus’s crew for their consumption of the cattle of the Sun. Again, the main emphasis is placed on the events that illustrate Odysseus’s bravery, his inclination towards heroism, and his courageous nature. Once the appeal is completed, the Muse’s voice takes over, readers are invited to believe.
As the story progresses, Athena goes to Ithaca and meets Telemakhos. Athena encourages Telemakhos to search for a narrative on his own by saying, “Telemakhos, your crew of fighting men is ready at the oars, and waiting for you; come on no point in holding up the sailing” (The Odyssey, p. 43). It is clear that Athena appeals to Telemakhos’ heroic senses. In other words, she wants Telemakhos to grow up and become as brave as his father is. “Your crew of fighting men” indicates that Telemakhos is ready to participate in the battle, either real or illusionary (e.g. protecting his mother from the suitors). He is still young, but Athena places a great deal of hope and trust in him: “no point in holding up the sailing”. This phrase indicates that Telemakhos is coming out of age. He turns into a brave man, but he needs some mentor who would help him while Odysseus is away. Once Athena has put Odysseus in Telemakhos’s mind, she transforms into a bird and vanishes from the scene (Odyssey 1.320-23).
Although Odyssey is mostly concerned with the depiction of men’s bravery, one clearly notices the great courage expressed by Penelope in the narrative. “Not much time went by before Penelope learned what was afoot among the suitors” (The Odyssey, p. 84).
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