Odyssey

In book 23 of the Odyssey, reoccurring Homeric themes appear, character’s roles change, and a homecoming for an epic hero is finally accomplished. Book 23 may be the one book in this poem that can be related the closest to the poem as a whole. In this book, we see the relationship of a god/goddess and a human being as a reoccurring theme throughout Homers works. This god/human relationship is shown throughout the poem mainly through the actions of Athene, who is trying to assure that Odysseus receives the glorious homecoming that he deserves. Book 23 concludes Odysseus’s twenty-year homecoming journey by uniting him with his beloved wife, Penelope. The homecoming that is looked forward to by so many throughout the poem is finalized by the romantic reunion of Odysseus and Penelope This reunion shows a cunning side of Penelope that is almost the same as her husband, Odysseus, shows numerous times throughout the epic. This cunningness by Penelope exhibits a different example of the role of women in the time of the Odyssey.

The relationships between humans and gods are looked at numerous times in both the Iliad and the Odyssey. Gods in these poems hurt some humans and help others. The relationship with Odysseus and

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certain gods is what shapes this epic into what it is. Where we usually see Odysseus lying to people to assure their loyalty, Penelope shows that she is truly Odysseus’ equal by using this form of trickery on him. Athene has so much respect for Odysseus that she wants to do anything to help him get to his homeland and regain his kingdom and household from the wrath of the suitors.

Athene does things to help Odysseus, because she wants him to fulfill his goal and receive his homecoming. The choice that Penelope has to make is described quite similarly when it says, “She spoke, and came down from the chamber, her heart pondering much, whether to keep away and question her dear husband, or to go up an kiss his head, taking his hands” (XXIII. If they are deceived, they each have much to lose. This chapter also reiterates the importance of man’s relationship with the gods and goddesses. She lies to the suitors because she still believes that her real husband, Odysseus, is still alive. Book 24 is an important book due to the way it concludes the story of Odysseus, but Odysseus’s journey home ends when he and Penelope reunite. Many times within the Odyssey, Odysseus either physically disguises himself or tells artful lies in order to hide his true identity. With her trickery and cunningness, she goes against the standard way that modern women of that day are looked at. Odysseus has returned to his kingdom, joined with his son, and taken back his home. Athene and Odysseus are described very similarly throughout the epic. Penelope is a prime example of loyalty and fidelity. He, again, disguises himself for Penelope, his wife, in order to make sure that she has been loyal to him.

Approximate Word count = 1762
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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