In the Homeric epic The Odyssey, a character named Odysseus returns home after a year and a half of wandering. He is the main protagonist in this epic, and he returns home to finish what he started before: to find and marry his wife, Queen Penelope, and her family.
This return story is called Homeric heroic narrative, due to the emphasis on marriage as the foundation of society. This emphasis is shown through stories like Odysseus’s and Penelope’s, who are reunited in marriage after a year and a half of separation.
This article will talk about how certain values shown in the story are demonstrated through these two characters’ return home. Values like family, Perseverance, and sacrifice are highlighted.
Family is important
Family is very important in Homer’s work. In Odysseus’s home, there are many family members that love him and want to see him again.
They spend time with him, visit him in his home, or just come to know him as a good person. Family is very important for Odysseus and his character growth throughout the series.
Especially in the beginning when he doesn’t have any family members that love him, he must find ways to be alone to feel complete. He must learn what it means to be alone because his father was never there for him.
He needs to learn that there are people who don’t care about you and that is okay because then you can just be yourself and accomplish what you want in life by being true to yourself.
Odysseus is a good father
While many fathers neglect their children, Odysseus is a good father. When his son Polyeucte was born, he took care of him immediately and educated him in his own culture.
Later on, when Hestia’s child was born, he made sure to show up and take care of him as well.
This is also shown in the book The Iliad, where Athene gave Hestia an amulet that she said would protect her child from harm.
When Athene disappeared and returned with another child, she sent the same motherless baby to Odysseus to take care of him. This shows that even though he lost his wife and son, Odysseus still cared about his family members very much.
Family is important to establish and grow relationships with your children. By taking time to teach them how to do this, you are setting them up for success later on.
Teaches his children about the journey
When Odysseus returns to Ithaca, he teaches his children the values of family and perseverance through his actions.
Family is shown in how all of the characters in Odysseus’s life care about each other and help each other out. The characters in Odysseus’s life help him out by solving his problems, taking care of him when he is sick, and supporting him when he goes on a journey. Perseverance is shown in how everyone at home and at school keeps asking Odysseuse to return because they love watching him succeed and live life.
This is shown even more strongly during his return home ceremony, where people ask if they can see another guy like him on the island because they love seeing what he does with his life.
They show their love for Odysseus through their actions
The values that are shown through Odysseus’s return home are the values of family and perseverance. These values are displayed through his family, his home, and his perseverance in fight against the Cyclops.
Family is one of the most important groups in a group of people. When people love each other very much, they protect each other and show each other how to succeed in life.
Perseverance is the ability to keep doing something even when things seem hard or impossible at first. The values that are shown through this return home are the ones of family, love, and persistence.
These values are displayed by all members of Odysseus’s family when they welcome him back home. They all show their love for him by welcoming him back to their side.
They wait for Odysseus to return
While Odysseus is away, the Greeks wait for his return. They are very patient, and keep a sense of hope that he will come back for them.
After several months have passed without any news, the people of Greece begin to worry. They pray every day that Odysseus will return, and that all of their families will be safe.
They believe he went off to fight another war, and that he did not return because he failed or was defeated. Since they do not have much money, they prepare themselves by waiting for someone to bring them food or clothing.
They also prepare themselves by avoiding sunlight and difficult tasks because they do not have the materials necessary to finish them. This is a way to show their faith in him as a person and as a leader.
They mourn the loss of Odysseus
When Odysseus returns to his home island of Ithaca, the citizens of the village and town mourn his absence. He was their king, and they look up to him for guidance.
They also mourn the loss of Odysseus, as he departed on a long and difficult journey several years ago. This is clear when they place a wreath at his tomb and offer prayers.
These thoughts are reinforced when another retired king appears on Ithaca and asks for help in returning home. This retired king was also on a long journey, but he returned home safely.
The people of Ithaca feel strongly about both men and how they helped them in their lives. They appreciate how much trouble-free journeys can be, only to have this seem impossible for others.
The gods show favor towards the family
When Odysseus returns home, his family is very happy to see him. His wife, Penelope, and children, Telemachus and Iphicles, greet him with joy.
Penelope is especially excited to see her husband because she has a secret love interest in her son, Telemachus.
It is Telemachus who learns the story of their marriage and Penelope’s past. This raises some questions about their marriage and whether or not they are ready to be a couple.
However, it is the appearance of Iphicles that changes Penelope’s mind about being with Odysseus. She knows he is noble and honest, but she also knows how busy he can be. She decides to stay with him for now.
The family shows unity
When Odysseus returns to Ithaca, he finds his family together sharing a meal together. All of his relatives are there, and they all greet him with joy.
His daughter Helen is the first to approach him, kissing his cheek and crying with joy. Her father has been gone so long, she doesn’t know if he’s ever coming back.
Her husband Cythera is also there, along with their children Ceyx and Asterion. The three of them have been through a lot the past years, but now they all seem happy and reunited.
Odysseus is still unaware that Athena has sent Hermes to retrieve him, as she didn’t want anyone else to see him except for Hermes himself.
