The Essential Odyssey - Assignment Example

College: Odyssey Odysseus is the hero in the epic tale odyssey. He travels extensively especially after the conclusion ofthe Trojan War. Therefore, the quintessential aspects of the epic are characterized by his journeys immediately after the end of the war which was symbolized by the fall of troy. The themes of the poem surround the travels, events and incidences of Odysseus in his quest to return home (Lombardo 62). Odysseus spends a lot of time traversing and fighting several battles in his quest to reach home. In the course of his journeys, several events are experienced. Most of these represent the struggles and challenges that he went through in his endeavor to return to his home. Through his struggles, epics and voyages the Greek society is exemplified in totality. Thus, the epic is a perfect representation of the basic concepts of the ancient Greek culture and civilization. The account of Odysseus's voyages and travail has become one of the lasting classics of the Western custom along with an appealing representation of the accomplishments of the antique Greeks. In several manners the subjects and episodes of the Odyssey replicate and emphasize the essence of antique Greek society. Similarly, the incidences and ideas relate to our contemporary world. The aim of this paper is to provide elucidation on the manner in which the travels and events of Odysseus exemplify the culture, achievements and symbolization of the western society and the ancient Greek society. The paper operates on the premise that the account of the journeys of Odysseus remain among the main lasting tales of the western custom in addition to the gains of the earliest Greek society. Western culture In virtually all ways, the tale of Odysseus's travels and travail has become one of the permanent models of the Western practice as well as an endearing symbol of the achievements of the ancient Greeks. In several ways, the themes and events of the Odyssey reflect and highlight the spirit of ancient Greek society. Incidentally, the experiences and themes relate to our modern world. The narrative epitomizes the essential aspects of western traditions as well as the exemplification of the achievement of the ancient Greeks. There are several areas in the take through which the cultural inclinations of the western civilization are underscored. Thus, through Odysseus travels and other events surrounding his quest to be back with his folks several aspects of ancient Greek successes along with the cultural aspects of the western tradition. Significance of the themes The themes and events of the odyssey reflect and highlight the spirit of ancient Greek. First is the aspect of war. In ancient Greek war was a decisive event in political and territorial disputes. Thus, wars were conducted whenever there was a dispute regarding two kingdoms. Subsequently, confrontations and strive among kingdoms was a great cause of war in ancient Greece. Therefore, the Trojan War for instance was triggered by the existing confrontation between the two kingdoms. In these terms, kings and kingdoms went to war as a way of settling their differences. If a kingdom perceived the other as an enemy in any way, then war was the way out. In the same vein, men of valor were taken to war. Thus, incase of a war, the men of courage and strength were taken to fight for the kingdom. That was among the reasons why Odysseus was taken to be part of the Trojan War. Wars were fought on target in the early Greek society. Thus, targets were established for a war. For instance, the Trojan War ended when troy was destroyed. Ancient Greek society believed in the role of spirits, gods and goddesses in daily activities of life. This was one of the most enduring characteristic of the ancient Greeks. The odyssey perfectly symbolizes the Greeks’ believes in the role of gods and sprits. On several occasions there is a spirit that fought to save Odysseus. On several occasions, the goddess was an intercessor for Odysseus to avoid his failure death and destruction. There was also a spirit that guided Odysseus throughout his journey returning home. This symbolizes the total belief and reliance of the Greeks on the assistance of spirits, gods and goddesses. Apart from Odysseus, there are numerous other characters that relied or were assisted by sprits to accomplish their desires. Distressing spirits On the contrary, the prevailing of distressing spirits which were only concerned with bringing trouble to human beings was rife. So, it was necessary in the Greek society, to seek refuge under a certain spirit that was good for protection. As a result, many of Odysseus troubles were instigated by certain spirits and gods that were unhappy with him. In general, the western tradition and the antique Greek society relied so much on superstition and pluralism of gods. Gods were of great significance in the events of the society, in order to achieve anything or conduct something; one had to consult the spiritual world. Hence, the spiritual arena played a exceptionally imperative role in the Greek ancient society. The spiritual world also manifested in form of humans to provide guidance and protection to people. However, there were certain spirits that were inherently destructive and harmful. The family institution was very much revered in the ancient Greek society. On many counts, the Greek society was so much tied on the family. Therefore, Odysseus was striving to return home and reunite with his family. In spite of successes in the war, his soul was attached to his family. For that reason, he was willing to undergo challenges in his quest to get back with his family. Also the ancient Greek society believed in the betrothal of a woman whose husband had died in war. Therefore, incase a man went to war and never returned, several suitors could show interested in his wife for the sake of inheriting property. Odysseus absence long after the end of the Trojan War was perceived by the villagers as death. Therefore, numerous suitors assembled at his home to seek his wife’s hand in marriage. The themes of odyssey perfectly relate to the experiences and concepts of our modern society. Basically, many of the aspects covered in the narrative are relevant with the current state of affairs in the society. First is the aspect of war among kingdoms or states. Military confrontation is still vibrant in the modern society. Military confrontation has remained a way of dealing with several issues facing the modern society. Religion and superstition Also religion and superstition still play a very important role in the events of contemporary society. The role of the spiritual world is still invoked on several occasions for help of a diversity of matters ranging from economic, social and political. The family institution still remains very significant to the existence of people. Therefore, a lot of efforts are made to safeguard the family. Just like Odysseus sacrifices for his family the current generation still values the family unit so much. Apart from the relevant themes in the narrative odyssey, the experiences of Odysseus are still prevalent in the current society. Human being still have to surmount several battles in order to be successful for instance there are always deliberate attempts to frustrate ones plans. But with determination and a strong will on victory is guaranteed. There is no doubt that the odyssey is a perfect symbolization of the antique Greek society as well as western tradition. The themes and experiences covered in the tale are symbolic of the culture of the early Greek society. Furthermore, the journeys of Odysseus reflect the manner in which the early Greek society prevailed. Besides, the relevant themes and occurrences of the tale are still vibrant in the contemporary culture. The tale involves the journeys of Odysseus back home after the end of the Trojan War. The entire themes and experiences revolve around the struggles that characterized Odysseus return home after the war. Among the many aspects of the account that are relevant with the Greek society of the past, western tradition and contemporary society are, the role of spiritual world in world affairs, the significance of the family, the incidence of war, and inter kingdom rivalry among others. The tale is a perfectly exemplification of three different cultures. These are antique Greek society, the western tradition as well as the contemporary society. In essence, numerous aspects of the Greek society as symbolized by the tale are still relevant with the current society. In summary, the odyssey is an epic that epitomizes the experiences of the Trojan War and its end. The lead role, Odysseus undergoes several challenges immediately after the war on is way home. There are a number of themes that have been exemplified. At the same time, numerous experiences are explored. All these represent the ancient Greek society and western tradition. Moreover, the themes and experiences of the tale are relevant to the contemporary culture. Therefore, the exemplifications of the odyssey which are inclined to the life’s experiences and challenges of the Odysseus as the main character, have a wide reaching implication. In other words the take contains themes, meaning, exemplification and aspects that go beyond the quintessential aspects of the epic. Work Cited Lombardo, Stanley. The essential Odyssey. Washington: Hackett Publishing, 2007. Read More