8.3 Major characters and their roles

The Odyssey introduces us to a cast of unforgettable characters. From the cunning hero Odysseus to his loyal wife Penelope, each plays a crucial role in this epic tale of homecoming and redemption.

Gods and mortals alike shape the story's events. Athena's divine guidance, Poseidon's wrath, and the treacherous suitors all present challenges for Odysseus to overcome on his long journey back to Ithaca.

Odysseus and His Family

Odysseus: The Cunning Hero

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• Odysseus, King of Ithaca, is the protagonist and hero of the epic
• Known for his intelligence, resourcefulness, and cunning, which he demonstrates throughout his journey (outwitting the Cyclops, navigating the underworld)
• Odysseus's goal is to return home to his family after the Trojan War, facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way
• His journey is not only physical but also a test of his character and loyalty to his family and kingdom

Penelope: The Faithful Wife

• Penelope is Odysseus's wife, who remains loyal and faithful to him during his 20-year absence
• She cleverly fends off the suitors who seek her hand in marriage, believing Odysseus to be dead (unweaving her tapestry each night)
• Penelope's unwavering devotion and intelligence are crucial to maintaining order in Ithaca and ultimately reuniting with Odysseus
• Her character serves as a contrast to the unfaithful women encountered by Odysseus on his journey (Circe, Calypso)

Telemachus: The Maturing Son

• Telemachus is Odysseus and Penelope's son, who grows from a boy to a young man during his father's absence
• With guidance from Athena, Telemachus embarks on his own journey to find information about his father and assert his role as the prince of Ithaca
• Throughout the epic, Telemachus develops courage, leadership skills, and the ability to stand up to the suitors
• His maturation is essential for Odysseus's successful return and the restoration of order in Ithaca

Eurycleia: The Loyal Servant

• Eurycleia is Odysseus's old nurse and a trusted servant in his household
• She plays a significant role in recognizing Odysseus upon his return, despite his disguise as a beggar
• Eurycleia's loyalty and discretion are demonstrated when she keeps Odysseus's identity secret until the appropriate time
• Her character represents the importance of loyalty and the close bonds between the hero and his household

Gods and Goddesses

Athena: Divine Guidance and Protection

• Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, is Odysseus's primary divine ally throughout his journey
• She frequently intervenes on Odysseus's behalf, providing guidance, protection, and assistance in various forms (disguising him, inspiring him in battle)
• Athena also guides and mentors Telemachus, helping him mature and preparing him for his father's return
• Her support for Odysseus and Telemachus highlights the importance of divine favor and the gods' role in the hero's journey

Poseidon: The Unrelenting Adversary

• Poseidon, god of the sea, harbors a deep grudge against Odysseus for blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus
• He actively works to hinder Odysseus's progress, creating storms, shipwrecks, and other obstacles during his journey
• Poseidon's anger and opposition serve as a constant reminder of the consequences of Odysseus's actions and the power of the gods
• His role as an antagonist adds to the epic's tension and highlights the hero's resilience in the face of divine opposition

Calypso and Circe: Temptations and Delays

• Calypso and Circe are two goddesses who temporarily detain Odysseus on his journey home
• Calypso keeps Odysseus on her island for seven years, offering him immortality and her love, but ultimately must let him go on Zeus's orders
• Circe, a powerful sorceress, transforms Odysseus's crew into pigs and keeps him on her island for a year before allowing him to continue his journey
• Both goddesses represent the temptations and distractions that can hinder a hero's progress and test his resolve to return home

Antagonists and Obstacles

Polyphemus: The Monstrous Cyclops

• Polyphemus is a man-eating Cyclops and the son of Poseidon, whom Odysseus encounters on his journey
• Odysseus and his men become trapped in Polyphemus's cave, and Odysseus devises a plan to escape by blinding the Cyclops
• This encounter showcases Odysseus's cunning and resourcefulness, but also leads to Poseidon's anger and the hardships Odysseus faces throughout his journey
• Polyphemus represents the dangerous and monstrous obstacles that Odysseus must overcome to return home

The Suitors: Usurpers and Threats

• The suitors are a group of noble men who seek Penelope's hand in marriage and vie for control of Ithaca in Odysseus's absence
• They exploit Odysseus's household, consuming his wealth and disrespecting his family while pressuring Penelope to choose a new husband
• The suitors' presence creates tension and a sense of urgency for Odysseus's return, as they pose a threat to his family and kingdom
• Their ultimate defeat at the hands of Odysseus and Telemachus restores order and justice to Ithaca

Antinous and Eurymachus: The Leading Suitors

• Antinous and Eurymachus are the two most prominent and arrogant among the suitors
• Antinous is the most vocal and aggressive, often leading the suitors in their disrespectful behavior and plots against Telemachus
• Eurymachus, while more diplomatic than Antinous, still actively participates in the suitors' exploits and seeks to marry Penelope
• These two characters serve as the primary representatives of the suitors' villainy and the specific threats Odysseus must confront upon his return

Allies and Helpers

Eumaeus: The Loyal Swineherd

• Eumaeus is a faithful servant and swineherd in Odysseus's household
• He provides shelter and assistance to Odysseus when he returns to Ithaca in disguise, not recognizing his master but still showing kindness and loyalty
• Eumaeus also aids Telemachus and plays a role in the defeat of the suitors
• His character represents the enduring loyalty of Odysseus's servants and the importance of allies in the hero's journey

Telemachus: The Maturing Ally

• In addition to being Odysseus's son, Telemachus becomes a vital ally in his father's return and the restoration of order in Ithaca
• Having matured throughout the epic, Telemachus assists Odysseus in devising and executing the plan to confront the suitors
• He demonstrates his loyalty, courage, and growth by standing alongside his father in the final battle
• Telemachus's role as an ally highlights the importance of family bonds and the passing of heroic qualities from father to son

Athena: Divine Intervention and Strategy

• Beyond providing guidance and protection, Athena serves as a strategic ally for Odysseus and Telemachus
• She helps devise plans, such as Odysseus's disguise as a beggar and the removal of weapons from the great hall before confronting the suitors
• Athena's divine intervention and strategic assistance are crucial to Odysseus's success in reclaiming his household and kingdom
• Her role as an ally emphasizes the significance of divine support and the interplay between mortal actions and divine influence in the epic