Which Greek values are found in The Odyssey?

Which Greek Values Are Found in The Odyssey?

The Odyssey is one of the most widely read stories in the world. Many qualities that the Greeks would have regarded highly are depicted in the Odyssey. Odysseus, the protagonist of The Odyssey, is returning home after a valiant battle in the Trojan War. He encounters numerous challenging tasks on the way back, delaying his return by ten years. After arriving home, he encounters additional difficulties that he must conquer. Many of the qualities that the Greeks prized are demonstrated over his many journeys. The Greek ideals of hospitality, obedience, and loyalty are reflected in The Odyssey, and those who disobey them suffer consequences.

The men of Odysseus were murdered for not following orders. One key quality that the Greeks respected was obedience. Odysseus cautions his troops against consuming the Sun God’s livestock. His troops proceed to seize and murder the cattle despite the warning. The Sun God Helios requests that Zeus punish Odysseus’ troops for their savagery. Helios utters the following lines in the narrative: “O father Zeus and gods in happiness forever,/ punish Odysseus’ men! So overbearing,/now that they have slain my tranquil kine…/They will pay the entire amount owed in restitution or punishment (923-929).

The narrative uses lotus fruits to highlight the good qualities of self-control. Odysseus resists his desire to consume the lotus fruits. But his warriors take the food. They eventually run out of steam and want to return home. When beggars approach Penelope and request food and a house, they exhibit another virtue: hospitality. She requests that her maids attend to the beggars.