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Books XIII-XIX

Odysseus has the defining characteristics of a Greek Hero, a man who, beyond his strength,

is defined by his superior intellect. Moreover, this is not only seen once but all throughout the

Odyssey. For example, with regards to his encounter with Polyphemos, he was able to fool

him in believing that his name was Nobody, so as not to attract the attention of fellow cyclops.

Odysseus' act of blinding him also played a role as Polyphemos grazed his sheep the next

morning, they clung onto the bottom and was not felt by the giant. Another instance, when

Odysseus, a master of deception, disguised himself as a beggar and arranged the gradual

slaughter of the suitors. Those who have plagued and overstayed their welcome were caught

in a situation wherein Odysseus alone was armed while the suitors were locked in the same

room weaponless. Beyond the previously mentioned, Odysseus is a very articulate speaker,

as seen when he first encountered Nausika. At the end of the day, all these traits were widely

seen throughout out Odysseus' homecoming. Likewise, the bow in itself reflects some of

Odysseus' characteristics before he left Ithaca. It shows how he was superior even back then

as he was gloriously acknowledged not only by his servants but also friends from other

regions. Besides the friend who gave him this bow, you will also see his companions from the

trojan war who truly honor him, such as Agamemnon, Nestor and Menalaus. They are more

like brothers just as Agamemnon warns him of a probable betrayal or how Nestor and

Menalaus welcome Telemachos just like their son and praise about the wondrous heights

Odysseus had attained for himself.

On the other hand, Penelope, a very passionate woman, has been shrouded by bewilderment

during the long absence of her husband and as she pines to be in his arms. Furthermore, the
suitors who desire to take her hand in marriage not only heavy the burden but at the same

time besiege Odysseus' estate. However, Penelope's love for Odysseus is undying and will

never waver because the foundation of their love is so natural. The commonality of their minds

is truly brilliant, their kindred wits and their love for scheming. Penelope shows her clever side

in multiple occasions, like her ploy of not being able to remarry until she has finished weaving

a shroud, which she secretly unravels at night as a tactic of detainment. In addition, she also

fooled the suitors into believing that she is ready to remarry and that any worthy suitor would

offer her gifts, instead of taking what is rightfully hers. Fast forwarding, she also tests

Odysseus' knowledge about their relation when she asked Eurykleia to move their seemingly

immovable bridal bed that symbolized the unshakable foundation of their love. In the end, the

bow contest may be one of her tactics since she believes that only Odysseus and no one else

will be able to shoot an arrow pass through twelve axes.

Word Count: 497

Books XX-XIV

Until the very end of the Odyssey, Telemachos is still not in par with his father, Odysseus. He

does not even scheme at the same level of Odysseus nor speak with the same level of

fluency. One instance when this was shown was during the time he forgot to lock the stowage,

thereby enabling the suitors to arm themselves as said in the passage. Nevertheless,

Telemachos is well on his way in asserting himself as a prince of high repute. A factor that

could be in effect here was when Athena accompanied him to journey towards Sparta and

Pylos. She believes that this would influence Telemachos to mature and more of attaining

glory similar to Odysseus but not yet. After all, before he went to those areas Telemachos was

nothing but a wimp, but now we see the stoutness in his heart. He is determined to once
again reclaim the throne of his father's threshold, as he denounces the suitors. This is

perfectly symbolized by Telemachos' attempt to string the bow, in which he didn't really

succeed. Meanwhile, Odysseus still disguised as a beggar was solely the one who was able

to. Of course, this shows Odysseus' superiority over the suitors similar to all the other omens

about their inevitable death, such as the eagle/hawk striking a prey without warning, Zeus'

thunderclap along with the servant who denounces the suitors and their bloody and deformed

depiction during their final meal. At the same time, Odysseus who successfully shot the arrow

passing through 12 axes is, nevertheless, still superior over Telemachos and by far

unmatched.

Word Count: 264

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