There was a time when the goal of all good, great, and decent men was to obtain honor. Every motive, dictated by their sense of honor, was aimed at bolstering it or regaining some that had been lost. To fulfill their sense of honor, men of valor would slay the dragon, overthrow an evil villain, or defeat the monster. In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus is considered honorable for his actions on his journey home to Ithaca. Not only is he loyal to those around him despite difficulties, but he also exhibits many heroic attributes such as bravery and cleverness.
Although he faces difficulties on his way home, Odysseus is honorable by remaining loyal to his crewmates. For example, on the land of the Lotus-Eaters, Odysseus sends three of his crewmates to explore the land. Drugged by the Lotus plant, his men did not want to return and Odysseus “drove them, all three wailing, to the ships, [and] tied them down under their rowing benches’” (101-103). By coming back to save his men, it shows how much Odysseus cares for them. Even though he had enough men to continue his journey home, instead of abandoning them, he saves them from the Lotus-Eaters by convincing them to get back on the ship. As a hero would do, Odysseus puts the safety of his men above his own goal of reaching home. Having the choice of leaving the three men and continuing his journey home, his leader-like qualities shine through, allowing him to save his men, which they are thankful for. Odysseus’s honor also comes from his loyalty to his wife, Penelope. While in Ogygia Isle, Calypso “imprisoned [Odysseus] in her echoing cave, and cared for him and swore to make him ageless and immortal, though she could never touch his heart” (Bk XXIII:300-372). Despite the temptations of being immortal and staying with the beautiful Calypso, Odysseus denies her offer and says he wants to return home to his wife, Penelope. He would rather die with Penelope as a mortal than live forever with the enchanting Calypso, showing how much he loves her. This also proves the extent of Odysseus’s love, and how he is true to her no matter what, which he can be praised for. In addition, he is honored, regardless of his relations with Calypso since his heart remains with Penelope, following the Greek culture. By being loyal to his crewmates and wife, Odysseus is considered honorable.
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Secondly, Odysseus displays heroic qualities based on his actions. For example, while taking down the Cyclops, Polyphemus, Odysseus’s “hand could bear to thrust and grind th[e] spike in Cyclops’ eye” (280-281), showing his valor. Although Odysseus is faced with Polyphemus, the large man-eating monster, he is not frightened. Instead, by saying that Odysseus can “thrust and grind” the stake at the Cyclops’s eye, the strong word choice indicates his strength and ability to overcome the obstacles he may encounter. Not only is this impressive to face the terrifying monster but it is also an honorable action to blind Polyphemus so Odysseus and his men to easily escape. He is seen as heroic here for avoiding certain death and calling upon his courage to gouge out Polyphemus’s eye, in addition to saving his men. For undertaking this dangerous task to save others and oppose great obstacles, Odysseus is given respect from his crewmates. In addition, Odysseus is clever in his encounter with Scylla and Charybdis, later reflecting, thinking, “But as I sent them on toward Scylla, I told them nothing, as they could do nothing” (783-784). The decision to not tell his men was difficult for Odysseus, but he could not let his crew persuade him to sail back, otherwise, they would never reach Ithaca. Using his cleverness, he had to think of what would be best for the greater good to save him and his men. The decision to choose which monster would be in his best interest to encounter was also difficult for him. However, he chose Scylla which prevented everyone on the ship from dying. Odysseus was also smart to not go on a suicide mission so that they could reach Ithaca. Moreover, he is also smart in his ability to separate his feelings and actions, choosing his actions based on pre-arranged plans instead of current feelings. By choosing Scylla, Odysseus knows she will tear some to shreds but knows he has to witness the atrocities to save more of his men. By not fighting back in blind rage, and subduing his grief, he devises a plan allowing them to escape. His men who survived, although sad about those they lost, have respect and thank him for his heroic qualities. In his encounter with the Cyclops, Scylla, and Charybdis, Odysseus exhibits his impressive bravery and qualities.
Throughout history, every man’s main goal has been obtaining honor and glory by defeating their opponents or making it back from dangerous journeys alive. For this reason, Odysseus is honorable for his actions on his way home to Ithaca. He displays loyalty to his crewmates and Penelope and is also honorable for his heroic qualities such as his bravery and cleverness. Using the best of his abilities, Odysseus is loyal to and constantly makes decisions to try to save his men. He also remains loyal to his wife since all of his actions are revolved around finally being with her. Moreover, Odysseus’s loyalty and perseverance relate to the theme that by not giving up and following what is right, everyone benefits. Although circumstances seem tough to overcome such as with the Cyclops, at Calypso’s island, and Scylla and Charybdis, by continuing to fight and not letting the temptation get to him, Odysseus can return to Ithaca. His attitude can be helpful to everyone because by persevering and staying loyal, respect, honor, and trust are gained. These attributes also create strong and dependable leaders, making them a more honorable and respectable person. Furthermore, by staying loyal and having heroic qualities, honor can be brought as a result.
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