I am trying to figure out some good arguments as to why he was appealing to goddesses, that they would offer him immortality. I'm sure this is deeper than the fact that he was "sexy".
Please be serious on this, if you cannot, please don't bother answering.
2006-10-31 03:05:37 · 5 answers · asked by BK Paralegal 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I don't have a translation of Homer's Odyssey in front of me, but I think we just have to accept that he was physically appealing. Is it even possible that the desire Circe and Calypso have for him is part of Poseidon's attempts to teach Odysseus a lesson? What about their status--not mortal, but not goddesses either. As such, they lack power. To a degree they can have power over Odysseus--he cannot change his men into swine--but they are trumped by the gods. In terms of appeal, remember that what makes one attractive goes beyond one's physicality. Odysseus was respected for his leadership, his ability to strategize and think on his feet. Also, as a King of Ithaca, he had a certain amount of wealth and power. There is something attractive about power--why else would rock stars and politicians have groupies?
Remember, the ancient Greeks conceived of a rather fluid world in which enchantresses, gods and goddesses could interact with mortals. It could very well be that the temptation he faced was not solely because he was attractive and appealing--this temptation could be "planted" or set up by a god (such as Poseidon) to test Odysseus. I think the more helpful understanding is not about Odysseus being a "ladies man" as you say, but more about a human faced with temptation, facing adversity both of his making and not of his making. I'm sure a Classics scholar will offer more insight--I'm no expert, but I love Homer's Odyssey and the questions it inspires. Good luck!
2006-10-31 09:33:32 · answer #1 · answered by sdewolfeburns 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He was a Warrior, and a Ruler at home, and on the sea.
People did what he said.
Circe, had him in her grip for a short time. He wasn't
going to be under a woman's control.
When Odysseys went into battle for Helen of Troy,
" Who had a face that launched a thousand ships",
we knew it was to support his King, and love of the battle.
He never reached the battle, but had many of his own.
2006-10-31 03:50:53 · answer #2 · answered by elliebear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
odysseus's father was favored by the goddess athene, is it any wonder odysseus was favored too? also, while he was on the island of the nymph calypso, she tried for years to make him love her and never leave...the gods respected winners, and odysseus was a WINNER.
2006-10-31 03:13:42 · answer #3 · answered by boots 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was a man "who was never at a loss." Which implies, I suppose, that he had the gift of blarney, although he wasn't Irish.
2006-10-31 04:19:55 · answer #4 · answered by themistocles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aw lovin it
2006-10-31 03:12:29 · answer #5 · answered by ~Peace~N~Love~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋