The Odyssey is an epic poem written by the ancient Greek author Homer, narrating the hero’s life during the Trojan War. The hero goes through a difficult path, from escaping from prison to reuniting with his father after the events of the war. The Odyssey teaches that through determination, hard work and perseverance, one can succeed even in the most dangerous or most difficult tasks. In all trials, the hero wins because he is courageous, brave, hardworking, and persistent. The Odyssey remains important 2,700 years after its creation because Homer provides invaluable knowledge of ancient Greek culture and teaches values and virtues that are still relevant in modern times.
The world behind the text is a window through which it is possible to look into the past and gain valuable knowledge about the culture of the time when the author lived. The world within the text is a static image that allows the reader to analyze what is written from a literary point of view. One of the oldest written monuments helps trace the origin of the literary process from the very beginning, making Homer the canon Greek writer (Netz 233). The Odyssey is, at the same time, the most valuable ancient Greek literary monument and a source of knowledge about Hellenic culture. The modern reader can learn from the Odyssey knowledge about the world of the era of Homer and understand more about the birthplace of civilization.
The world in front of the text is a mirror through which the reader can find important answers. The Odyssey teaches the reader virtues, important values, the necessary qualities of a person. Even if the task seems difficult, dedication, hard work and faith in success will help to achieve it. People can achieve what they want if they put in enough effort. Another important message of the Odyssey is the need to believe in the divine, the miraculous, which will come to the aid of a person in difficult times. Human life is full of both good and bad moments: “the faithful bard the Muse adored…but her gifts were with good and evil both” (Homer Book 8). If people pass all the challenges with dignity, they will be rewarded for their perseverance and unshakable faith. Homer teaches that wisdom is rewarded, but one should not succumb to temptation and put oneself above the forces of the universe. A person can resort to cunning to solve some problems; however, it is necessary not to abuse this quality. The Odyssey provides a valuable insight into what is really important: after all the glory that Odysseus enjoyed, the hero returns to ordinary life and finds his family to be of the highest value (Kundmueller 2). The main message of Homer is that a person should not grumble at fate but continue to fight hard, despite the difficulties that arise.
In conclusion, the Odyssey is valuable in modern times for several reasons. Firstly, this narrative is the oldest monument of writing, analyzing which one can understand a lot about the origin of the literary process. In addition, the Odyssey allows the readers to learn more about the culture and life of Ancient Greece, providing important historical knowledge. However, the most important reason why Homer’s work has remained immortal lies in its message. Odyssey can teach future generations the most important human values and qualities. Success requires strong faith, hard work, courage and resourcefulness – this message will remain relevant at all times.
Works Cited
Homer. The Odyssey. London, Penguin Publishing Group, 1997.
Kundmueller, Michelle M. Homer’s Hero: Human excellence in the Iliad and the Odyssey. New York, State University of New York Press, 2019.
Netz, Reviel. Scale, Space and Canon in Ancient Literary Culture. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2020.