Book 21: The Bow

At lot has happened since I last saw you. I'll start from the top. Penelope brought out twelve axes and my hunting bow as a contest to see which suitor deserved her the most. Both of the herders broke down to tears as they saw what she was doing. Though something surprising happened at the start. My son, Telemakhos, decided to be the first to give the bow a shot. After he failed the first three times he gave it one more try. The fourth time he almost had it strung when I gave him a hard look that made him stop right away. After that some of the suitors began to fail one after another until Antinoos said to postpone the contest until the next day. While this was happening I took the herders aside to tell them who I was and to tell them what I plan to do. I then gave my bow a shot even though I was critized and threatened and few times. I took my time in stringing the bow and before long all of the suitors were watching every move that I made. When I finished I carefully and cleanly shot the bow straight threw the twelve axes. I then gave the signal to my son that it was time to try to eliminate the suitors. You'll have to read the next chapter to find out what happens.

I think that Odysseus made a good decision in attempting to string and shot the bow. By doing this it showed the suitors that he was no beggar, but was Odysseus and that he was ready to fight. It also showed that he wasn't going to listen to all of the suitors threats and critism. Normally, when a large amount of people pressures you to stop something, you stop because you feel scared of what could possible happen if you followed through with your actions.

Book 20: Feast away

This chapter didn't start well for me. I saw a few women going off to the suitor's room and that got me really angry. But I held myself together. After that I couldn't fall asleep either. At least until Athena came and and comforted me. Something told me that the situation was a little like neurosis. I couldn't fall asleep until I talked to somebody about what I was feeling and thinking about. I then prayed to Zeus for a sign to show me whether the time has come to kill the suitors. He gave me a positive sign ad that made me happy too. That guy named Melanthios made fun of me again. But a man named Philoitios was nice to me and I liked him. Then the suitors had another feast and a suitor threw a cow foot at me. They are so mean and stupid. Telemakhos then came up to the plate and stopped the trouble. Another one of the suitors gave this long speech about how everybody shoud just give up hope of me returning home. I then went to the home of Peiraios. I was greetd kindly. I can't wait to give those suitors what they deserve.

I think that Telemakhos showed, once again, that he is growing up by ending the violence that the suitors were giving his father. Normally, people would just sit there and stare when a large mass of people were throwing stuff and insulting their father.

Book 19: Discovered

Today my masterful plan to kill the suitors began. My son, Telemakhos, hid my weapons and arms, the first step in my plan. After that my wife began to question me, but she didn't realize who I was because I'm still disguised as a beggar. I tried to weave around some of her questions, but I ended up having to answer some of them because I didn't want to risk her getting suspicious. I, again, lied about my past to protect myself and my plan. Penelope surprised me a little bit because she said multiple times that she thinks that now is the time to finally get remarried because she has lost all hope and has no more excuses to use to stall anymore. After hearing this I tried to keep her from doing this by telling her that I knew Odysseus, myself, was close and will return soon. She didn't buy it though. She also mentioned that she thought that I was like her lord, myself, both physically and mentally. After that she insisted that I get bathed and I get a new robe to wear. So the woman that helped raise me, Eurykleia, began to clean me. But before long she noticed the scar which I had acquired a long time ago as a child by a wild boar. She new that it was me immediately, but I stopped her before she said anything. After I made her promise not to tell anybody me wife told me about her plans to choose a suitor to marry. She then went to bed. I don't know about you, but I think that I am running out of time!!

I think that Odysseus again showed his self-control in not slipping up when the maid Eurykleia noticed that the old beggar was Odysseus in disguise. Normally, somebody would panic when they realize that something just happened that can do them in for good.

Book 18

I think that I said some pretty weird things today on page 340. I said that mankind is the frailest mortal creature on the earth. I think that I meant that humans can be the stupidest creatures on the planet and that it doesn't take much to get yourself in trouble with the gods. I also said that life with the gods can be like night and day. This means to me that in different parts of your life and even on different days the gods can favor you, or dislike you. Sort of how after I boasted to the Kyklops the gods didn't like me, but later on and they thought that I had suffered enough and they decided to help me.

I also think that what I said makes me seem very wise. What do you think? Nah. I know you think I'm wise, you don't have to say it. Back to the topic. The sorts of things that I said came from a long time of hardship and disloyalty by myself and others. I could also sense that the person that Iwas speaking to knew that I was telling the truth. I could tell by his reaction. Overall, I think that my wisdom has really grown over my life, but that doesn't mean that I'm too old to be a warrior.

After seeing all of these suitors and learning from what they act like I think that I can probably take them. But that is obviously the biggest problem that I am facing at the moment. I think that another problem that can possibly happen is that I can, once again, lose the god's favor by doing something stupid. It's happened to me before. Like when I said: ""Our minds are as the days are, dark and bright,/blown over by the father of gods and men" (340). Let's just hope that that doesn't happen to me again.

In general, I think that my self-awareness has grown too. When I was challenged to a fight by Iros, I decided not to fight too rough because I didn't want to have a chance of giving myself away. See!!!!!!!!!!!! I have changed. In the past I would have seen this as a chance to show my strength and would have crippled him right there on the spot. I also think that I am much more aware of my surroundings now than before. I can tell when to say things in certain situations without getting myself into that much trouble.

Book 17: Begging to learn

Well I was in for a surprise today. The suitors treated me like dirt. But I'll promise you one thing. In a few days they will all be at the mercy of myself, Odysseus. I'll tell it from beginning to end. Telemakhos left right when the sun rose the day after we met for the first time in twenty years. I stayed at the swineherds house for a while after he left though. A little later the swineherd led me to the my palace even though I was made fun of on the way there. When I got to my house I saw my dog Argos right before he died and it broke my heart. I soon was participating in a feast that the suitors held, even though I was doing much more begging than feasting. I soon learned how much of a jerk one of the suitors was. His name is Antinoos. He threw a stool at me and bruised my shoulder. My wife Penelope then asked if I could tell news of myself to her, but I said that I would tell her later after the sun set. That is all that has happened up to this point.

Even though my summary isn't based on Telemakhos, I think that he showed great self restraint in not jumping to his father's aid after Antinoos threw a stool at Odysseus. In general, when someone sees their father being abused or hurt they can't stand to see it happen.

Book 16: Reuniting

I, Odysseus, have finally met my son for the first time since I left him to go to the trojan war. I will tell it exactly how it happened. I had been staying at the swineherds house for a while before I met my son. Before I knew it though Telemakhos came walking into the house and sat down next to me. He didn't know who I was because I was disguised as an old beggar. I didn't tell him who I was until a little later. After Telemakhos asked who I was the swineherd told of the lie that I made up ( I still can't believe that he believed that!!!!!!). Telemakhos then told me of the horrible life he had been living with the suitors and I felt terrible. Athena then let me know that it was time that I told Telemakhos who I was and at first he thought that I was a God ( Athena made me look like who I really am). He didn't accept at first that I really was his father. I then explained to him how Athena had been helping me and changing my apperance from time to time. After we had hugged each other we began to devise our plan to take out the suitors. I am not going to tell you the plan now because I want it to be a surprise when it happens. Well, that's all that has happened up to now.

I think that Odysseus, once again, showed great self-control at not just lunging at his son when he first saw him. In general, most people would forget about everything around them and the situation that they were in if they saw their son for the first time in twenty years.

Book 12: Adventures

When my crew and I left the land of the Dead we went straight back to bury Elpenor. We then feasted for the night and ventured out back into the sea the next morning. Kirke told me of what is in the future for my companions and what can happen if we did different things correctly or incorrectly. First we passed by the island of Seirenes, which was like torture to me because the music that they played was so beautiful ( I got a thing for music). Then we went to the land of Skylla and Kharybdis and survived again, thankfully, with small losses. Then things started to go wrong. When we passed by the island of Helios and his cattle my men insisted on stopping to rest. I made them promise not to kill any of the animals for fear of the warning that Kirke gave me. Luck did not go our way though after that. For a month the weather was made poor by Zeus and eventually my men killed some of the cattle while I was sleeping. When we launched out again a storm came and ruined the ship and killed all of my men. I slowly drifted back to the dark island of Skylla and Kharybdis but survived. Though another dark time lies ahead of me as I near Kalypso's island.

I think that, for the most part, Odysseus' men did a good job in keeping promises and avoiding danger. Although they failed at the very end and and caused destruction for everybody. In general, it's hard to keep cravings down for a month when what you crave is right in front of you.

Book 11: The Adventure of Death

I met a lot of interesting people today. It is kind of sad because they all asked me, Odysseus, of the whereabouts of their families. I'll tell it from the top though. My men and I arrived at the land of Death to make a sacrifice to Teiresais. After we sacrificed the ewe and lamb I guarded them until Teiresais arrived. While I was waiting I saw my mother and talked with her after Teiresais came. Teirasais came and told me of my future too (it sounded bleak). Eventually I met a lot of my companions and friends from the past who had died. Eventually it got a little boring because their were so many of them. But I met Agamemnon, Akhilleus, and Aias. At the end though Persephone brought some dark hell and I left swiftly with my crew to escape. Wish me luck (I'm going to need it)!

I think that what happened in the land of the dead showed great courage and determination on the part of Odysseus. To go into such a dark place shows just how much he wants to go home, although sometime that determination falters. In general, some people just give up when they think that the going is going to be too rough.

Book 9: Kirkes

Well, a lot has happened since the last time that I, Odysseus, have seen you. Lets see what has happened. I'll just bring it from the top. After leaving the island of the Kyklopes we landed on the island of Ailolia and were greeted kindly. Soon we left, but after some misfortune by my crew we were blown back and were greeted by the people as if we were a plague sent by the gods. Next we landed on an island with some interesting and unhappy events. The leader tore apart one of my companions when we arrived to greet him. Also we lost the rest of the boats and the crew except for my company and me. Then we arrived on Kirkes island where she puts enchantments on anybody she pleases. This happened to half of my crew when they went to see Kirkes. Thankfully after Hermes gave me a plan to defeat Kirkes they were freed. We stayed on the that island for one year until we finally decided to leave. Before we left I was given some unfortunate news that my company and I would have to venture to the cold homes of death and pale Persephone to hear Teiresias tell of the time to come. Well that just about sums it up.

I think that when Odysseus stayed with Kirkes for a year it showed even more how he is split between staying with gods and goddesses or traveling home. For example, he stayed with Kirkes for a year when that year could have been spent going back to his home and family. I can also see why she would want to stay. Generally, when a person has everything they need to live at their fingertips at the highest quality, they are happy with where they are.

Book 9: the Kyklopes

Today I told who I was, Odysseus, to Alkinoos and his people. I then began to tell the tale of how I wound up where I am today. I told of how I men and I ventured to many islands, small numbers of my men losing there lives on each one. Eventually I came to the island that closed my fate, the island of the Kyklopes. I told then how I left most of my men on a peaceful island while I ventured out to the one-eyed land with my company. I explained how the Kyklopes trapped us and ate a few of my men at every meal. I then told of how I blinded the Kyklopes. I, with my cunning wits, made him drunk and stabbed his eye while he was asleep, blinding him. I then escaped with the part of my company that had not been devoured, also a plan from my extreme smarts. Although when we boarded our ship I thought that after doing all of that I deserved to be a little arrogant and insulted him. In fact, I insulted him a few more times just make sure he knew who I was. My men told me not to, but they didn't know who they were talking too, for I am Odysseus, raider of cities. Although this caused the Kyklopes to curse me forever (but I still think it was worth it ha, ha, ha, ha...). I then told of how after we feasted we ventured off into the unknown that would bring darkness upon all of us.

I believe that Odysseus obviously made a stupid choice in bragging to the Kyklopes about what he had just accomplished. I can also now see why Poseidon holds such a grudge against Odysseus. Normally, when a very special person or object is destroyed another person, the owner dislikes the person forever.

Book 8

I, Odysseus, have finally found a temprary home with people that are kind and are helping me return home to Ithaca. Earlier, Alkinoos got a ship and crew ready to take me home to Ithaca, but first he wanted to feast and have a game ceremony at the pentathlon. But during the feast a Muse started playing a song about what happened in Troy to me and my fellow warriors. Unfortuanately I began to cry and later I cried two more times when they played the song. At the games ceremony I was challenged by a man of the name Seareach to compete with him. Though he stopped after I threw the discus further than anybody else. Afterwards we feasted and I was given gifts for my trip home. When they played a song about me for the last time I began to cry again and Alkinoos asked me to tell my name to everybody. He also spoke of how he was told by his father that one day a ship from his land will be wrecked by Poseidon, which I think will happen to me, of course. I wonder what they're going to think when I tell them who I am.

I think that Odysseus got a lucky break at finding such a great spot to land on after the storm. I also think that this event shows even more the hospitality of the Greeks in letting Odysseus feast, sleep, and participate in games when they don't even know Odysseus' name. In general, people get suspicious when people don't mention their name or anything about themselves while they are visiting.

Book 5: Odysseus

I, Odysseus, have finally left the cave of Kalypso to journey home to my home land of Ithaca. About 23 or 24 days ago Kalypso just walks up to me and says I'm free to go and that she'll help me as much as she can. At first I didn't trust her, but she actually helped me (Finally!!!!!!!!!!!). I made a raft and sailed of to the island of Skheria. But just as the island came in sight, what do ya know, Poseidon thinks that it would be enjoyable to make the trip a little more "fun." His storm broke my raft and just as I was about to drown Ino helped me by giving me her veil so that I would not die choking for air. I floated in the sea for 2 days until I finally washed up on the shore with a little help from Athena and the river god. I fell asleep in the forest in a little, dense hiding place that I made to protect myself from predators and to keep me warm through the night.

I think that by how Kalypso reacted when Hermes told her that she would have to give up Odysseus shows that she is a nice woman. I also think that it is incredible that Odysseus endured that much pain and hardship at sea and lived. In general people just give up when the situation seems hopeless, like the one that Odysseus was in.

Book 4: Menelaos

I, Telemakhos, have finally reached the kingdom of Menelaos to hear of my father, Odysseus. I was greeted with honor as Peisistratos and I entered and feasted with Menelaos, king of Sparta. When I walked in I was astounded with the palace that I was in. There were so many treasured objects and metals there. At first Menelaos didn't realize that I was Odysseus' son. But when he began to speak of him and my emotions took hold of me he immediately understood who I was. He spoke of my father as if he had been his best friend. Soon we all got caught up in mourning for my father. Though it seemed to pass rather quickly after we had all had our wine to drink. Helen also spoke of how disgusted she was with her past self in starting the Trojan War. Menelaos then began the story of what he knew of my father and how he had found the information. The story brought me the answer that I had wanted to hear. Menelaos told me that Kalypso had captured my father and that he could not leave because he had no ship with oars, and no ship's company to pull him back to sea. It may seem bleak, but at least I know that he is alive and what has happened to him. As a parting gift, Menelaos gave me a very fine wine bowl that made me feel very welcome and happy in Sparta.

I think that what has happened in the fourth book shows even more greatly how Telemakhos is maturing as a man. He kept his cool around one of the most powerful kings in the world at the time. In general, when somebody is around a person with high power that they have heard a lot about, they get intimidated and start to speak nonsense or don't speak clearly. I also think that Menelaos has proven himself to be an ally in the story because of how kindly he treated Telemakhos and Peisistratos.

Book 3: Telemakhos Learns

I, Telemakhos, have finally learned to an extent what has happened or is happening to my father. I traveled overnight with Athena to the the small town of Pylos to hear from Nestor's point of view of what really happened to Odysseus. After we had greeted each other and feasted to honor Poseidon we told of our business. Nestor then began to explain the story of Troy after the city had been defeated. He told of the dispute with Agamemnon and how the army had been separated. Odysseus had also stayed back with Agamemnon to try to please Agamemnon. That was the last time that Nestor had seen him, for Nestor did not stay and went straight back home. Nestor also talked about the deaths of some of the other valiant war heros. Athena also made it clear that she was no ordinary man, but was the daughter of Zeus. Nestor then insisted of having a sacrifice and a feast for her. Athena then traveled with the crew on the ship while I traveled on horseback with Peisistratos to Pherai, and then to Lakedaimon.

I think that Nestor showed that he was a honest and kind man by honoring two gods while Telemakhos was visiting and also by telling Telemakhos what he saw and what he knew had happened. In general, if somebody comes to ask someone about something inportant and they don't know the answer, they can make up answers to make it seem like they aren't stupid. I also think that Telemakhos has showed even more growing maturity by speaking more fluently and more knowledgably during his visit to Pylos.

Book 2: Telemakhos Rises

I, Telemakhos, Odysseus' son, have finally risen to my position as King Odysseus' son. There was an assembly today in town and I finally stood up to the challenge and informed everybody of the terrible arrogance and evil that has been happening in my house, to myself, and to my mother. Although there was some resistance from a few of the suitors who felt that they had the right to do whatever they wanted in my house until my mother chose a suitor to marry. When this happened I didn't let it get to me though because I knew that I had the Gods on my side and fought back verbally to defend myself and my family. While I was argueing with the suitors apparently a sign came from Zeus telling everybody to back off and give my mother and I some time when two eagles came from Mount Olympus and swept through the crowd injuring some people in the process. After that they just flew off and weren't seen again. At the end of the assembly it was decided that I would sail off to find news of my father but the suitors would have to stay at my house. When I got home though the suitors made fun of me and mocked me even more. Although because I knew that I had Athena and the rest of the Gods on my side made me feel better. That night, after I had gathered all of the supplies to sail off and Athena had gotten the crew and ship ready, we prepared to leave. I felt good about myself and about the situation even though I hadn't told my mother that I was leaving. Hopefull I'll find some good news about my father!!!!!

I think that what Telemakhos is doing in standing up for himself and his family truly represents his turning into a mature man that can make good desicions. I think that he handled the situation well given the circumstances. I think that most people would rather just keep their mouths shut in a situation like the one Telemakhos is in because they would be outnumbered by so many people that already don't like the position they are in at Penelopes mercy. I also think that Athena and the Gods are doing the right thing in supporting Telemakhos through this rough time in his life.

Odyssey Book 1

Summaries




I am Telemakhos, Odysseus' son. I have been kind of down lately because of all of these suitors trying to make their case for my mom to marry them here at my father's palace and doing whatever they want. It also doesn't help that I haven't seen my father for about twenty years and don't even remember what he looks like. I mother is also sad for the same reasons as I am. Although with all of these bad things happening around me something promising did happen today. A sea Captain of the name Mentes arrived at the palace and said that my father is still alive and that I should travel around the area to find news of him. Mentes also urged me on to try to force the suitors out of the palace instead of just feeliong sorry for myself. So after he left I made the suitors leave and also promised myself that I would venture out to find my father. I also realized that Mentes was no ordinary man, he was a god or a goddess really. I began to think a long time that night about what I had just done, but unfortunetly, the first book ended before anything else could happen.

At the very beginning of the first book, it describes how after Odysseus' great adventure only he is the surviving person. The book then gets to describing what had first started the long journey when Odysseus' men slaughtered and feasted on the cattle of Lord Helios, the Sun. Thus, starting their long turn of unlucky events which turned even worse when Odysseus angered Poseidon after he had blinded Cyclops, Poseidon's son. Odysseus ends up as a prisoner of Kalypso in a cave after Poseidon leaves to feast on a banquet held for himself. Athena soon voices her opinion about what she feels is rash action towards Odysseus to the rest of the Gods and Goddesses. Soon she travels down to Odysseus' palace disguised as another person where a number of arrogant suitors are making their case for Penelope, Odysseus' wife, to marry them and so that they can become king. When Athena arrives at the palace she is greeted by Telemakhos and trys to motivate him to stop feeling sorry for himself not having father and to take action to force the suitors, who hate him and do not respect him at all, out and try to find his father, Odysseus. Telemakhos takes this advice after Athena leaves and forces the suitors out the next day. The first book ends with Telemakhos lost in thought about the advice Athena had given him.

Opinion

Based on what was in the first chapter, I think that the events that have happened to Odysseus at sea is a little unfair based on how one was not even caused by him, and the other he had no choice but to do. I think that what Athena did in trying to motivate Telemakhos to take action against the rash suitors was also a good thing to do because one, it made a timid, shy person stand up for himself. The second thing that Athena gave Telemakhos was hope that his father was still alive somewhere in the world. I can also see from Telemakhos' point of view of why he didn't want to speak up against the suiters. In general, when a persom is outnumbered with people that would jump at the first chance to kill them, they would rather keep their mouth's shut.

http://www.online-literature.com/homer/odyssey/