Odysseus Character Analysis Essay

Rezvan Ngalla

Classical Mythology

Professor Chris Higgins

March 10, 2016

One Person against Himself

The Odyssey is one of the many literal master pieces of ancient Greek mythology written by Homer. This work is centered on one man, Odysseus. Odysseus had the defining character traits of any hero or protagonist in a story; strength, courage, agility and his most distinguishable character was his wit and quick thinking. Although this epic doesn’t have a precise antagonist, it is evident that Odysseus was his own antagonist. He was the main problem in his delay for returning to his homeland, Ithaka. Specific examples of him being his own antagonist can be seen when he was on the island of Aiolia and also on the island of the cyclops. Some …show more content…
When he and his companions started sailing, he did not let anyone but himself steer the ship for 9 days. He didn’t trust any of them to do this because he thought he could do everything himself. “… but then sweet sleep came upon me, for I was worn out with always handling the sheet myself, and I would not give it to any other companion” (Odyssey 10. 31-33). As he came close to Ithaka, he fell asleep and his companions were eager to know what Aiolos gave him so they decided to open the bag releasing the storm winds which sent their ship back to the island of Aiolos. Odysseus is the one to be blamed for this misfortune for two reasons. The first being that when he took the bag from Aiolos, he should have told his fellow companions what was in the bag and not keep it to himself. His companions thought it was treasure that was given to him. That’s why they were eager to open the bag. The second reason is that he should have trusted his companions enough to let them take turns in steering the ship. He fell asleep because he was too tired from steering it for 9 days. Some people argue that his companions were at fault for not listening to instructions, but the fault was all Odysseus’. He should have told his companions what was in the bag and he also should have let them take turns steering the ship. If he did, they would have all made it home safely and on

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