Blanca Rivera The Odyssey

The Odyssey-Final Project


In the great story of Odysseus as told by Homer, most Greek values are explored. Discipline, respect, and revenge were the cultural norms of ancient Greece. These three values were shown in several parts of the story. Today we face similar situations which reveal some of the same values. Homer’s myth still has relevance in today’s living world.
The first value from the Odyssey is discipline which was found in the lotus eaters and the sirens when Odysseus puts beeswax in men’s ears because the sirens were about to sing. Odysseus told the men to tie him to the mast and told them that if he asked them to untie him not to untie whatever he said not to untie him.
The second value in the Odyssey story is respect. It was shown in the Cyclops when Nobody gave Odysseus his name when Odysseus asked him.
The third value in the Odyssey story is revenge. It was shown when Odysseus went from Calypso’s island and after seven years he went to Ithaca where he dressed as a beggar so no one would recognize him. He found men wanting to marry his wife to be king of Ithaca. Then Odysseus killed the maids and the servants because they broke the rules.
The Odyssey is a myth which reveals many of the Greek values. Discipline, respect, and revenge are shown in Homer’s stories. Today we can see those same values in books. The influence of Greek culture is seen in modern Western civilization.