Why Odysseus Came Home as a Stranger and Other Puzzling Moments in the Life of Odysseus

Why Odysseus Came Home as a Stranger and Other Puzzling Moments in the Life of Buddha, Socrates, Jesus, Abraham, and other Great Individuals

by Scott Dworkin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1804 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	112 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Odysseus, the hero of Homer's Odyssey, is known for his long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War. But there are some puzzling moments in his story that have left readers scratching their heads for centuries.

Why did Odysseus come home as a stranger?

When Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca after 20 years away, he does so in disguise. He disguises himself as a beggar so that he can test the loyalty of his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus. But why does he do this? Why doesn't he just come home as himself and announce his return?

There are a few possible explanations for this. One possibility is that Odysseus is afraid of how his family and friends will react to him after all these years. He may be worried that they will not recognize him or that they will think he is dead. Another possibility is that Odysseus is trying to protect his family from his enemies. He knows that his return will be met with resistance from the suitors who have been trying to marry Penelope, and he doesn't want to put his family in danger.

Why did Odysseus not recognize his father Laertes?

When Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca, he goes to his father's house to see him. But when he sees his father, he doesn't recognize him. Laertes is now an old man, and he has been living in seclusion since Odysseus left. Odysseus is so shocked by his father's appearance that he breaks down and cries.

There are a few possible explanations for why Odysseus does not recognize his father. One possibility is that Odysseus is still in shock from his long journey home. He has been through a lot, and he may be having trouble processing everything that has happened. Another possibility is that Odysseus is simply too overwhelmed to recognize his father. He has been away for so long, and he may have forgotten what his father looks like.

Why did Odysseus kill the suitors?

When Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca, he finds his house full of suitors who have been trying to marry Penelope. Odysseus is furious, and he kills all of the suitors. But why does he do this? Why doesn't he just ask them to leave?

There are a few possible explanations for this. One possibility is that Odysseus is angry at the suitors for trying to take advantage of his wife and son. He may also be angry at them for disrespecting his home and his family. Another possibility is that Odysseus is trying to protect his family from the suitors. He knows that the suitors will not give up until they have married Penelope, and he doesn't want to put his family in danger.

The story of Odysseus is a complex and fascinating one. There are many puzzling moments in his life, but these moments also add to the richness and depth of the story. Odysseus is a flawed hero, but he is also a brave and resourceful man. He is a man who is willing to face any challenge, no matter how great. And in the end, he is able to overcome all of the obstacles in his path and return home to his family.

Why Odysseus Came Home as a Stranger and Other Puzzling Moments in the Life of Buddha, Socrates, Jesus, Abraham, and other Great Individuals

by Scott Dworkin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1804 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	112 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE