How does Odysseus anger Poseidon?

Julian Patel | 2018-06-16 03:24:27 | page views:1589
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Jackson Wilson

Works at Amazon, Lives in Seattle, WA
As a domain expert in classical literature, I can provide a detailed explanation of how Odysseus, the protagonist of Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey," angers the sea god Poseidon. The story of Odysseus' journey home from the Trojan War is fraught with peril and divine intervention, much of which is due to his conflict with Poseidon.

**Step 1: Odysseus and the Cyclops Polyphemus**
The primary incident that incites Poseidon's wrath is Odysseus' encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus. Polyphemus is not just any giant; he is a son of Poseidon, making him a demigiant with divine lineage. When Odysseus and his crew find themselves trapped in Polyphemus' cave, they are faced with a dire situation. The Cyclops, a monstrous creature with a single eye, captures them and begins to devour Odysseus' men.

Step 2: Outwitting the Cyclops
Odysseus devises a clever plan to escape. He offers the Cyclops wine, which intoxicates him, and then reveals his name as "Outis," meaning "No one" in Greek. Under the influence of the wine, Polyphemus boasts that he will eat Odysseus last, after consuming all the others. Odysseus then takes a large, sharpened stake and heats it in the fire until it is red-hot. With the help of his men, he blinds the Cyclops, using the stake as a weapon.

Step 3: Escape and Poseidon's Anger
When Polyphemus cries out in pain, other Cyclopes come to investigate, but Odysseus tells them that "No one is hurting him," which they take literally and do not intervene. This clever ruse allows Odysseus and his men to escape by clinging to the undersides of the Cyclops' sheep as they are led out of the cave.

Step 4: The Consequences
Poseidon, enraged by the blinding of his son and the humiliation of being outwitted, curses Odysseus. As the god of the sea, Poseidon has the power to control the elements and the creatures of the ocean. He makes Odysseus' journey homeward long and arduous, filled with trials and tribulations. Odysseus' encounters with various monsters, the sorceress Circe, and the Sirens can all be attributed to Poseidon's influence.

Step 5: The Odyssey Continues
Odysseus' journey is a testament to his cunning, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Despite Poseidon's wrath, he continues to find ways to survive and move closer to his ultimate goal: returning to his homeland of Ithaca and reuniting with his wife, Penelope. The Odyssey is not just a tale of adventure but also a story of the human spirit's ability to endure and overcome adversity.

Step 6: The Role of Divine Intervention
Throughout "The Odyssey," divine intervention plays a significant role. While Poseidon's anger is a constant threat to Odysseus, other gods, such as Athena, offer assistance. The complex interplay between the gods and mortals in the epic illustrates the intricate tapestry of Greek mythology and the idea that human fate is often intertwined with the whims of the divine.

In conclusion, Odysseus angers Poseidon by outwitting and blinding the god's son, Polyphemus. This act of defiance against a divine being sets in motion a series of events that prolong Odysseus' journey and test his character. The story serves as a reminder of the power of the gods in ancient Greek culture and the lengths to which humans will go to survive and achieve their goals.

Daniel Lee

Works at SpaceX, Lives in Los Angeles, CA
Odysseus angered Poseidon, the god of the sea, when he blinded Polyphemus, the Cyclops, who is Poseidon's son. Odysseus and his men escape from Polyphemus' island after cleverly hiding themselves under the Cyclops' sheep to leave his cave.

Mia Thompson

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Odysseus angered Poseidon, the god of the sea, when he blinded Polyphemus, the Cyclops, who is Poseidon's son. Odysseus and his men escape from Polyphemus' island after cleverly hiding themselves under the Cyclops' sheep to leave his cave.
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