preview

Homeric Code In The Odyssey

Decent Essays

In the Homer universe, we know of the Homeric Code (of hospitality) that is quite similar to the Golden Rule. Treat others how you want to be treated. With a mix of Greek Mythology, you get the Homeric Code. If someone were to disrespect the Homeric Code in a home, revenge and justice would rain down. In Book 22, with the famous characters Odysseus and Telemachus, we find just that. Odysseus and his son find a way to bring justice to their house, through a test and great action. In this timeline, the first event leading up to the justice, and that has been foreshadowed, is the test. This is a test that prepares the revenge. Book 21 prepares us for the day. “Who sends an arrow through iron axe-helve sockets, twelve in line? I join my life with him,” (Page 393, Lines 79-83) Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, informs her suitors that whoever might shoot the bow through 12 axe-helms shall win her as a wife. However, this is an impossible test. After Antinoos’s attempt, he is murdered by Odysseus, which is the start of the revenge. …show more content…

The suitors run away, but Odysseus and Telemachus are ready for a fight for justice. “You took my house to plunder, twisted my maids to server your beds. You dared bid for my wife while I was still alive. Your last hour has come. You die in blood” (Page 410, lines 38-43). This all goes down to the Homeric Code and a bit of patience. If the suitors first would have waited for confirmation of the great warrior's death and if they had simply respected the home, this most likely wouldn’t have happened. But of course, the greed showed its way. Now, Telemachus and his father must show their strength in mind and body to carry out the

Get Access