Question

2. Speak about the Odyssey by Homer.​

Answer 1

Ответ:

His journey home after the end of the war dragged on for ten years due to Poseidon's anger and various misadventures; during the voyage, Odysseus encountered the man-eating cyclops Polyphemus, the sorceress Kirka, who turned travelers into pigs, walked between the monsters Skilla and Charybdis, was able to hear the songs of the sirens and not die, descend to Hades and return to the world of the living. He spent seven years homesick on the paradise island of Calypso, until, thanks to the intervention of the gods, he was unable to continue his journey. Having made a short stop in the land of the Phaeacs, Odysseus returned to his homeland, where his faithful wife Penelope and son Telemachus were waiting for him. He interrupted the violent suitors of Penelope, and then went into exile in Epirus. According to one version of the myth, Odysseus died on Ithaca at the hands of his own son Telegon. According to other versions, he died a natural death in Epirus or Aetolia, or died in Etruria.

Answer 2

"The Odyssey" is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to the legendary poet Homer. It is one of the two great epic poems of ancient Greece, the other being "The Iliad." "The Odyssey" is an epic that consists of 24 books and is considered one of the foundational works of Western literature. It is believed to have been composed in the 8th century BCE.

The central theme of "The Odyssey" is the journey of the hero Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. The story begins with Odysseus being held captive by the nymph Calypso on her island. The gods, particularly Athena, play a significant role in the narrative, often guiding and assisting Odysseus. Meanwhile, back in his homeland of Ithaca, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus are struggling to fend off suitors who believe Odysseus to be dead and are vying for Penelope's hand in marriage.

The journey of Odysseus takes him through various adventures and challenges, including encounters with mythical creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, the sorceress Circe, and the Sirens. He also faces divine punishment and trials, which test his wit, courage, and resilience. Through these trials, Odysseus undergoes a transformation from a war-weary hero into a more mature and wise figure.

"The Odyssey" explores several important themes, including:

1. Heroism: Odysseus is the archetypal hero who demonstrates qualities such as bravery, intelligence, and perseverance. His journey is a test of his heroic character.

2. Homecoming: The story highlights the importance of home and family. Odysseus' longing for his homeland and his reunion with his family are central to the narrative.

3. Fate and Free Will: Throughout the epic, the tension between fate and free will is evident. While the gods often intervene in human affairs, characters also have agency and the power to make choices.

4. Hospitality: The concept of xenia, or hospitality, is a significant theme in "The Odyssey." It is a social and moral code in ancient Greece, and the treatment of guests and strangers is a recurring motif in the story.

5. Cunning and Wit: Odysseus is known for his cleverness and strategic thinking. His ability to outsmart his adversaries is a central aspect of his character.

"The Odyssey" has had a profound influence on Western literature and culture. It has been translated into numerous languages and adapted in various forms, including literature, theater, film, and television. The character of Odysseus, with his trials and adventures, has become an enduring symbol of the hero's journey, and his story continues to resonate with readers and viewers across the world.