y in spite of his victory. The story of Odysseus ends most happily with the hero telling Penelope:Dear wife, we both have had our full share of numerous trials now, yours have been here as you cried over my much longed-for homecoming, while as for me, Zeus and the other gods held me back from my own country, as I was striving to reach it. (Lattimore, 1968:344)The Greek epic hero, epitomized in the personalities of Achilles and Odysseus, must always be a brave and powerful warrior and a loyal friend to those he loves. Achilles, who remains far more limited in his range of feeling than Odysseus, but stays within that narrow range and finally manages to acquit himself honorably. Odysseus, the great "everyman" hero of classical literature, seeks the widest range of experience and adventure possible, but finally triumphs over life by returning to the comforts of home and family. ...
