tion of his own name. This prideful episode is followed up by Polyphemos requesting to his father Poseidon for Odysseus’s journeys to be sabotaged. This is Odysseus’s first encounter, teaching him the great lesson of life and how pride and the accomplishments of one’s self must not be chosen over the well being of his friends, family and men. The lesson with the Cyclopes reveals Odysseus’s initial need for his name to be made important and known. His actions in this situation show no control to save himself from future harm or to return home, these acts reflect Odysseus trying to proclaim immortality through his name and actions. Odysseus soon realizes that these acts of violence are not only unfulfilling but also that they impede him on his journey home. These actions against Polyphemos bring upon him a great curse which ultimately comes to the sinking of his ship and the killing off of the last of his men. After Zeus brings a great storm against Odysseus he lands on the island of Calypso and the last of his men vanished into the water. Here on the island Odysseus faces the temptations of immortality. Calypso is a goddess and in sharing with humans she shares with them the things only of the gods. He is tempted with Calypso’s bed, her food and her direct offer to make Odysseus immortal. Odysseus during this time was quite alone and had no one or thing to turn to, besides Calypso, to occupy his time. Odysseus realized his inner most craving was to see his son and wife once again. The challenge Odysseus offers to immortality is a reflection of the wisdom he gained on his journeys. The worth of his family, their love and support and the name he would pass along with his children is the happiness that the gods, with immortality, can never attain. Odysseus comes to know that life with its limits is more valuable than immortality with its endlessness. He finally is offered immortality and does not ...
