Important Role of Prayer in Homers Odyssey :: Homer Odyssey Essays

The Important Role of Prayer in the Odyssey What is the importance of prayer or lack of prayer in the Odyssey? I think prayer and the lack thereof is very important in understanding this literary piece. In the beginning of the Odyssey prayer seems to be a pretty common thing, especially during the times of trouble. Telemakhos prayed numerous times that the gods would help him get rid of the suitors. While is prayer was not answered immediately, he was told what he had to do to find his father and get rid of the suitors. As long as Telemakhos followed Athena and did what she said, she was with him and helped him. She would disguise herself to help and protect Telemakhos as he began his journey. Penelope was the next instance of prayer. She prayed that the gods would ease her pain and protect her son. A higher being, possibly an angel was sent to her to tell her that things would be ok and to ease her mind. She was also usually put into a deep sleep. When Telemakhos and Penelope prayed, their prayers were heard and for the most part answered, maybe not in the way that they wished, but the way the gods felt would make Telemakhos a hero beside his father and give Penelope her dream of having her husband again. Odysseus on the other hand was a different story, he did not pray or just did not mention praying during his time of trouble. Why would he not pray? I believe Odysseus did not pray because of pride. I don't think that he could let go of his pride enough to pray. I think that he believed in the gods and trusted in them, but I think as a hero, he had to do things on his own. He wanted to be able to say that he did it just as he told the Kyklops in book IX: "'Kyklops, if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes; son, whose home's on Ithaka!' 1" Although prayer was a way to get things done, it was not a method used by all the characters in the Odyssey. Each character was different. Telemakhos was a boy and needed help from a higher being in order to defeat the suitors. Penelope was a woman who was strong-minded, but not strong enough to get rid of the suitors.