The character of Odysseus
This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.
Topic Overview
Odysseus, the protagonist of Homer's Odyssey, is one of the most complex and enduring heroes in classical literature. As the king of Ithaca, he is renowned for his cunning intelligence (metis), eloquence, and resilience. The character of Odysseus is central to the OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation syllabus, where students explore how Homer presents him as both a heroic warrior and a flawed human being. His journey home from the Trojan War, lasting ten years, tests his leadership, morality, and relationships, making him a figure of fascination for over two millennia.
Studying Odysseus is crucial because he embodies the tension between the Homeric heroic code (which values strength, honour, and glory) and more human qualities like compassion, curiosity, and even deceit. His encounters with monsters, gods, and temptresses reveal the values and beliefs of ancient Greek society, such as xenia (hospitality), the power of fate, and the importance of nostos (homecoming). By analysing Odysseus's actions and speeches, students gain insight into what it meant to be a hero in the Greek world, and how Homer uses his character to explore themes of identity, perseverance, and the consequences of pride.
This topic fits into the wider subject of Classical Civilisation by connecting to other areas such as Homeric epic, Greek religion, and social values. Understanding Odysseus prepares students for comparative analysis with other heroes like Achilles (from the Iliad) or Aeneas (from Virgil's Aeneid), and helps them appreciate the influence of Greek literature on later Western culture. Mastery of this character is essential for tackling exam questions on the Odyssey, as well as for developing skills in literary analysis and historical empathy.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Metis (cunning intelligence): Odysseus is defined by his cleverness, e.g., the Trojan Horse, tricking Polyphemus by calling himself 'Nobody', and devising the escape from the Cyclops' cave.
- →Nostos (homecoming): The entire Odyssey is driven by Odysseus's desire to return to Ithaca and his family; his journey is both physical and emotional, testing his loyalty and identity.
- →Xenia (hospitality): The proper treatment of guests is a major theme; Odysseus is both a guest (e.g., with the Phaeacians) and a host (e.g., dealing with the suitors), and violations of xenia often lead to disaster.
- →Hubris and its consequences: Odysseus's pride sometimes leads to trouble, e.g., shouting his real name at Polyphemus, which brings Poseidon's curse upon him.
- →The heroic code vs. human flaws: Odysseus balances traditional heroic traits (bravery, strength) with flaws like curiosity (opening the bag of winds) and infidelity (with Calypso and Circe), making him a realistic, relatable character.
What You Need to Demonstrate
Key skills and knowledge for this topic
- Understanding of temple layout including the naos/cella and cult statue
- Knowledge of the position and function of the altar
- Roles and responsibilities of Greek officials (hiereus, hiereia, mantis)
- Roles and responsibilities of Roman officials (Pontiffs, Pontifex Maximus, Augurs, Vestal Virgins, Haruspex)
- Understanding the purpose and process of animal sacrifice
- Ability to compare Greek and Roman temple use and religious practices
- Knowledge of specific prescribed temples: Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Pantheon, Temple of Fortuna Virilis
Marking Points
Key points examiners look for in your answers
- Understanding of temple layout including the naos/cella and cult statue
- Knowledge of the position and function of the altar
- Roles and responsibilities of Greek officials (hiereus, hiereia, mantis)
- Roles and responsibilities of Roman officials (Pontiffs, Pontifex Maximus, Augurs, Vestal Virgins, Haruspex)
- Understanding the purpose and process of animal sacrifice
- Ability to compare Greek and Roman temple use and religious practices
- Knowledge of specific prescribed temples: Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Pantheon, Temple of Fortuna Virilis
Examiner Tips
Expert advice for maximising your marks
- 💡Ensure you can identify and describe the key features of the prescribed temples
- 💡Be prepared to compare the role of priests and priestesses in both cultures
- 💡Use specific terminology (e.g., naos, cella, hiereus, haruspex) accurately
- 💡Practice linking visual evidence from temple architecture to the literary descriptions of sacrifice
- 💡Always support your points with specific references to the text (e.g., book numbers, quotes, or detailed descriptions of episodes). For example, when discussing Odysseus's cunning, cite the 'Nobody' trick in Book 9 or the bow contest in Book 21. This shows close reading and earns higher marks.
- 💡Analyse the language Homer uses to describe Odysseus, such as epithets like 'polytropos' (many-turned) or 'polymetis' (much-cunning). Explain how these epithets reinforce his character traits and contribute to the epic's themes. Avoid simply listing them—explain their significance.
- 💡Consider the perspective of other characters: how do Athena, Penelope, or the suitors view Odysseus? This adds depth to your analysis. For instance, Athena's admiration for his cunning (Book 13) highlights his intelligence, while the suitors' underestimation of him (Book 22) sets up his revenge. Examiners look for multi-faceted answers.
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
- Confusing the roles of specific Greek and Roman religious officials
- Failing to link the physical layout of the temple to its religious function
- Generalising religious practices without distinguishing between Greek and Roman contexts
- Neglecting to use both literary and visual/material evidence in arguments
- Misconception: Odysseus is a perfect, flawless hero. Correction: Homer presents him as deeply flawed—he is sometimes reckless (e.g., taunting Polyphemus), dishonest (lying to Eumaeus), and unfaithful (staying with Calypso for seven years). His character is complex, and examiners reward nuanced analysis.
- Misconception: The Odyssey is just a series of adventures. Correction: While the adventures are memorable, the epic is also about Odysseus's internal growth and his struggle to reclaim his identity and household. Key episodes like his encounter with the Sirens or his descent into the Underworld have symbolic meanings related to temptation, knowledge, and mortality.
- Misconception: Odysseus is a typical epic hero like Achilles. Correction: Unlike Achilles, who prioritises glory and honour, Odysseus values survival and homecoming above all. He uses trickery rather than brute force, and his heroism is more intellectual and enduring. This distinction is crucial for comparative essays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •A basic understanding of the Trojan War and the events of the Iliad, as Odysseus's character is shaped by his role in the war (e.g., the Trojan Horse).
- •Familiarity with the structure of the Odyssey: the Telemachy (Books 1-4), Odysseus's adventures (Books 5-12), and his return and revenge (Books 13-24).
- •Knowledge of key Greek gods and their roles, especially Athena (Odysseus's patron), Poseidon (his antagonist), and Zeus (who oversees fate).
Likely Command Words
How questions on this topic are typically asked
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