Self-Control In Great Odysseus

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Great Odysseus, son of Laertes, king of Ithaca, splendid to behold, was a godlike man who lived long ago in the ancient Greek times. He endured many trials on his long delayed homecoming to Ithaca after fighting at Troy that tested his patience, faithfulness to his dear wife, Penelope, and stretched his hope to its limits. Yet, during all the trouble, he displayed a great deal of striking, godlike traits, the utmost being self-control. As mentioned, Odysseus lived during a wonderful time in the history of the world, the ancient Greek ages, more specifically, the Golden Age. The name of this time suited the king well; his actions, too, glowed like the finest gold of his age. His father was powerful Laertes, one whose excellent warlike…show more content…
After Odysseus’ difficult journey home from Troy, when at last the long-lost king landed on his home, he devised a complicated plan that would include hiding his identity from many people he cared about, being treated cruelly from the haughty suitors, and restraining his constant urge to punish the suitors before the time was right. This complicated plan required much self-control on Odysseus’ part and was the result of his clever and discerning mind. During his time at the castle, disguised as a beggar, Odysseus was challenged by another beggar named Iros to a fight. Odysseus agreed, and, as angry as he was with the words of the beggar, he kept himself from killing the man so as not to reveal his identity to the suitors. This self-control was the result of a strong body, one that could both exhort itself and restrain itself. Before reaching Ithaca again, Odysseus was trapped for a long while on the island of Kalypso, a nymph. Kalypso promised that if Odysseus never left her, she would give him immortality; however, Odysseus rejects this offer. This self-control is a result of his excellent fortune. With all he had, he did not need

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