The Role Of The Epic Similes In The Odyssey

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astly, Odysseus is an epic hero because he travels on a journey where his worthiness of king is tested multiple times. The first scenario where his worthiness is tested is when the group first passes Scylla. As stated in the epic, “‘By heaven! When she vomited, all the sea was like a cauldron seething over intense fire, when the mixture suddenly heaves and rises. The shot sune soared to the landslide heights, it fell like rain” (Homer 217). This epic simile was quoted by Odysseus as they approached Scylla. Odysseus worthiness of king was tested when he had to make the initial decision whether to pass Scylla or Charybdis. Either way, the team would lose men, but, Odysseus had chosen Scylla. They are losing six men when passing Scylla rather…show more content…
Homer includes the epic simile to describe the situation and give the reader a better picture of what is going on, and how Odysseus is being tested. As stated, Scylla’s vomit, was being compared to a cauldron seething over a fire. The mixture was also stated to have heaves and rises within it. This quote, gives the reader, a better visual of the scenario and it intensifies the selection. Odysseus is not stuck, with Scylla, and has to get his group, as the leader and king, out of the scenario they are in. He is being tested, two times, in the selection. First, he has to make the decision on where to pass and secondly, he had to get his group out of the sticky scenario he and his men are in. Of course, his men are going crazy, when they encounter Scylla, but Odysseus has to keep it together and get his men in control, to escape the situation. He is the leader and king. This leadership and questioning he is facing on his journey, betters him as not only a king but a…show more content…
As stated in the selection, “But the man skilled in all ways of contending, satisfied by the great bows look and heft, like a musician like a harper m when with a quiet hand upon his instrument he draws between his thumb and forefinger a sweet new string upon a peg; So effortlessly Odysseus in one motion strung the bow” (Homer 404). The challenge between the suitors tests his worthiness of king and his worthiness of being Penelope’s husband. This test proves his ruling of Ithica, not only in front of the suitors, but in front of his son, wife, swineherd, and others. This all brings joy to the people watching on his side, because they know that their king is back in Ithaca. Since, he was able to string the bow, he is rightfully king and rightfully Penelope’s husband, even though she does not believe him at first. Also, Homer proposes an epic simile within the selection, comparing Odysseus stringing the bow to a musician making music with ease. The epic simile not only once again demonstrates his worthiness but shows his great strength and how it is superior to the
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