Loyalty in the odyssey
In The Odyssey loyalty is an important theme that has an effect on the entire epic novel. By its definition loyalty means a feeling of support or allegiance to someone or something. In this epic is four major examples that convey loyalty, which is shown by Penelope, Telemachus, the servants, and Odysseus. Penelope is the wife of Odysseus; she does not remarry while he is away. Telemachus, his son, goes on a journey to find his father. Eumaeus and Philoetius, the servants, remained faithful servants to their master. Odysseus is king of Ithaca; he stays true to the gods, and they manage to keep him alive. Penelope is a representative of loyalty in this epic novel. Penelope is a committed wife, who waits patiently several years for her husband to return. Meanwhile the suitors, in their home, is trying to force her to marry one of them. Penelope told the suitors she would marry one of them once she finished the shroud for Laertes, yet the text said, “So every day she wove of the great loom-but every night by the torchlight she unwove it; and so for three years she deceived the Akhaians” (p.22). The trick she used to distract the suitors shows her loyalty to her husband. Homer portrayed Penelope to look like a loyal character by showing her commitment to her lost love. The second presentation of loyalty was Telemachus, Odysseus only son. He went on a journey to a land unknown to find his father’s destiny. Knowing only his father’s legacy and stories of others does not upset him, it only increases Telemachus determination to find his Odysseus’s true fate. Any other son probably would have forgotten about their father, and accept the fact that he is most likely dead. However, Telemachus was loyal and sought to build a father-son relationship, which he has not had all his life. Another example of loyalty in the epic was Eumaeus and Philoetius showing their care for Odysseus that has been away for many years. Eumaeus spoke very positively