In describing the characters Odysseus and Oedipus, both Homer and Sophocles avoid defining these men by typical physical characteristics such as stature or distinctive facial features. Instead, these authors focus on the detail of specific bodily injuries that function as embodiments of each character's identity. Parallel plots in The Odyssey and Oedipus the King reveal the symbolic meaning of Odysseus' scar as well as that of Oedipus' swollen foot and gouged out eyes. In both works, the infliction of these wounds is essential to the fate of the characters, with the specific degree of personal involvement in the creation of these wounds reflecting the degree of control each man respectively exercises over his life. Furthermore, Odysseus' scar and Oedipus' swollen foot, as signs and proof of their origins, allow others to recognize them. However, the true nature and meaning of these wounds, although symbolically similar, differ: for Odysseus, his scar is a key to redemption, while for Oedipus, his swollen foot and damaged eyes are essential markers of his cursed destiny. , representative of its ultimate destruction. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus, known for his wit and intelligence, hides his identity in hopes of to be able to return home to Ithaca and take revenge on the boorish suitors who torment his faithful wife and son. In doing so, he employs many disguises, alone or with the divine help of Athena; telling stories to those he meets on his travels, he also uses his oratory skills to create new characters for himself. The scar on his upper thigh, however, remains a constant throughout these physical and verbal metamorphoses as a mark of his true identity. When he enters the palace and is washed by his old nurse Eurykleia, it is this scar which betrays his beggar's appearance: “Now Odysseus was sitting by the fire, but suddenly turned to the dark side; for at that moment he thought in his heart that as she handled him she might become aware of his scar and his whole story might be revealed. She approached and washed her lord, and immediately she recognized this scar which the wild boar had once inflicted on him with its white tusk” (19.389-394). After this astonishing moment of recognition, the nurse remembers the story of Odysseus' death. name and how he received the scar during a hunting trip. Etymologically, Odysseus means “son of sorrow” and, aptly, his scar recalls his origins: born in a moment of pain, Odysseus nevertheless retains this mark as a sign of bravery and true royalty. Additionally, because he is aware of the implications of his scar, Odysseus is able to use it to his advantage, reclaiming his identity as a rightful king so that he can regain his throne. Unlike Odysseus, Oedipus, who is unaware of the true meaning of his scar. and the nature of his injuries, the play begins, blinded by the reality of his situation. Ironically, although his name itself means "swollen foot", Oedipus chooses to view his injury simply as an insignificant and annoying reminder of "old pains", and thus remains ignorant of his true identity as the child of Jocasta and of Laius: OEDIPUS. What hurt me when you held me? MESSENGER. In this, your ankles should be witness. OEDIPUS. Why are you talking about this old pain? MESSENGER. I let you go; THE.