Homer's Odyssey and the Odyssey of Our LivesHomer's Odyssey is a magnificent mythological tale. This work was likely created after his meeting with the goddess Athena. Although Odysseus' journey is filled with unrealistic adventures and mythical powers, some principles behind this story can be applied to our daily lives. Odysseus' adventures in Odyssey relate to the heroism, intellect, and cruelty that characterize our lives. Odysseus' determination to return home will help him prevail. Odysseus' determination surpasses hunger and would starve himself if necessary. However, his crew is not as strong-willed as Odysseus, and for giving in to their temptation to feed, the gods punish them by diverting them from returning home. The punishment of the Sun is shown here: “Out of the ship my comrades fell and then, like seabirds, they were carried alongside the black ship along the waves; God stopped them from coming home. » (Homer 121). Odysseus' crew had killed and eaten the cows of the Exalted Sun even though they had been warned. Odysseus proves that his determination to return home is stronger than hunger. For Odysseus, once he achieves his goal, even food will taste much better than before. His heroism shows that he is very determined and confident that he will overcome all obstacles and reach Ithaca. Odysseus is not afraid of death. His journey to Hades and his conversation with Achilles show that he considered death a light affair. When Odysseus spoke with Achilles, he said that Achilles should be happy with death because he is the leader of the lost souls. Achilles remarked: “Do not mock death, glorious Odysseus. Better to be a stranger's mercenary and serve a middle of paper... fight or flee, if anyone wants to save themselves. of death and misfortune. But some here will not, I think, flee from instant death” (Homer 213). Odysseus builds up his courage and he has his moment. Odysseus' journey is like many people's journey in life. His journey has been hard, excruciating and painful, but in the end he reaps the sweet fruits of his heroism, determination and cruelty. In today's society, people who opt for an easy life do not find "home" and do not achieve their goals. The harder the journey...the sweeter the reward. Works cited and consulted Heubeck, Alfred, JB Hainsworth, et al. A commentary on Homer's Odyssey. 3 Vol. Oxford PA4167 .H4813 1988Homer The Odyssey. Translated by Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books 1996Van der Valk, Marchinus. Textual criticism of the Odyssey. Leiden: AW Sijthoff, 1949.