Epic heroes shape the history of Greek mythology. They resonate in history for their ability to survive, their prowess in battle, and the favor of the gods. But when you dig deeper, most of the “heroes” appear as selfish, ostentatious men. However, one man stands out from the rest. A man is more than a hero. Odysseus, king of Ithaca, echoes in Greek myths as a man above all others. Homer's Odyssey, the epic of a man's return journey from the Trojan War, describes Ulysses as a man who loves his family and his country, a man endowed with patience and compassion and who also possesses fragility that they can recognize as human. it is life, but love is long” (Alfred Lord Tennyson). Odysseus ratifies this concept with his love and yearning for his wife. An example of his emotions appears in Ogygia, the island of the nymph Calypso. He explains, “Calypso had fallen in love with me and had offered me the gift of eternal life if I would live with her forever…but I longed for Ithaca and Penelope, my wife” (54). Odysseus rejects an immortal, a woman of eternal beauty, for his mortal, elderly wife Penelope. His actions prove that his love for Penelope is greater than his love for life. Odysseus believes that Penelope's wrinkles are more beautiful than eternal life. Furthermore, after twenty years, Ulysses finally returns home. Eventually he introduces himself to his now adult son, Telemachus. The two laugh and swap stories all night. In one conversation, Odysseus points out to Telemachus "And one last thing: whenever you are afraid, remember to trust me, Odysseus" (70). To which Telemachus replies “Dear Father, alone I was afraid, but now that you are here I have the courage of a hundred men” (70). The last time Odysseus saw Telemachus,...middle of paper...we appear to have been Poseidon's furious home territory. Pride demonstrates an all too recognizable quality among human beings and John Hurst's short story "The Scarlet Ibis" shows pride perfectly in describing "pride is a wonderful and terrible thing, a seed bearing two vines, life and death." Fortunately, Ulysses' qualities flourish. beyond pride. His love and care for his country and family provides an excellent example for readers. Odysseus' followers share their adoration for Odysseus because of his patience and compassion. And although we all share his human qualities, we have an almighty and loving Father who forgives our shortcomings. You can see and thank God and his love. God does not punish us as Poseidon does in the Odyssey, nor does he favor us for our talents as Athena favors Odysseus. God loves us for who we are, no matter what we may do. Thank God.