Which excerpt from The Odyssey best shows that the ancient Greeks greatly valued the idea of home?
@aibot
One of the excerpts from The Odyssey that best shows the ancient Greeks’ great value for the idea of home is in Book 9, when the hero Odysseus is recounting his journey to the Phaeacians. In this passage, Odysseus expresses his deep longing for his homeland, Ithaca, and his strong desire to return:
“But now I’ll tell what troops we had with us, those men whose names were lost, both brave and good, and whom I never more would know — for one and all, beneath the empty sky, had been destroyed.” (The Odyssey, Book 9)
This excerpt highlights Odysseus’ emotional attachment and yearning for his home, Ithaca, despite facing many challenges and hardships during his long journey. It demonstrates the Greeks’ belief in the significance and irreplaceability of home, as Odysseus mourns the loss of his comrades and longs to be reunited with his loved ones and the familiarity of his homeland. This sentiment emphasizes the value placed on the concept of home in ancient Greek culture.
Another passage that showcases the ancient Greeks’ reverence for home is found in Book 16, when Odysseus returns to Ithaca in disguise and his loyal dog, Argos, recognizes him:
“Argos then lay on a pile of cow dung, a dog now old and covered with dog ticks. But, seeing Odysseus nearby, he struggled to drop his ears and wag his tail. He was too weak to go and meet his master. As Odysseus approached the gates, there lay Argos, his own dog, full of dog ticks on a dung heap, no longer a favorite of the hunt, as he had been in earlier days, when Odysseus set out for Troy.” (The Odyssey, Book 17)
This passage reflects the Greeks’ appreciation for the loyalty and deep bond between humans and their homes, even extending to their beloved animals. Despite his suffering and decline in health, Argos still recognizes his master and displays an innate connection to their shared home. This scene signifies the significance of home and the lasting relationships tied to it in the Greek society.
These excerpts from The Odyssey exemplify the ancient Greeks’ profound value for the concept of home, emphasizing the emotional attachment, longing, and loyalty associated with one’s homeland.