First Prompt: Odyssey
Relying closely on quotation from the passages you were to read over the last two weeks, develop a definition of athleticism in The Odyssey -- your definition must be derived from quotation of the text -- bare assertion will not suffice.
Afterward, or in conjunction with the above definition you develop, you may answer either or both of the following questions from week one's lecture:
Afterward, or in conjunction with the above definition you develop, you may answer either or both of the following questions from week one's lecture:
1What
is the relationship of the just-ended war to the athlete in The Odyssey?
What
does one’s athleticism say about character, one’s sophrosyne?
Feel free (in fact, I encourage you to) incorporate some of the secondary reading you've been assigned to aid your definition. I encourage you *not* to perform a wide-ranging internet search to help you. I'd rather you make a valiant effort through your own thinking than pick someone else's clever (but probably short-sighted) answer from online.
Feel free (in fact, I encourage you to) incorporate some of the secondary reading you've been assigned to aid your definition. I encourage you *not* to perform a wide-ranging internet search to help you. I'd rather you make a valiant effort through your own thinking than pick someone else's clever (but probably short-sighted) answer from online.
Athleticism can mean something different to each and every person, but based on the text in the Odyssey, I believe that athleticism has to do with the physical and mental characteristics of any athlete. There are many examples of this, but a good example is in the beginning of Book 8. For example, when Odysseus is crying about the singing of the Trojan war, Alkinoos invites Odysseus to compete in their games. When Laodamus is taunting him, Odysseus says, "Laodamus, why do you young chaps challenge me? I have more on my mind than track and field- hard days, and many, have I seen and suffered" (Book 8, lines 160-162). All the sudden, Seareach says, "The reason being, as I see it, friend, you never learned a sport, and have no skill in any of the contests of fighting men" (Book 8, lines 166-168). Throughout this dialogue, I noticed that the Phaiakians only care about the games because they have never experienced war like Odysseus. Because their games are so similar to war and Odysseus has just been in a traumatic war, he sees no need to compete until the Phaiakians keep taunting him and telling him that he is a lame athlete. In terms of one's athleticism and their character, Odysseus's version of a well balanced athlete is that they are intelligent, have good looks, strength, quick hands, emotional stability, and grace and good sense. While Odysseus won the discus to prove to the Phaiakians that he can win the games, he also has intelligence by telling them that they talk like fools and live in a fantasy world where there is no war and all they care about are their games.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned the difference in the views of what athleticism truly means between the Phaiakians and Odysseus. The Phaiakians are so focused on being physically athletic because they don't understand that it is much more than just competing in sport. I think you succeed in highlighting how Odysseus' athleticism includes his well-balanced qualities that the Phaiakians don't have because they never went through war.
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ReplyDeleteThe Odyssey follows Odysseus’s search for home following the Trojan War. While the war is over, Odysseus is far from a normal life, even in his athletics. We see this in Book VIII. Odysseus has come ashore in the land of the Phaiákians, an island that is so distant from the rest of the ancient world that there are no wars. The greatest conquests of the Phaiákians are their games. Athletics in the ancient world played an important role in a man’s worth or aristeia, which is defined as “being the best and outdoing all others” (Reid 130). As Reid explains, this is not merely about one’s athletic abilities; it is more importantly proof of divinity, for physical feats are near divinity (125). Therefore, when a hero or king proves himself, it makes the subjects or friends have a sense of security (Reid 125).
Yet, Odysseus after winning the Phaiákians’ games seems far from affirmed. Upon being congratulated, Odysseus is a mixture of anger and confidence. He boasts that he’ll throw a discus farther, and that anyone who thinks they are better than him should test themselves at that instance (Hom. Od. 8.215-223). But as he qualifies himself, he says, “…I hope to know what he [other participants] is made of/ Inept at combat, am I? Not entirely/ Give me a smooth bow; I can handle it,/ and I might as well be the first to hit my man amid a swarm of enemies… at Troy” (Hom. Od. 8.225-231). It is particularly important that Odysseus mentions Troy. Sports of combat (archery, wrestling, boxing) alone only suggest Reid’s assertion that sports prove the worth of a man. However, Odysseus’s mentioning of Troy suggests that these games are important to Odysseus because he is still fixated on the war. This is further supported when Odysseus asks the minstrels at the celebration to “sing that wooden horse… the ambuscade Odysseus filled with fighters” (Hom. Od. 8.526-530). When Odysseus hears the minstrel sing of the day, Odysseus begins to weep “the way a wife mourns for her lord/ on the lost field where he has gone down fighting on the day of wrath that came upon his children./ At sight of the man panting and dying there,/ she slips down to enfold him, crying out;/then feels the spears, prodding her back and shoulders” (Hom. Od. 8.562-567). This is an example of Homeric similarity that causes irony. Odysseus bears no similarity to the humiliated woman except that he had done this to a woman in the Iliad. Perhaps the only similarity is Homer’s constant alluding to Troy.
In the Iliad there are funeral games for Patroclus. The overlying message Magee seems to understand sports as Homeric masculinity—“sport is an extension of war and the warrior’s code” (Magee). This would explain why the Phaiákians see sports as a substitute to war. But now into the events of the Odyssey, Odysseus is tired and worn down, uninterested in playing the games. While Odysseus seems polite at first, his later reaction—challenging others to fight him—suggest his weariness has little to do with why he declines the games. In Homeric dialogue, characters rarely say what is on their mind, rather they carefully allude to it. So when Odysseus says, “I have more on my mind than track and field/ hard days, and many, have I seen, and suffered… Now pain has cramped me” (Hom. Od. 8.161-192), he is not truly referring to the physical pains of war. Nor is he stating a general tiredness of the mind. He is talking about mental scars. Because the games are so closely related to war, Odysseus cannot participate in them because it pains him mentally.
Perhaps Homer was referring to some sense early sense PTSD, for it is well-documented by the Greeks how certain plays could not be performed because they elicited anger by veterans of the Peloponnesian war. But Odysseus’s sharp aversion to sports after the war suggests that athleticism is deeply rooted in the glory of war more so than athleticism is related to triumph and achievement (as it is now). And the relationship of the Trojan War to the games becomes a source of pain for Odysseus.
I think your connection between Odysseus’s time in the Trojan war and the resulting mental effects is very interesting and it is not something that I had even noticed. It makes sense that he is suffering a form of PTSD, as you mentioned, given that he speaks of how he is so drained from the war. While he was physically drained from his journey at sea and the war, that clearly did not totally hinder his physical ability, given his discus throw and the physique from Athena. His pain could certainly be alluding to PTSD, making it very advanced for the time period.
DeleteIn The Odyssey, the definition of athleticism has two distinct parts. First, athleticism is literally described as ones physical appearance and ability to compete against others. When Seareach is first introduced, he is described as, "rugged as Ares, bane of men: his build excelled all but the Prince Laodamas" (Book 8, lines 123-124). Homer describes Seareach as a large, intimidating man. On the surface, it is obvious that Seareach must be an athlete, as he is very muscular, however this quote begins to delve into the second element of athleticism's definition.
ReplyDeleteThe second element of athleticism goes deeper than outward appearances. To be athletic implies nobility and grace, as athleticism must have been bestowed upon someone by the gods. In the quote above, Seareach, a mere mortal, is compared to Ares, the god of war. Athletes owe their gifts to the gods, and in this way ascend their status in a previously impossible way. This is emphasized in Odysseus's speech in book 8, as he states, "The gods deal out no gift, this one or any- birth, brains, or speech- to every man alike" (Book 8, lines 176-177). Odysseus realizes that the gods are the source of everyone's skills, and to be an incredible athlete must be due to the graces of the gods.
Odysseus's speech also hints to another idea, the link between athleticism and sophrosyne. Athleticism's link to the gods means that it comes with a responsibility to be a role model and to practice good character. While most athletes, such as Odysseus and Prince Laodamas , do exercise good character, this is not the case for Seareach. Seareach is disrespectful, and when he challenges Odysseus with no regard for courtesy. This reveals a very important fact about athleticism's link to sophrosyne in The Odyssey: this link is present in those of noble birth. Laodamas is prince of the Phaiakians, and Odysseus is the king of Ithaca. Seareach is simply a Phaiakian citizen, and has no nobility. This distinction makes it evident that those of noble birth are expected to posses good character and athleticism in order to prove their superiority over normal citizens in The Odyssey.
Your definition of athleticism is something that I had never thought about before. I agree with you that there is a connection between athleticism and the gods because like you said, Seareach is compared to Ares because of how great of an athlete he is. However, this doesn't mean that all the athletes have sophrosyne. Odysseus soon realizes that many of the Phaiakians are cocky and haven't experienced war like he has, which is why he feels the need to show them that he is a great athlete.
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ReplyDeleteIn The Odyssey, Homer defines athleticism as one's ability to be well rounded - to be not only strong and fast, but also intelligent and humble. Unlike Seareach, who views athleticism as only one's physical abilities, through the character Odysseus, Homer explains that athleticism is just as much a social characteristic as it is physical. In this novel, one's athletecism can play a major role in one's status. If you are athletic, people will respect you. For example, Seareach first discredits Odysseus by saying he doesn't look like an athlete, which is basically the ultimate insult. However, after Odysseus launched the disc further than anyone had before, Seareach tells Odysseus apologetically, "Sir, my best wishes, my respects; if I offended, I hope the seawards blow it out of my mind," (Book VIII, lines 435-437). We can see here how important one's athleticism is to their character. Once Odysseus proves that he is strong and also intelligent and humble, Seareach pays his respects and looks at him in a new light. Especially here, since the Phiaikians take huge amounts of pride in their sporting events, Odysseus is now looked upon with a sign of nobility. Fresh off the end of the Trojan War, the Phiaikians still take more pride in their athletics than in warfare. For instance, the Prince proclaims that "While a man lives he wins no greater honor than footwork and the skill of hands can bring him," (Book VIII, lines 155-156). This shows the relationship between the athlete and the war because in their minds, nothing, not even war, gives a man more pride and honor than winning sporting competitions. It sums up the culture of the Phiaikians; that one's athleticism can define their social status.
DeleteI agree with your definition of athleticism in the Odyssey. Not only does athleticism play a role in how people respect, but it also plays a role in how noble you are. All the most noble people are the most Athletic in The Odyssey. I agree with your description of the last quote that you used and wanted to add that the wrestling in book could represent hand to hand combat just like in war.
DeleteAthleticism in the Odyssey entails not only being physically fit and dominant, but also being a public figure or even a noble citizen. Nausikaa suggests that being an athlete could be a divine blessing that you cannot work towards yourself but must be granted upon you by Zeus: “It is Zeus himself, the Olympian, who gives people good fortune, to each single man, to the good and the bad, just as he wishes; and since he must have given you yours, you must even endure it” (Book 6).
ReplyDeleteOdysseus was treated strangely well on his journey back home from the war. If someone showed up to my house needing help, they may get a place to stay but would be treated with caution and surely not like royalty. Odysseus was treated like royalty: “A maidservant brought water for him and poured it from a splendid and golden pitcher, holding it above a silver basin for him to wash, and she pulled a polished tabled for him. A grave housekeeper brought in the bread and served it to him, adding many good things to it, generous with her provisions” (Book 7). I’m not sure if treating all strangers this way was part of their culture, but another interpretation is that they were treating Odysseus so well because he looked like an athlete, and thus a noble with noble sophrosyne.
Odysseus brags in book 8 about being the greatest archer alive: “I know well how to handle the polished bow, and would be first to strike any man with an arrow aimed at a company of hostile men.” This shows the relationship between the bravado of war heroes and athletes; Odysseus must’ve been proud of himself for being a hero in the war and holds himself to a high standard as an athlete as well. Whether he is the best archer alive or not, the fact he brags about it shows he is not afraid to put himself out there.
I would caution a reader of this post not to confuse athleticism in sports and athleticism in recreation. Many ancient Greeks did like to play sports, but the society valued the specific athletic skills over how well they performed in the stadium. The athletes were in recreational activities such as boating, farming, and construction as well.
I think the point that you brought up about how the Phaiakians treated strangers was very interesting. Because Odysseus looks like and athlete, they treated him not only with respect, but like a noble. This really shows how much the Phaiakians valued one's athleticism and also how they viewed ones physical appearance as the really the only determinant of athleticism, whereas Odysseus would argue it is a balance of physical, mental, and social.
DeleteGreek Gods are not just overlords, they are famous, talented role models to characters in the Odyssey. If one masters any art, they can be viewed as a God, King Alcinous is “so wise that people prized his counsel as godlike," (Book 7, line unknown, between 1-26), and Demodocus's "chants are heavenly" (Book 8, between 30-56). Everyone worships different Gods, and the Phaeacians worship a great athlete over a master of any other discipline, for “a man can lay no claim to greater fame – as long as he’s alive – than strength and speed that he displays with his own hands and feet” (Book 8, btwn 140-168).
ReplyDeleteA great athlete can emulate or even rival the gods in strength and looks. Euryalus can "match the might of man-destroying Ares" (Book 8, btwn 109-138). Odysseus, even after years at sea, has a prized body and "youthful strength" (Book 8, btwn 224-255), which surely qualifies him as godlike.
Strength and looks alone do not make one an athlete. Euryalus recognizes Odysseus's strength, because his body makes it obvious. However, he chirps that Odysseus didn't jump to compete, and his strength is probably just a shipwrecked worker, "a captain of a cargo bearing crew,” or a greedy merchant. He's muscular, but an athlete needs talent and agility (Book 8, btwn 140-168), like Eurytus, the talented Archer who even challenged Apollo (Book 8, btwn 224-255).
Just like strength alone doesn't make an athlete, sophrosyne is about more than just athleticism. It's about more than just being godlike. Ares, "the swiftest of the gods," is still destructive. Hephaestus, the cunning craftsman, is still slow (Book 8, btwn 317-340). A man who is “handsome as the gods, with a flawless form and face,” may still have ungraceful words, or an empty head. A man whose “words were given beauty’s garland by a god” may also not be balanced.If words are his only talent, he is one dimensional. Even Alcinous, "whose fame no man can match," (Book 8, btwn 368-396), has not shown mastery in any dimension besides wisdom. Odysseus, "the man of many wiles," (Book 8, btwn 140-168) has had to face "the wars men wage, then battle bitter waves” (Book 8, btwn 224-255). He can throw a discus “far beyond” any Phaeacian, yet he is still humble enough not to challenge his host Laodamas, and to compliment the Phaeacian runners (Book 8, btwn 224-255). When he speaks, "all who [hear]" go "silent" (Book 8, btwn 224-255). Odysseus is the only character who truly has it all. His balanced character defines sophrosyne.
The connection you made between the god-like appearance and athleticism is something that makes a lot of sense given the Ancient Greeks’ devotion to their “role models”, the Gods. They are the most divine and powerful in their eyes and are also known for their perfect, godly physique. Therefore, your point that they want to look strong to look athletic and like the gods, is very powerful. The stories and statues of the Gods and heroes were prominent in their society, and would most certainly influence their desires to be strong like them. Not only are looks important because it meant they were athletes, but because it implied that they were even godlike.
DeleteIn The Odyssey, athleticism, one of the most important characteristics of a man, is depicted as a man’s skill with his hands and feet in sport as a way to achieve glory, and is associated with a strong, muscular build.
ReplyDeleteTo many of the ancient Greeks in the Odyssey, there is a strong connection between one’s athleticism and his sophrosyne, or character. Being athletic automatically made a man regarded as a person of status and honor. For example, when Odysseus first emerges on the riverbank, he is filthy and weathered from his time at sea, so nobody views him as an athlete or a man of any status. But, once Athena transforms him, his “head and shoulders, height and mass” (Homer 125) make him “a splendor awesome to the eyes of the Phaiakians” (125). It is clear that his ‘athletic’ look elevates his perceived sophrysone. This idea is paralleled in Sports Ethics and Philosophy when Reid states, “true excellence reveals itself when tested in open athletic contests” (Reid 133).
Since the Trojan War only recently ended, the memory is still very present for Odysseus. He spent his time fighting in what many would consider a very athletic way. In order to be an excellent fighter, athleticism and high skill is needed. To him, being an athlete in war is much more difficult than being an athlete for sport. He is told, ”while a man lives he wins no greater honor than footwork and the skill of hands can bring him” (Homer 129), a statement that does apply to him, as a soldier. However, when he is asked to compete again shortly after, he says “I have more on my mind than track and field” (129). The sports the Phaiakians play are for entertainment therefore they hold little value in the mind of Odysseus who is accustomed to using athleticism for actual battle, not just bragging rights. Similarly, the war makes gives the athletes glory, which is seen when they sing the song, ”of heroes whose great fame rung under heaven, the clash between Odysseus and Akhilleus” (127). Contrary to this, the Phaiakians do not have war and therefore need athletics for honor, seen when they tell Odysseus to “tell his friends what champions we are in boxing, wrestling, broadjump, and foot racing” (128).
Depending on the athletes’ relation to the war, their definition of athleticism varies between battle and sport but all can see it is very important and the use of skill and a strong build.
Good looks/skills, athleticism, and sophrosyne are all clearly connected. Athletes are perceived as more whole-minded people. However, do you think SeaReach shows sophrosyne? What do other Phaiakians think of him? He is talented and strong, but also rude to Odysseus, who embarrasses him. Maybe Phaiakans can't actually achieve true athletic excellence or sophrosyne, because they haven't experienced war, and haven't been tested by brilliant athletes like Odysseus.
DeleteYour point of Odysseus seeing the battle side of athleticism over the recreaetional side of it was similar to what I observed. Many of the other "athletes" challenging Odysseus were challenging him in harmless sport instead of deadly battle, where Odysseus was seasoned. if Odysseus can claim both arms of athleticism, he will truly be a full athlete.
DeleteIn the Odyssey, athleticism can be defined as the greatest honor an individual can hold, "While a man lives he wins no greater honor than the footwork and the skills of hands can bring him" (Book VIII, Lines 155-156). The Phaiakians had wanted everyone to know what great champions they were in their athletics. They had even asked Odysseus to tell the people of his home of what great athletes they were, "Let our guest go home and tell his friends what champions we are at boxing, wrestling, broadjump and foot racing" (Book VIII, Lines 108-110). The Phaiakians take great pride in the sports that they compete in, Seareach especially. He was known as one of the most dominant athletes in the city, "They made room for wrestling--grinding bouts that Seareach won, pinning the strongest men" (Book VIII, Lines 134-135). As seen from the text, the Phaiakians create a great example for the definition of athleticism in the Odyssey.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree in your definition of athleticism because all athletes want to show that they show honor and power in battle. When Odysseus comes to the land of the Phaiakians, they invite him to their games, but he soon sees a different side of their character, one that isn't well balanced. Because they live in a society that doesn't deal with war, they don't have the experiences that Odysseus has. This leads them to be very cocky and want to challenge Odysseus, especially Seareach and Laodomus.
DeleteI agree with your definition of athleticism, but I would also add the athleticism in the Odyssey is defined as being completely balanced. If you are considered athletic, you will be strong ,fast , intelligent, and in touch with your feelings.
DeleteEmphasizing the importance that athleticism plays in one's legacy is an interesting view on the definition. While it can be assumed that all of the Phaiakians want to make a name for themselves, it is interesting to consider that this is the best way for them to accomplish this. For the Phaiakians, as well as other potential cities, athleticism can take on an even more important role.
DeleteAthleticism is used as a distinct characteristic in The Odyssey to model the values represented by the ideal individual. Athleticism is described in the physically with characters having fit, strong physiques and being successful in sport. Athleticism also comes with the tough mindset and mental capacity of a warrior. Especially with the Phaeacians, there a strong culture where athleticism is heavily prioritized in society as people vie to be in the best in sports. There is a cultural correlation between being physically athletic and being regarded highly in society. For example, Odysseus defends his athletic honor when Euryalus insults him, "This said, he took up a much greater stone/Than that which the Phaeacians had flung...And out went all the other marks by much." (Book VIII, Lines 181-188). After being verbally challenged by Euryalus, Odyssey shows everyone up by flinging the discus the farthest.
ReplyDeleteAthleticism isn't just the physical and attributes and accomplishment in sport but also has a lot to say about someone's character. Sophrosyne is the Greek vision of ideal excellence in character and being well rounded in all qualities. Athletes are seen as having a high level of character and soundness of mind. Odysseus manages to be very level-headed but acts when he needs to. As seen from the example where he wins the discus, Odyssey only competes when he is taunted by Euryalus. He doesn't compete to show off but rather to prove a point. Competing in the discus restores Odysseus' confidence and restores his sophrosyne. "Odysseus very glad was this to hear/And that amongst them stood one friend of his/Then of himself, began to speak more high" (Book VIII, Lines 195-197). This shows the correlation between his athleticism and his sophrosyne because Odysseus has his confidence restored after beating out all the competition.
I agree with your point of one's athleticism saying a lot about ones character. How someone performs in sport usually directly correlates to how they handle themselves within society. I agree with your point that Odysseus demonstrates great sophrosyne throughout the book making him the best well rounded athlete throughout the story.
DeleteI liked how you connected Odysseus' character with the concept of sophrosyne. You mentioned that Odysseus manages to remain level headed and chooses when he needs to take action. I think this is very representative of sophrosyne because it is a balancing act. Someone with sophrosyne has many great qualities and knows when it is time to use them. In certain cases you may need to be humble, in other situations you may need to be more assertive.
DeleteIn the Odyssey, Odysseus is the one who exudes athleticism and exhibits the characteristics we often associate with athleticism--that is, someone with charisma, humility, and honor while always having a desire for glory. Odysseus embodies the qualities of the ultimate athlete. In books 6 through 8, Odysseus displayed all of these qualities; displaying his emotions, showing respect to his host and the Phaikan people, and responding aggressively to a challenge. In book 7, Odysseus was forced to act boldly when asking the Queen for passage home. Athena explains that “No grace or wisdom fails her; indeed just men in quarrels come to her for equity. Supposing, then, she looks upon you kindly, the chances are that you shall see your friends under your own roof, in your father’s country” (Book 7 line 77-81). Being able to ask for help is a quality of a good athlete as shown here by Odysseus’s willingness to put his pride aside and accept help from Athena.
ReplyDeleteExpressions of sadness may imply vulnerability and a challenge to a person’s manhood, but weeping over one's dead comrades is an understandable act. Despite Odysseus trying to hide his tears, his empathetic feelings display a man of humility: “His tears flowed in the mantle unperceived; only Alkinoos, at his elbow, saw them, and caught the low groan in the man’s breathing” (Book 8 lines 100-104)” One of the characteristics of a good athlete is the ability to experience the agony of defeat and being able to express these feelings and move forward from said defeats.
Odysseus modestly says that he is not good at everything, even when he is seemingly good at everything. He has humility. Odysseus’s humility suggests that this is another quality of a good athlete. “The gods deal out no gift, this one or any --- birth, brains or speech--- to every man alike. In looks a man may be a shade, a specter, and yet be master of speech so crowned with beauty that people gaze at him with pleasure. Courteous, sure of himself, he can command assemblies, and when he comes to town, the crowds gather” (180). Odysseus is suggesting that athletes are athletes primarily and that they do not excel in everything, despite how they portray themselves. A good athlete is someone who is aware of their shortcomings and displays modesty.
Despite wanting to hide his identity by not competing in the games, Odysseus’s desire for glory outweighs his austerity. Odysseus ultimately gives in to Seareache’s mockery, “I will give your games a trial. You spoke heart-wounding words. You shall be answered” (book 8 192-193). Odysseus’ decision to compete suggests that an important quality of athleticism is not backing down from a challenge.
After crushing the competition, Odysseus remains courteous and polite to Laodamas, his host. He says he will defeat anybody, except for the king, “Racing, wrestling, boxing-- I bar nothing with any man except Laodamas, for he’s my host. Who quarrels with his host? Only a madman-- or no man at all-- would challenge his protector among strangers, cutting the ground away under his feet” (book 8 lines 218-223). Respect and courteousness are honorable qualities of an athlete.
One’s character is often times determined by one's surface-level attributes. For example, Odysseus’s powerful build is what allowed him to achieve athletic achievement at a high level, and because of this, he was thought to be manly. After being successful in an endeavor because of his physical strength and athleticism, Odysseus’s character, or perceptions of his character, were formed around it. One’s athleticism does tend to suggest that their character is strong, confident, competitive and masculine.
In my opinion, athleticism is not just the measure of one’s strength, speed, and agility but also the measure of one’s true character and ability to overcome adversity. This definition is rightfully upheld in Homer’s Odyssey. When Odysseus is going to be tested by the Phaeacians, Athena aids Odysseus by making him appear bigger and stronger so that the Phaeacians, whose society is dominated by athleticism, would accept and respect him easier, “many of those present were astonished when they saw Laertes' clever son— Athena had poured an amazing poise on him, across his shoulders and his head and made him look taller and more powerful”(Book 8, Lines 21-24). This shows how the Odyssey defines the physical side of athleticism as being built like a god with broad shoulders and perfect muscles. On the flip side, the mental definition of Athleticism in the Odyssey can be seen in book 7 when Odysseus is constantly referenced as suffering. Some examples of this are “Odysseus, that long suffering noble-man”(Book 7, line 214) and “Long suffering lord Odysseus”(Book 7, line 162). These reoccurring references to Odysseus being in pain and heart ache show how much adversity Odysseus has had to face. But even though Odysseus has not been home in 10 years he is still able to carry on and continue giving his all to return to his loving wife. Instead of wallowing in defeat he continues to press on, no matter how bad the odds are, displaying true athleticism and character.
ReplyDeleteOne’s athleticism can say a lot about that person and their character. There is obviously the physical part of athleticism such as looking built and having fast feet but there is also a mental side of being humble and overcoming adversity. You can be given great strength and speed but if you lack the mental discipline and toughness you will never arise to your full potential. This lack of discipline and care for your sport will eventually carry over directly to your social life damaging your relationships with people and societies opinion of you.
All great athletes definitely suffer at some point. This suffering makes them humble, so they can reach their full potential. Your two part definition of athleticism works well: some Phaiakians look built and have quick hands/fast feet, but they have never suffered in war and are not humble, so they cannot match Odysseus' athletic talents.
DeleteYour point that overcoming adversity plays a role in your athleticism is one that I had not thought of. This added layer to the definition emphasizes the importance of character in an athlete, as only people with strong character could overcome the struggles that Odysseus has had to face.
DeleteAthleticism in the Odyssey means possession of a mental toughness and control in addition to the physical attributes athleticism entails, such as physical appearance and skillfulness in athletics. When Odysseus first comes into contact with the Phaiakians, Athena, a goddess who has taken an interest in helping Odysseus out on his journey, clouds him in a magic mist that makes him appear "taller, and massive too" (Book 6, Line 242) and progressively increases its affect as she sees fit throughout his encounter with them. Doing this for a people who place such great pride in their athletics suggests that the Phaiakians consider a person's physical appearance when it comes to evaluating their athleticism. However, Seareach shows us that 'looking the part' isn't everything when it comes to the Phaiakian definition of athleticism; he insults Odysseus by questioning his "skill in any of the contests of fighting men" (Book 8, Lines 167-168), and goes even further to link this assumed lack of athletic skill to a man that was "the skipper of a tramp that crawled from one port to the next" (Book 8, Lines 169-170) and is "itching for gold" (Book 8, Line 171). Because of his lack of athletic skill, Seareach sees Odysseus as some low class scum with a thirst for wealth, and assumedly no control over it. This equation of physical athleticism with sophrosyne suggests athleticism entails both a physical and mental aspect for Seareach; being a bad physical athlete makes you weak minded mentally.
ReplyDeleteOdysseus' response to his taunting affirms Seareach's understanding of athleticism, except for the part where physical superiority in athleticism equates to a mental superiority as well. Odysseus' performance in the discus throwing contest confirms that athleticism must have a mental aspect to it in the Odyssey. He tosses a discuss "even a blind man...could judge"(Book 8, Line 203) to be the farthest one thrown in the event, with his only clear advantage over the Phaiakian athletes being a superior sophrosyne, strengthened from "years of combat hacking through rank in war"(Book 8, Line 191). Despite many Phaiakian athletes having hulking physiques, Odysseus came out on top. Sophrosyne is the only factor that could possibly have given Odysseus an edge over the competition, proving that athleticism constitutes in the Odyssey is not only based on physique and skill, but also sophrosyne, and that they don't equate to one another.
The Phaiakians were proven wrong in their understanding of athleticism. I like how you mention the scene where Seareach insults Odysseus for perceiving his "lack" of athleticism. This shows that the Phaiakians don't share the athletic qualities of Odysseus that surpass physical athletics. I hadn't really thought about Odysseus' sophrosyne giving him the edge over the other athletes in the competition. It makes sense that Odysseus' mindset could have pushed him farther than all the other athletes in the competition.
DeleteAthleticism in The Odyssey is defined as very well balanced . An athletic person should not only be strong and quick, but should also be intelligent, good looking, and emotionally in touch. In one of the readings, it says that athleticism in The Odyssey is in association with nobility, virtue, and leadership. If you are athletic in The Odyssey , people will respect you more. Towards the beginning of book 8, Seareach was insulting Odysseus by telling him he does not look like an athlete. After Odysseus destroys Seareach and everyone in discus, Seareach shows him immediate respect. On page 137 in book 8, Seareach states, " Sir my best wishes, my respects;if I offended. I hope the seawinds blow it out of mind. " This quote is Seareach apologizing to Odysseus for insulting him.In one of the secondary reading, it explains how sports have defined what it is to be a warrior and what it is to be a man. According to the book, Athleticism shows that you are noble and are higher up in society.
ReplyDeleteI like your statement that "sports have defined what it is to be a warrior and what it is to be a man". I think it is a very accurate point because the lessons that you learn from sports shape you into the person you are today. Without sports I would be nowhere near the person I am today. I also believe this is one of the key aspects fo the definition of athleticism in the Odyssey that is prevalent throughout the hole book.
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