The name Odysseus was a hero of the ancient Greek epic. We know about his wanderings thanks to the poems of Homer. Odyssey was also mentioned by other ancient authors. European writers, from the Renaissance to the present day, have also always shown great interest in the figure of this hero. And this is not surprising. After all, the culture of ancient Hellas has become one of the foundations of European civilization. Many modern geographical names, names, scientific terms are rooted in the language of Ancient Greece.
Name origin
There are several versions of the name value. The most popular translation is "angry, angry."
The alternative meaning of the name Odysseus is "angry the gods." This option seems the most plausible. Those incredible trials that Odyssey had to overcome can really be explained only by the unfriendly interference of higher forces.
Finally, supporters of the third version see a common root in the names of Odysseus and Zeus when writing in Greek. According to legend, Odysseus was a descendant of the supreme Olympic god. On the maternal side, Hermes was his great-grandfather. Thus, among the ancestors of Odyssey are two gods at once. A very suitable pedigree for a hero who has performed many feats.
Features of ancient Greek names
The inhabitants of ancient Hellas did not have surnames. Most likely, this circumstance is one of the manifestations of the democratic nature of Greek policies - a person could not count on respect only because of belonging to a respected family. Therefore, each sought to glorify himself with his own achievements, to write his own name in history.
There were no generally accepted rules on how to name a child in ancient Greece. Often names were given in honor of one of the gods. For example, Diodorus translates as "the gift of Zeus." Also, ancient Greek names could reflect the qualities that parents would like to see their child. Calling her daughter Sophia, she thereby wished wisdom. When they gave the name Nikon, they hoped that his son would become a winner, because the goddess Nick would be his patron .
Odyssey story
The most detailed life of our hero is described by Homer. After marrying Penelope, Odysseus intended to enjoy the peaceful joys of family life, but was forced to go to the Trojan War. It was the trick he invented with a wooden horse that brought the Greeks victory.
Further wanderings of Odysseus, which lasted twenty years, were caused by the disfavor of the gods and unsuccessful combination of circumstances. When he finally managed to return to Ithaca, he was transformed by Athena into a feeble old man.
At this time, dozens of suitors wooed his wife Penelope, convincing her that Odysseus had long died. He has to pass a test to prove his identity. After Penelope recognized him, Odysseus kills her suitors and arranges a triumphal celebration.
Thus, as the plot develops, the meaning of the name Odysseus undergoes a change. If at first he has to struggle with the wrath of the gods, then near the end of the story he is already so angry that he sweeps away all obstacles from his path. In the final, he appears as the royal descendant of Zeus, the full owner of his possessions.
Odyssey's Wanderings
The hero of Homer is best known for his very long return home from the Trojan War. Odysseus was forced to go through countless obstacles. He met many unusual and amazing characters during his journey.
On the island of lotophagous Odysseus and his companions almost lost their memory. After that, the brave hero has to fight with a huge cyclops. The hope of Odysseus to return to his native lands is destroyed by his own sailors. They steal furs from their leader and untie them, expecting to find treasures there. But there are winds presented by Odysseus Aeolus, and the ships carry far into the sea. He has to flee from the cannibal giants, swim between Scylla and Charybdis and resist the spells of sirens.
Adventure is not limited to sea wanderings. Odysseus, on the advice of the soothsayer Tiresias, takes a long overland journey. With an oar on his shoulder, he is looking for people who do not know the sea.
Character
If from Zeus Odysseus inherited perseverance and indomitable spirit, then from his other great-grandfather, Hermes, he received cunning and enterprise. These qualities helped him survive during many deadly situations that happened during long wanderings.
Odysseus is often cunning, deceiving, weaving intrigue. These actions help him survive, but they often also set people next to him against Odysseus. However, is the opinion of mere mortals so important for someone who is forced to evade the wiles of the gods?
Odysseus is not like other Greek heroes. The names of most of them are associated with victories in fair battle. Some of them were successful thanks to phenomenal physical strength, like Hercules. Others used intelligence and diplomacy, like Jason. Only Odysseus became famous as a sly and deceiver.
Love adventures
During the wanderings, Odysseus met many outstanding women. Some of them became his lovers. Odysseus spent a year on the island of the sorceress Circe and spent seven years with the nymph Calypso. However, his relationship with women was surprisingly honest. Odysseus never hid from his beloved that he would not stop striving for reunion with Penelope, who was waiting for him in Ithaca.
This is the main paradox in the character of our hero - lying and prudent in relations with people and gods, he turns out to be faithful and constant in love. No wonder the allegorical meaning of the name Odysseus is a faithful husband. The purpose of all his wanderings is to return home, to his family.
Odyssey in Portugal
The origin story of the names is full of surprises and surprises. This is true not only for people, but also for cities. According to one of the popular legends, the name of the Portuguese capital Lisbon comes from the name of Odysseus. It is believed that after returning to Ithaca his journeys did not end.
To return the favor of Poseidon, Odysseus went on a hiking trip. The prophecy ordered him to look for a people living near the sea, but not able to sail on ships.
The journey was long. Finally, Odysseus reached the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Only the Atlantic Ocean extended further. Here, on the edge of the earth, Odyssey met people who took the oar on his shoulder for a shovel. These were the distant ancestors of modern Portuguese. Odysseus taught them naval art. Later, the Portuguese became a nation of great mariners.
Name Odysseus today
The origin of male names familiar to our ear can be traced with a high degree of certainty. Many of them are taken from the Bible. Others come from the names of Christian saints. There are also many who want to name a child in honor of ancient heroes.
Some parents worry whether the Greek meaning of the name Odysseus will affect the character of their child. Nobody wants their son to grow up angry and always angry. These are baseless fears. In social networks, many users are registered with the name Odysseus. Communicating with them suggests that they are fun and friendly people.
If you want your child to have a beautiful name - feel free to call him Odysseus!