The meaning of the name Odysseus. History, origin of the name

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

The name Odysseus was worn by the hero of the ancient Greek epic. We know about his wanderings thanks to the poems of Homer. Other ancient authors also mentioned Odysseus. 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 became one of the foundations of European civilization. Many modern geographical names, names, scientific terms are rooted in the language of Ancient Greece.

Origin of name

There are several versions of the meaning of the name. The most popular translation is "angry, angry".

An alternative meaning of the name Odysseus is "angry of the gods". This option seems to be the most plausible. Those incredible trials that Odysseus had to overcome can really only be explained by the unfriendly intervention of higher powers.

Finally, supporters of the third version see a common root in the names of Odysseus and Zeus when written in Greek. According to legend, Odysseus was a descendant of the supreme Olympian god. Her maternal great-grandfather was Hermes. Thus, among the ancestors of Odysseus there are two gods at once. A very fitting bloodline for a hero who has accomplished 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, everyone sought to glorify themselves with their own achievements, write their own name in history.

There were no generally accepted rules regarding how to name a child in ancient Greece. Often the names were given in honor of one of the gods. For example, Diodorus is translated as "gift of Zeus". Also, ancient Greek names could reflect the qualities that parents would like to see in their child. Calling her daughter Sophia, they wished her wisdom. When they gave the name Nikon, they hoped that the son would become the winner, because the goddess Nika would be his patroness.

The Story of Odysseus

The life of our hero is described in most detail 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 the wooden horse that brought the Greeks victory.

The further wanderings of Odysseus, which lasted twenty years, were caused by the disfavor of the gods and unfortunate coincidences. When he finally managed to return to Ithaca, he was turned into an infirm old man by Athena.

At this time to hisDozens of suitors woo his wife Penelope, convincing her that Odysseus died long ago. He has to pass a test to prove his identity. After Penelope recognizes 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 fight the wrath of the gods, then towards the end of the story he himself is so angry that he sweeps away all obstacles from his path. In the finale, he appears as a royal descendant of Zeus, the rightful owner of his possessions.

The Travels of Odysseus

The Hero of Homer is best known for his very long return home from the Trojan War. Odysseus had to go through countless obstacles. He met many unusual and amazing characters during his journey.

On the island of Lotus Eaters, Odysseus and his companions almost lost their memory. After that, the brave hero has to fight 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 treasure there. But there are winds given to Odysseus by Aeol, and the ships are blown far into the sea. He has to escape from cannibal giants, swim between Scylla and Charybdis and resist the sirens' spells.

Adventure is not limited to sea voyages. Odysseus, on the advice of the soothsayer Tiresias, undertakes a long overland journey. With a paddleon his shoulder he looks for people who do not know the sea.

Character

If Odysseus inherited perseverance and indomitable spirit from Zeus, then from his other great-grandfather, Hermes, he received cunning and enterprise. These qualities helped him survive during the many deadly situations that happened during his long wanderings.

Odysseus is often cunning, deceiving, weaving intrigues. These actions help him survive, but they also often set people close to him against Odysseus. However, is the opinion of mere mortals so important for someone who is forced to evade the machinations of the gods?

Odysseus is not like other Greek heroes. The names of most of them are associated with victories in a fair fight. Some of them achieved success due to phenomenal physical strength, like Hercules. Others used intelligence and diplomacy, like Jason. Only Odysseus became famous as a cunning and deceiver.

Love adventures

During his travels, Odysseus met many extraordinary women. Some of them became his lovers. Odysseus spent a year on the island of the sorceress Circe and lived with the nymph Calypso for seven years. However, his relationships with women were surprisingly honest. Odysseus never hid from his lovers that he would never stop yearning to be reunited with Penelope, who was waiting for him in Ithaca.

This is the main paradox in the character of our hero - deceitful and prudent in relations with people and gods, he turns out to be devoted and constant in love. No wonderthe allegorical meaning of the name Odysseus is a faithful husband. The purpose of all his wanderings is to return home to his family.

Odysseus in Portugal

The history of the origin of 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 capital of Portugal, Lisbon, comes from the name of Odysseus. It is believed that after returning to Ithaca, his wanderings did not end.

To return the favor of Poseidon, Odysseus set out on a journey on foot. The prophecy instructed him to look for the people who live near the sea, but do not know how to sail on ships.

The journey was long. Finally, Odysseus reached the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Beyond that was the Atlantic Ocean. Here, on the edge of the earth, Odysseus met people who mistook the oar on his shoulder for a shovel. These were the distant ancestors of the modern Portuguese. Odysseus taught them ship art. Later, the Portuguese became a nation of great seafarers.

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 are derived from the names of Christian saints. There are also many who want to name a child in honor of ancient heroes.

Some parents are worried that the Greek meaning of the name Odysseus will affect the character of their child. No one wants their son to grow up angry and always angry. These are unfounded fears. There are many on social mediausers named Odysseus. Communication with them indicates that they are cheerful and friendly people.

If you want your child to have a beautiful name - feel free to call him Odysseus!