The Odyssey

The Odyssey Imagery


One of the recurrent imagery elements that unites The Odyssey as a work is constant feasting, usually complete with libations and sacrifices to the relevent gods.

Ships and seafaring

As the journey largely consists in travel between islands, a great deal of imagery is committed to descriptions of Odysseus' various vessels, and how they fare on their various legs of the voyage.

Bodily imagery

Appearance is crucial to The Odyssey as a story, with Odysseus' being a primary focus: for example, when Nausicaa encounters his naked form on the beach; when Athena disguises him prior to entering Ithaca; and when Athena reveals him to the suitors in all his glory.

Violent imagery

While The Odyssey is not as graphic as its predecessor, The Iliad, it still has a good deal of violent imagery. In particular, the climax of the book is the slaughtering of suitors and hanging of traitorous servants by Odysseus, Telemachus, and Athena.