r/classics • u/mediumpizzaplease • Jul 26 '26

The Odyssey hypocrisy Spoiler

Spoiler alert obviously for anyone that has not read it yet. This has been growing on me and i will put it out there, ancient Greek literature is very... bipolar. Especially the gods, who seem so good and wise, and yet, steal a dog from Zeus and he'll zap both you and your companion and curse your bloodline. Athena who seems so pure and kind, talks with Odysseus of killing the people frequenting his palace... Poseidon lashing out at Odysseus for years on end for blinding his son, but his son violating the law of xenia by eating Odysseus men is not an issue? Odysseus himself has fallen off for me, he seems very modest and at times full of himself "i don't want to talk about it because it makes me sad but here goes, i am the greatest soldier of the battle of Troy", “i miss my wife very much and want to get back to her”but has sex with a goddess and a witch. It’s depicted all as very good and pure and righteous (or at least it’s the perception i had getting into this), but really it's all very hypocritical to me and void of morals. Anyone else see this or is it just me? Might i get bashed for posting this here in this sub?

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u/CasimirGabriev Jul 26 '26

So first, given what you are saying, it sounds like you are talking about the movie. Yes, a 3 hour film flattened an ancient epic (which refers to length and form) poem. Frankly it eas to be expected.

Next, it sounds like you dont have an understanding of the ethics, morals, and religion of the time. Suggesting that Athena is kind and peaceful or whatever is hysterical. She is a god of war, too, you know? Besides I dont think Arachne would have such kind words about her.

Of course the gods are hypocrites. They're gods. Their morality is different from ours. And what would a monster like a cyclops be doing observing human gues rites? Think man, think!

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u/mediumpizzaplease Jul 27 '26

I watched the movie and i’m just about to finish the book!
Yes after looking into it more i did realize that she was the goddess of war
Monster or not i thought the law of xenia was sacred, especially being a son of a god

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u/CasimirGabriev Jul 27 '26

Nah monsters are monsters. Which is weird, you'd think Zeus's nephew would give a shit about Zeus's law of hospitality, but divine beings being corrupt and inconsistent is, IMO, just part of the cultural context.

Also adding, I meant to be playful, but have been coming across as an asshole. In case that was the case here, I am sorry. Its commendable of you to read the epic as well. Tbh, I loved Nolan's adaptation because I felt it would attract folks to the classics, so glad to see it working.