"The Odyssey" as didactic literature: lessons taught to Odysseus about the nature of mankind and the way Odysseus changes after his experiences

<Tab/>The Odysseus who leaves Troy changes into a completely different man before he arrives at his home in Ithaca. The hero endures many trials and tribulations induced by the menis of Poseidon, but learns from his mistakes and matures much through his trek. Poseidon serves as a symbol of the supernatural and the threatening. In a way, he is the abusive, but pedagogic father. It is Poseidon who keeps Odysseus …

…one can notice the many lessons Odysseus learns and how his character changes. His journey is symbolic of his growth as a person, and his rebirth as a hero. As the trials become more brutal, the lessons become more valuable. He departs Troy as proud as a warrior, but returns to Ithaca as humble as a beggar. By realizing that he cannot control everything in the world, he learns the most indispensable values of life.