The Eternal Conflict: Why Poseidon and Odysseus are Enemies

The ancient Greek tales of Homer's Odyssey provide a fascinating exploration of divine-human conflicts, with the enduring enmity between Poseidon, the God of the Sea, and Odysseus, the hero of the Trojan War, being one of the most compelling stories. This article delves into the reasons behind this ageless conflict and explores the intricate dynamics shaping the journey of Odysseus back to his home of Ithaca.

Background and Context

The conflict between Poseidon and Odysseus finds its roots in a tragic event during the Trojan War. In book 9 of the Odyssey, we learn that Odysseus had already run afoul with the gods due to the destruction of Troy. Odysseus and his men stop by Sicily, where they encounter the Cyclops Polyphemus. After Odysseus and his crew free themselves from Polyphemus' captivity through cunning and trickery, Polyphemus, blinded and in agony, calls out to his father Poseidon for vengeance. This is the turning point in their conflict.

Polyphemus' curse is as follows: ‘Poseidon, the raven-haired Earth-Enfolder: if indeed I am your son, if indeed you declare yourself my father, grant that Odysseus the city-sacker may never return home again, or if he is fated to see his kith and kin and so reach his high-roofed House and his own Country, let him come late and come in misery, after the loss of all his comrades and carried upon an alien Ship and in his own House let him find mischief.’

The Reasons for Their Enmity

The Mutilation of Polyphemus

The immediate cause of Poseidon's wrath is Odysseus' daring and successful act of blinding Polyphemus. Polyphemus is the son of Poseidon and the Nymph Thoosa, making him a direct assailant of the Sea God. Thus, Poseidon's sole intention in causing various storms and misfortunes for Odysseus is to prevent Odysseus from ever returning home or from achieving any semblance of peace.

The Sacrilege of the Cattle of Helios

During Odysseus' journey, his crew commits a grievous act by eating the sacred cattle of Helios, the Sun God. This sacrilege is a direct affront to a god, and the consequences are severe. Poseidon himself transforms the calm sea into a storm, setting the unfortunate ship ablaze and striking every man on board, except Odysseus, who had not harmed the sacred cattle.

The Divergent Nature of Mankind and the Sea

The third and simplest reason for the conflict is the inherent nature of both Poseidon and Odysseus. As the God of the Sea and a seasoned sailor, Poseidon represents the unpredictable and treacherous nature of the ocean. Odysseus, the human hero, embodies the qualities of a maritime explorer, facing the challenges of the vast and unforgiving sea. Their enmity, therefore, is a natural extension of their opposing forces.

The Impact on Odysseus' Journey

Odysseus' journey home is fraught with peril, and the constant interference from Poseidon hampers his progress. From the disastrous encounter with the Cyclops to the stormy seas, the narrative highlights the eternal struggle between man and the divine. Despite Poseidon's efforts, Odysseus eventually makes it back to Ithaca, albeit through a series of challenges.

Conclusion

The enduring enmity between Poseidon and Odysseus symbolizes the eternal battle between the natural world and human endeavor. The gods' manipulation of the sea to thwart the hero's journey serves to emphasize the human need for bravery, resilience, and ingenuity in the face of insurmountable odds.