Homer argues thaat human victory over desire is possible because Essay

Homer argues thaat human victory over desire is possible because - Essay Example (Barnouw, 1) Unlike other Gods, Homer chooses to remain mortal and in such a life he has to face number of challenges and situations where he has to choose between his desire and his duty. His biggest challenge was the resistance of temptation. The first temptation he and his men had to face was while encountering sweet lotus plant. â€Å"They fell in, soon enough, with Lotos Eaters, who showed no will to do us harm, only offering the sweet Lotos to our friends...† (IX. 98-100) They thought if they ate the plant it was not a bad idea, but to resist the plant was a much wiser option. â€Å"†¦but those who ate this honeyed plant, the Lotos, never cared to report, nor return: they longed to stay forever, browsing on that native bloom, forgetful of their homeland† (IX. 101-104). Homer not only resisted this tempting plant but also forced his soldiers to get back into the ship, when he said, â€Å" I forced them, eyes full of tears, into our hollow ships, dragged them underneath the rowing benches, and tied them up†. (IX. 105-107) Yet another temptation they had to face was Seirenes. She would try to lure men with her beauty and music, â€Å"Square in your ship’s path are Seirenes, crying beauty to bewitch men coasting by...† (XII. 101-104) If men are not able to show their resistance towards Seirenes, they could fell into her clutches and no body could save them from death. â€Å"Woe to the innocent who hears that sound! He will not see his lady nor his children in joy, crowding about him, home from sea; the Seirenes will sing his mind away on their sweet meadow lolling†¦(XII. 50-54)† Sirens also tried to tempt Odysseus when she said that, â€Å"Come this way, honored Odysseus, great glory of the Achaeans, and stay your ship, so that you can listen here to our singing; for no one else has ever sailed past this place in his black ship until he has listened to the honey-sweet voice that issues from our lips; then goes on well pleased knowing more than ever he did; for we