Cunning and Courage — a Reflection of the Odyssey

Meet difficulty with courage.

Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, is a determined, cunning young man with much courage. He lives in his fathers castle, with his mother and the troublesome suitors. The suitors are like our challenges in life. They live inside of us, loiter us, and nagg at our brains. We will meet people who “decide the fare is better, richer here, destroying one man’s goods and going scot-free,” that will try to suck everything they can out of us.

    In order to move on with our lives we must ignore them, and pursue our goals through the difficulties and challenges. “I’m sailing off to Sparta, sandy Pylos too, for news of my dear father’s journey home.” Like it was for Telemachus, having courage is important for many things. In his case he needs courage to find has father, Odysseus. In our case, maybe that is the courage to apply for a job, ask a question, or make a stand. While Telemachus’ story doesn't seem remotely close to our lives, in an intercity way, we are quite similar. We all have challenges, problems, gifts, and many other things that are a part of life which we must face with cunning and courage.