Table of Contents
- 1 Who is Argos and what is his connection to Odysseus?
- 2 What is Penelope’s relationship to Odysseus?
- 3 What significance is there in the relationship between Odysseus and Argos?
- 4 Who is Argos the dog in the Odyssey?
- 5 Why did Argos die in the myth of the world?
- 6 How is Argos similar to Penelope and Eumaeus?
Who is Argos and what is his connection to Odysseus?
In Homer’s Odyssey, Argos (/ˈɑːrɡɒs, -ɡəs/; Greek: Ἄργος) is Odysseus’ faithful dog. After ten years fighting in Troy, followed by ten more years struggling to get home to Ithaca, Odysseus finally arrives at his homeland. In his absence, reckless suitors have taken over his house in hopes of marrying his wife Penelope.
What is Penelope’s relationship to Odysseus?
The main element of Penelope’s relationship to Odysseus is loyalty, even to the point of refusing to believe he has died and enduring much to preserve her self and Ithaca for his return. Odysseus also is loyal to Penelope but is less consistent in his loyalty.
What significance is there in the relationship between Odysseus and Argos?
This is important because if Argos lived, he would undoubtedly give away Odysseus’ disguise and ruin his plan to kill the suitors. The simplicity of the relationship between Argos and Odysseus allows their reunion to be immediate and sincere.
What does Argos do in the Odyssey?
Argos (dog)
| Odysseus and Argos by Jean-Auguste Barre (19th century illustration) | |
|---|---|
| Species | Dog |
| Employer | Odysseus |
| Known for | Speed and strength and his superior tracking skills |
| Appearance | Lying neglected on a pile of cow manure, infested with fleas, old and very tired |
Why was Argos important to the story of the Odyssey?
Argos, Odysseus’ dog, is a symbolic character in the Odyssey. The character Argos can be depicted as symbolizing Odysseus himself. As a puppy, living with Odysseus, Argos was happy and joyful much like Odysseus was before he was stranded on his voyage back to Ithaca. As Odysseus struggles to come home he faces extreme punishments,…
Who is Argos the dog in the Odyssey?
Argos, Odysseus’ dog, is a symbolic character in the Odyssey. The character Argos can be depicted as symbolizing Odysseus himself. As a puppy, living with Odysseus, Argos was happy and joyful much like Odysseus was before he was stranded on his voyage back to Ithaca.
Why did Argos die in the myth of the world?
As soon as Odysseus passes by (but not without shedding a tear for his beautiful dog lying in manure) and enters his hall, Argos dies. This is important because if Argos lived, he would undoubtedly give away Odysseus’ disguise and ruin his plan to kill the suitors.
How is Argos similar to Penelope and Eumaeus?
Argos, like Penelope, Eumaeus, Telemachus, has been waiting in agony for the return of Odysseus, and as them, his loyalty has too stood the test of time. However unlike Penelope and the rest, his agony and pain is not only emotional, but physical.