Odysseus primarily angered Poseidon, the mighty god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. This wrath became a central theme and significant obstacle throughout Odysseus's arduous journey home after the Trojan War.
The Source of Poseidon's Wrath: Blinding Polyphemus
Odysseus incurred Poseidon's severe displeasure by blinding Polyphemus, the Cyclops. Polyphemus was a son of Poseidon, making Odysseus's act a direct affront to the sea god. While the act of blinding might have been justifiable due to Polyphemus's brutal mistreatment of Odysseus and his crew, including devouring several men, it was Odysseus's subsequent pride that truly sealed his fate in Poseidon's eyes.
- The Act: Odysseus and his men were trapped in Polyphemus's cave. To escape, Odysseus devised a cunning plan to blind the one-eyed giant. After the successful blinding, Odysseus, in a moment of hubris, revealed his true identity to Polyphemus, shouting his name from his departing ship.
- The Justification vs. The Provocation: The immediate act of blinding could be seen as a desperate measure for survival against a monstrous, inhospitable host. However, Odysseus's decision to taunt Polyphemus afterward, revealing his name and thus allowing the Cyclops to call upon his father for vengeance, demonstrated a fatal flaw of pride (hubris). This challenge to a god's lineage, combined with the act against his son, transformed Poseidon's displeasure into a relentless pursuit of vengeance against Odysseus.
Consequences of Divine Anger
Poseidon's anger manifested in numerous ways, causing immense suffering and prolonged delays for Odysseus and his crew. The god generated violent storms, redirected currents, and created other maritime hazards that scattered Odysseus's fleet and extended his journey home by many years, ultimately leading to the loss of all his companions and ships.
Summary of Odysseus's Actions and Poseidon's Reaction
| God Angered | Specific Act | Immediate Cause | Underlying Cause of Wrath | Impact on Odysseus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poseidon | Blinding of Polyphemus | Self-preservation | Odysseus's pride (hubris) | Extended, perilous journey home; loss of all crew and ships |
This profound divine anger served as a major antagonist throughout The Odyssey, emphasizing the perils of offending the gods, especially through arrogance.
