Bloodshed Was Everywhere

            Bloodshed was everywhere; the dead suitors were strewn around my house. I could not control the feeling inside me. I was so angry, but so happy. I was angry because I had to kill so many people; I killed all the people that were not loyal to me and my family. I felt no pity, just anger; they forced this upon themselves, making me do the dirty work. However, I felt happy because this fight was finally over. I surprisingly got my dad back, and we gained our kingdom back too. My dad called me over, to tell me to kill the disloyal maids as well. He said I had to make them clean the house, and then use my sword to take their heads off. I listened to him carefully, glad to do the honors.

            I put the maids to work, watching them clean the blood and the bodies. The maids dragged the bloody bodies across the yard to the courtyard column. They piled the deceased bodies, which started to attract to flies, breeding maggots. With the suitors all dead, my kingdom is now free. The maids scrubbed the floors in delirium, conscious that their death will be arriving soon. I have a devious look in my eye, thinking of how all of these whores betrayed me. I glare at the slutty maids calling them over to the corner; getting them ready for the kill.

            I set up the cable, attaching the cable from the roundhouse to the tall column. My dad told me to kill them by cutting their heads off, but they deserved no mercy. They deserved the most disgraceful death possible. The women enraged me, making my emotions overflow, causing me to be overwhelmed with fury. Making sure the women were not able to escape, I trapped them picking one at a time to be hanged. I watched the bodies struggle at first, their feet kicking in the air, but stopping after a short while. The maid’s feet were dangling high off the ground. It felt so good to hang these shameful maids. Once all of them were dead, I went to my father, telling him the deed was done. Finally, it was all over.

The Suitors Will Be Dead

             Out of the corner of my eye I saw this helpless bard. I remembered that he was the man who was forced to sing and play for the suitors. This man did nothing wrong, and yet my father would have killed him. All I felt was sorrow for this man. I wanted to tell Odysseus not to kill this powerless man, but I did not want my father to shun me for my “poor” judgment. I was scared to stand up to my father, frightened he’d hate my choice made out of compassion. However, I knew if I did not speak up to defend the bard that was in the  wrong, and I knew I needed to do something.

             Knowing I had to do something; I thought quickly. I ran over to my father, begging him to stop, and to put his sword down. Surprisingly, he listened to me as I explained how the bard was not a part of the suitors; he was simply forced to entertain them. Even though I only said a few words, I still felt as if my dad really understood me. I looked in his eyes, which revealed caring and thoughtfulness. I was so happy; this was one of the only times I felt equal to my father. 

            With no argument, my father agreed with me. I was ecstatic; I really felt as if I took Athena’s advice to the next level. She told me to be a man, and I finally became one. By standing up to my father, I became independent; I gained understanding of what it means to be a man, which includes standing up for my opinions. My father listened to me with no judgment, and he understood why I decided to save the talented bard’s life. I was able to save an honorable life in the middle of a bloodbath. He was on his knees hugging mine, saying thank you. At that moment I felt proud of myself, and I think my dad did too. I was finally able to feel his approval, which I longed for since the day I was born.

Our Plan

             I stood there laughing at the pitiful suitors. These imposters think they can string my father’s bow and whip the arrow through the axes. Only my father can do that, because he is the rightful king. It is sad that they try to even compare his excellence to theirs. The suitors always make me so angry, making me want to kill them. I enjoy knowing that my father is here and will help me exterminate the suitors. The drunken suitors have no idea about our little plan to take back our kingdom; I hope it stays that way. They disrespect my mother, taunting me and my father by saying that whoever can string and shoot my father’s bow will marry Penelope. My anger gets the best of me as I watch these egoistical suitors stand in my father’s palace with no care in the world. I cannot wait till they are dead.

            I was so determined to show these suitors where they belonged, thus I challenged them. They were greasing and warming the bow to try to make it easier for them to string the bow. I needed to make sure they would not live in my kingdom forever, so I decided to contest them. I told them if I was able to string and shoot the bow through the axes, whoever remarries my mother will leave my kingdom; however, if they win they could stay. The looks in their eyes  accepted the challenge, as they thought I was foolish for striking this deal. But I honestly thought I could beat these irritating suitors. I told them no cheating and no delay; we had to start right away.

            I did not repent my decision for a minute I knew this was the right thing to do. It was one of the only things I could do. I needed to ensure my kingdom would be available to my father and me, but with the suitors here that was impossible. I set up the axes very precisely, not making one mistake. I felt strong and powerful, as if the suitors feared me a little bit. I grabbed the bow with a smirk on my face. I took hold of the string, preparing the bow to be shot. I was so close; I almost had it. My powerful, brave feeling quickly changed to remorse. I tried again and again but still failed. I murmured to myself feeling self-pity. I saw my father, shaking his head and telling me to stop. Thus I did, but I felt like a failure; I will never be able to live up to my father’s legacy. Even though I was disappointed, I knew the plan was for my father to string the bow. Soon the suitors would spurt blood from their heads, hearts and necks.

Meeting My Father

             I sat in Eumaeus’s hut talking to a beggar. When the homeless beggar had left, I could not help but think the suitors might kill this harmless man, if I let him stay in the castle. The suitors have no respect, taking all my food and wine, stopping at nothing to win my mother’s hand in marriage. They have gone too far; I just want my father to come home to help me kill them. Distracted in my thoughts, I saw the beggar looking as if a god had changed him. I was amazed at the change in this man. However, the resemblance to my father terrified me, therefore I looked away. I could not believe my eyes; this man had to be a god.

            The strange man said he was my father, but I knew it was not him. I mean it could not have been, right? I was so confused and angry. The man made me so upset. He acted like a suitor; he barged in to my personal space and taunted me. He got me even to yell at him, because I was so mad. How dare this man ever try to trick me like that. I went through so much pain, weeping when my father did not return home, and now a stranger claims to be my father. I will not tolerate these hooligans.

            Feeling angry, I glared at the man as his soothing voice talked in a calm manner. He explained how he went through hardships and the works of the gods, but for some reason he made me believe him. The joy quickly surfaced, I felt so happy, and I finally got my father back. At that moment I threw my arms around him so enthusiastic to finally have my father home. I waited for the return my great father, Odysseus. Now he is finally here. All I can think about is our chance to take our kingdom back, together. Finally overthrowing the evil, narcissistic suitors, who disrespected me, my hospitality, and my father’s kingdom. However, I do not let my father control all the plans; I know killing the shameful suitors is our first priority.

Knowing My Purpose

            The wind rushed through my hair; it was prefect sailing weather. My mentor watched over me, inspiring me with her wise words. I listened to my mentor, when she told me I needed to find the courage to ask Nestor the questions I so long for someone to answer. I was scared to confront my elders; interrogating them is shunned upon unless they talk to you. I asked my mentor what to do; I was feeling scared and confused. My mentor always tells me I need to be a man, and that when I talk to Nestor I will find the right words. I dread the moment coming much too soon. I saw the land, but yet I still have no courage.

            Landing upon the settled shore I went to Nestor frightened, but excited I might finally get to know the truth. Whenever my mentor is right beside me, I feel safe, even when I am timid. Nestor offers a feast to us, it looks delicious but I could not stop worrying, because I still did not know what to say. It was strange how something changed within me when I started talking to Nestor. It was like my mentor said; I found the courage inside myself to speak. I asked the questions I wanted to ask; I felt powerful asking them. I demanded Nestor to tell me the truth; I did not want any pity. I just wanted to finally know what happened to my father.

            Silence struck, until Nestor rekindled our conversation. Nestor told me I looked like my father and spoke like him too. The desirous urges inside of me relaxed, as I accepted the compliments Nestor gave me. I always aspired to be like my father, and the fact that I look and act like him makes me feel great; it makes me feel like a king. I listened to the wise man as he told me about Orestes. That story compelled me to take in every word Nestor said. I was amazed that Orestes had the nerve to kill his father’s murderer. I wished I could have the power to do such deeds, but when Nestor hinted to me that I should kill the suitors, I felt unable. I doubt I would ever be able to; there are too many of them and only one of me. I waited for this moment for a long time, hoping I will find the truth about my father, or even find out what I am supposed to do. Nestor helped me make my purpose clear. My mentor leaves me in the care of Nestor for a while, as Athena flew off in the form of an eagle. The sight of Athena astonished me; I was glad she left me with Nestor letting me feel safe and auspicious.

http://www.inspirational-quotes.info/leadership.html

My Mentor

          The drunken suitors relax, I felt so powerless against them. The agony of my father’s absence cripples me. The suitors try to take my father’s kingdom, consistently abusing our hospitality. They disrespect me by drinking and eating our food, but yet they still get away scot-free; if only my father was here he would rout them. A strange face was at my door this afternoon. I was a little bit embarrassed that I was the first one to welcome this stranger. I waited for his introduction; his face looked as if he was eager to tell me something. Though I learned Mentes was my father’s old friend, I knew he was probably a goddess in disguise, which made me feel hope. Seeing a goddess made me think of my father, Odysseus; I long for my father to come home. This is the first time in years where I have hope to see my wondrous father. I have spent years grieving for my inspiration to come home.

           I had the feeling that “Mentes” knew something about my father, and it made me crave information. All I have felt was sorrow and grief for years, assuming my father was dead. I took this goddess and treated her like a queen, in hopes of getting information back. I put away her sword, I seated her in a high chair, and I offered her my food and wine. My eagerness, to know the truth took over me, as I asked, demandingly simple questions about her and where she came from. The way she looked at me made me feel calm, almost like my heart slow down several beats. I still could not help but wonder about my father; I still had so many questions. Is my father alright? Is he dead? Where is he? When will he return? When will he take vengeance on the god-forsaken suitors?

           Emotions overflow my mind waiting for her words, which would determine my future. Seeing her lips move, made me feel invincible. She told me my father is still alive and that I needed to take a journey, advising me like a father to a son. I feel exultant; the excitement rushed throughout my body, while a chill ran through my spine. I could feel every hair on my body rise as I got more details from this marvelous goddess.  This goddess inspires me; being around her makes me feel these inexplicable emotions that fill my heart with faith. Emotions overflowed my mind, first I was daydreaming of my father coming home and then suddenly this stunning goddess is telling me she has a feeling Odysseus is still alive. Feeling inspired, I listened to her wise words, in order to be careful to do exactly what she says. I know I am the man of the house now.

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Hospitium.html