The storm raged, and the massive sea devoured Odysseus" ship and the last of his crew. Zeus had completed his task in seeking vengeance towards the disrespectful crew. In The Odyssey by Homer, Greek ethics and conduct are exhibited continuously. The epic's three most prevalent themes include respecting the gods, man brings trouble upon himself, and hospitality towards strangers.
Being good to the gods is a significant theme found throughout The Odyssey. " she withdrew to make her offerings to the gods of heaven, praying Almighty Zeus to put his hand to their revenge." (pg 311, 71-75) .
In this quote, Penelope is thanking the gods for helping Telemakhos to return safely to Ithaca. She is also praying to the gods to guide her son and those loyal to Odysseus in seeking revenge against the barbaric suitors. In another account, Odysseus" men sacrificed animals to Zeus after they feasted on the sacred cattle of Helios. The crew knew they had disobeyed Odysseus, and more importantly the gods. The Odyssey displays the importance of the gods in Greek culture. They believed the gods had divine power, and being disloyal to them could easily result in a miserable death. Showing respect and gratitude towards the gods is a reoccurring concept displayed throughout the epic.
Another important theme reiterated throughout The Odyssey is man brings trouble upon himself. "Kyklops, if ever a mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye:" Here, Odysseus reveals himself after blinding the son of Poseidon. His pride eventually leads to his downfall because Odysseus has been disloyal towards the gods. Poseidon delays Odysseus" return to Ithaca by creating huge storms and waves that only bring trouble upon Odysseus. .
In addition, "From storeroom to the court, they brought Melanthios, chopped with swords to cut his nose and ears off, pulled off his genitals to feed the dogs and raging hacked his hands and feet away.