In most cultures, death signifies the utter separation of the psyche and soma; it is entirely sacred and irreversible. Most societies see the act of defying death as involving supernatural phenomena. However, the concept of death and rebirth is found in many pieces of literature around the world. The Odyssey by Homer is a classical piece of Greek literature with many themes and motifs. Perhaps the most important of Homer's motifs is the symbolic death and rebirth theme. The death and rebirth motif is used to emphasize growth and enlightenment in the main characters in Homer's The Odyssey.
             The first example of this motif occurs with Telemachos in Book I. He is visited by the goddess Athena in disguise and reveals that he fears his father, Odysseus is dead. He also reveals the pain and suffering that he is experiencing as a result of living without knowing the status of Odysseus, "and he left pain and lamentation to me. Nor is it for him alone that I grieve in my pain now" (33). At this point in the text, Telemachos is dead in the sense that he is willing to take no action to save his home from the suitors or take any initiative to determine the status of his missing father. However, his symbolic death is not without a rebirth.
             Athena, disguised as Mentes, brings Telemachos back to life because she convinces him that he must take action to preserve the household and determine his father's fate. This prompts Telemachos to take over his father's role in the household and demand the suitors leave. He journeys forward to gather information about his missing father. The rebirth is further carried out in the story when Telemachos is reunited with his father. Together, they act to regain control of the household from the suitors. The next example of the motif occurs with the introduction to the story's main character and hero, Odysseus.
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