Life is unpredictable. We make friends and enemies. We experience separation from our loved ones and rejoice in reunion. We know the joy of new life and the sorrow of death. However, these events do not leave the usage the same as before. With every surprise or event, whether planned or unforeseen, our perspectives are altered in one way or another. The Odyssey, a centuries-old epic told by the blind Greek poet Homer, tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his incredible transformation as he returns home from the battlefields of Troy. Throughout his journey, he encounters various adversaries who force him to change his behavior or face death. Initially an arrogant, impulsive and easily distracted warrior, he transforms into a humble, composed and focused king following the many traumatic events that occur during his travels. When introduced, Odysseus is easily identified as vain and arrogant. His pride is made exceptionally visible during his experience with the Cyclops Polyphemus. Even after he and his men barely escape the cave and retreat to safety on the ship, Odysseus continues to shout taunts at Polyphemus, despite the fear and anxiety expressed by his crew. This event is also an example of his impulsive nature, as he does not stop to consider the consequences of taunting the son of Poseidon, the god of earthquakes, nor does he allow the begging of his men to influence his behavior. He shouts: “Cyclops – if anyone… asked you who blinded you, who shamed you – said Odysseus, plunderer of cities, he took out your eye…” (Homer 227). It is these significant acts of pride and impulsiveness that lead to the curse Poseidon placed on him. Also, at various times, Odysseus is shown to be...... middle of paper...... before the journey and Odysseus after the journey. Sometimes, when he is in the middle of beating up the suitor or the goatherd, he resists and instead focuses on his plan to get rid of them completely at the right time. All of this illustrates his greater control of emotions and actions which was seemingly absent earlier in his journey. The changes in Ulysses do not come from just anywhere. All the events that happen to him change his perspective and ultimately transform him as a person. In the same way, each of us experiences life-changing events in our lives. Little things like a stranger's friendly smile can change our day and big things like adjusting to a new city can change our lives. Whatever the circumstances, events are special occasions that leave room for adaptation within ourselves. And, ultimately, despite all of life's unpredictabilities, we all transform.