112k views
3 votes
What is the significance of the trunk of the olive tree?

User Fran Hoey
by
6.7k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Answer:

The trunk of the olive tree signifies the permanency of their love for each other, and also the peace that follows.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the epic "The Odyssey" by Homer, the plot revolves around the decades long journey of Odyssey which kept him away from his family and kingdom for more than twenty years. Once he got back, he was suspected of being a fake by his wife Penelope.

But in Book 23, we see Penelope asking Eurycleia to move her bridal bed, which angers Odyssey. He then went to say how the bed was immovable as it was still attached to the trunk of the olive tree from which it was made. This vital information was something that only Odysseus and Penelope knows. So, this convinced her that the man was really her husband Odysseus. This olive trunk is significant for it symbolizes the firm stability of their love and marriage, just like the trunk is immovable. And, the olive tree represents the peace that comes after she finds out the true identity of the man who was her husband.

User Diana R
by
6.1k points