12/20/2024
We all need an Argos in our life… 🐾
Argos, the faithful dog of Odysseus, remains one of the most iconic symbols of loyalty in ancient literature. His story comes from Homer's Odyssey, an epic poem from 8th century BC Greece that follows the long and perilous journey of Odysseus as he tries to return home after the Trojan War. After 20 years away — filled with battles, shipwrecks, and the constant threat of death — Odysseus finally returns to his homeland of Ithaca, but in disguise. No one recognizes him, not even his family or closest friends. But one soul does. Argos, his old dog, lying neglected and frail on a pile of filth, sees him from afar. His ears perk up, his tail wags faintly. Despite being too weak to stand, he still finds the strength to recognize the one person he had been waiting for all those years.
This brief yet powerful scene appears in Book 17 of The Odyssey, and it has remained one of the most heart-wrenching moments in all of literature. Argos, forgotten by everyone but still holding on to hope, finally sees his master once more. And with that small, silent moment of joy, he lets go of life, dying in peace. It's a testament to the enduring love of dogs — they never forget, never stop waiting, and never stop loving. Argos’ loyalty is timeless, reminding us that even in the most ancient of stories, the bond between humans and dogs was already seen as sacred. For anyone who’s ever loved a dog, this scene hits close to home. It’s not about grandeur or heroism — it’s about the quiet power of devotion.
