In The Odyssey, what is the importance of Odysseus' physical, emotional, and heroic journey?

The Odyssey is an epic poem, and epic
poems demonstrate certain literary conventions. They relate the deeds of an epic hero--a
courageous man, physically strong, who pits himself against dangerous enemies to
accomplish a worthy goal, one that will benefit others. Also, the epic hero demonstrates
the values of his culture. Through his actions, he represents what his people admire in
human behavior and what they aspire to be.

An epic poem
centers around a journey, or a quest, that the hero undertakes against seemingly
impossible odds. The epic hero is not superhuman and does not possess supernatural
powers. He is not a man without fear; he is heroic because he puts his fears aside and
acts with courage, strength, intelligence, and perseverance to complete his journey and
achieve that which is good.

Odysseus' journey is essential
in the overall work because it defines The Odyssey as an epic poem.
In his quest to return home to Ithaca, Odysseus' travels and many dangerous experiences
become an epic journey in which he functions as the epic
hero.

In writing The Iliad and
The Odyssey, Homer enhanced and enriched the conventions of the
traditional epic poem by developing his epic heroes in terms of their individuality.
They are not epic hero stereotypes. His characters are presented as complex human beings
with distinct personalities. This is true of Odysseus as he is presented in
The Odyssey. While he struggles to bring his ship and his men home
from the Trojan War, Odysseus experiences an emotional journey, as well--feeling at
various times all the emotions one would expect a man in his position to feel: anger,
pain, determination, despair, and always, hope. His emotional journey ends when he
finally is reunited with his wife and then his aged father. Homer's depiction of
Odysseus in these two tender scenes shows a depth in Odysseus' character that surpasses
that of the conventional epic hero.

Odysseus' particular
journey, in all respects, makes The Odyssey a poem that addresses
the conventions of the epic poem genre, while creating an epic hero who is an
unforgettable human being.