Diction applies to the "The Odyssey" by using the words to bring an extra element to the epic. Shown in a passage from "The Odyssey" after leaving the island to resume their voyage the epic quotes, "coastline faded"(line 936). This also shows diction by the dramatic scene taking place. It mentioned how no land was in sight by only sea which gives the epic a very tense feeling at the moment. It feels as if they're adrift and there is suspense to the mood.

Characterization-

 Odysseus is a tall strong man who has a sword and is among the powerful greek gods, he is a tenacious warrior who is known for his bravery and daring actions. In "The Odyssey" Odysseus is the captain of his ship heading back to his homeland of Ithaca. While on the journey back home Odysseus informs his crew not to eat the cattle in the sea cave or they would be punished greatly by Zeus. After Odysseus informs his crew about the cattle his crew makes a blundering mistake and while on their journey back home the ship gets wrecked and everybody dies except Odysseus. This shows once again that Odysseus is a strong tenacious warrior.

In “The Odyssey” Odysseus wanted food for his soldiers and himself because they were starving but all of them were too weak to hunt for it. Odysseus went off to pray for hope. Hunt animals and gathers food for everyone but the bad side is that he was not supposed to kill because the animals belonged to Helios. So when they set sail on their voyage ,they were cursed with a terrible storm brought down by Zeus

In “The Cattle of the Sun God” the author uses figurative language throughout the entire story to emphasize the experiences Odysseus encounters throughout his journey back home. In the beginning of the story the author explains the storm that Zeus is getting ready to bear upon Odysseus and his crew at sea. 

This episode is relevant to a hero's journey because it is one of the phases required. This relates to the trial phase of a hero because in the main part of the story, Odysseus and his troops we starving terribly. While they are all in famine on their ship, there is a quote that says “hunger dove them scour”(line 850). This is why this phase relates to the hero's journey.