An Epic Hero Of Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey

Later in the journey, Odysseus’s crew lands at the cyclops Polyphemus’s residence. After getting trapped in his cave, Odysseus devises an ingenious plan to blind Polyphemus and sneak out under the protection of rams. Much later, Odysseus chooses to sacrifice six men to the monster Scylla, which saves the rest from the whirlpool Charybdis. Additionally, Odysseus makes vital decisions in the Trojan War, which were brought up in a story by King Menelaus of Sparta, such as pulling a surprise attack from inside the Trojan Horse, and covering the mouths of his companions when they were tempted to leave. Lastly and most prominently, Odysseys makes the complex and important decision of planning and executing the massacre of all of the suitors in his palace. He knows doing this will have significant repercussions (e.g. the suitors’ families will try to exact revenge), but he decides that it is best to kill the suitors and all other disloyal subjects. In summary, Odysseus makes many consequential decisions that lead to him being an

Since the cyclops’ vision is impaired, Odysseus “tied them silently together, twining/cords of willow from the ogre’s bed/then slung a man under each middle one/to ride there safely, shielded left and right/So three sheep could convey each man” (Homer 500). Odysseus possess the trait of cleverness which is demonstrated through his quick thinking and by only using using the resources available to free his men from Polyphemus’ grasp. He is a man to be revered because he uses his cunning skills to help others reach safety. Odysseus is also the last man to exit the cave because he puts their lives before his. He is also willing to take the responsibility and consequences of their actions. For example, if the cyclops were to notice him he would force his men escape and leave him behind to be devoured. Odysseus is a hero, for his willingness to put his companions’ lives before his own and use of his wits to save those around him.

Odysseus’ courage in the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus banishes his crew’s trepidation and eventually gets them out of there. When Polyphemus returns to the cave after capturing them, Odysseus takes the risk to get the Cyclops’ attention so he can manipulate the one-eyed giant into drinking the potent wine. Odysseus’ bravery is catching and he inspires those with him. Once Polyphemus has passed out, Odysseus and a few other men stab the giant’s eye. This quote of Odysseus inspiring his men in the Cyclops’ cave shows how Odysseus bravery never abandons him even in a situation where it seems he cannot win: “Now, at last, I thrust our stake into a bed of embers to get it red-hot and rallied all my comrades ‘Courage—no panic, no one hang back now!’” (9. 420-422). Odysseus’ boldness ultimately leads to an escape. Without the courage that never seems to

that happen in the stories. This holds true in the Greek epic by Homer, The Odyssey. The epic hero of the story, Odysseus, is a very arrogant and strong leader that hails from the island of Ithaca. Odysseus is lost at sea after becoming victorious in the Trojan War, and ends up on many different islands. But on the island of the Cyclops is where the real trouble starts, and the trouble is created by Odysseus. Odysseus is responsible for the deaths of his men because of his excessive arrogance which angers the gods, his neglect for his crew, and expecting his crew to blindly trust Odysseus.

Odysseus’s escape from the Cyclops is one of great intelligence. A Cyclops is a giant one eyed monster. Homer said, “The booming voice and the very sight of the monster filled us with panic” (IX, 256). From the first moment Odysseus and his men set eyes on the Cyclops they know they are in trouble and will not be able to get out easily. The Cyclops, Polyphemus, eats two of Odysseus’ men from the start. As soon as this happens, Odysseus

The Cyclops says to the Cyclopes: “Nohbdy’s tricked me, Nohbdy’s ruined me.” The Cyclopes reply: “Ah well, if nobody has played you foul there in your lonely bed, we are no use in pain given by the great Zeus.” Odysseus’ cleverness helped him evade the fate that would have befallen him if the other Cyclopes caught him. One more leadership quality possessed by Odysseus is wisdom. Odysseus’ wisdom is displayed when Odysseus conquers the town of Ismarus. Odysseus says: “I told them ‘Back, and quickly!

When Odysseus becomes trapped in the Cyclops, Polyphemus’s, cave, he realizes that now is the time to use his strategy rather than strength. It all starts with his ‘libations’ to the Cyclops. Odysseus consistently gives Polyphemus wine “to top off the banquet of human flesh [he has] bolted down!” which is the crew members that Cyclops has eaten ( 9. 222). The most crucial part of Odysseus’s plan is when he tells Polyphemus his name is “Nobody- so my mother and father call me” (9. 223). This particular name that he tells Cyclops helps him escape the other cyclops on the island. Once they stab Polyphemus’s eye with a burning hot stick, the other cyclops wake up to ask him if anyone else is in there with him. Polyphemus, thinking that Odysseus’s name is actually ‘Nobody’, tells them that ‘Nobody’ is in there with him, While escaping death from the cyclops, Odysseus also blinds the cyclops, and saves the rest of his crew. Odysseus chose to use his strategy in place of trying to use his strength which would not have helped him escape. In this situation, strength is no use, seeing as the cyclops is ten times as strong as him.

The Odyssey by Homer, is a epic based off the actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes of a greek by the name of Odysseus. Throughout the story, Odysseus’ travels take him to new places on new adventures with no insight on what could happen next. Odysseus refers to himself, and is referred to a number of times, as a hero. Throughout the time of book 9 to book 12, there are many scenes throughout the story that portray the qualities Odysseus possesses that lead him to be given the heroic title. On the contrary, there are numerous occasions where Odysseus does things that might not be expected of someone seen as heroic. One of the first things that stood out to me starting in book 9, was Odysseus’ pride for his native land and where he comes from. Here, Odysseus states, “Nothing is sweeter than your own country” (Book 9, Line 37). This quotes shows how Odysseus is prideful of his home, Ithaca, and believes it to be the “sweetest sight” (Book 9, Line 31). Another scene that represents Odysseus’ heroic qualities is when Odysseus and his crew were being held by the cyclops, Polyphemus, and he comes up with an escape plan. During this, Odysseus states, “And I bade my comrades cast lots among them, which of them should have the hardihood with me to lift the stake and grind it into his eye when sweetsleep should come upon him.” (Book 9, Lines 328-329). To me, this portrays Odysseus as a quick thinker and a problem solver. In this situation, the problem was that him and

In The Odyssey, Odysseus goes on a long journey in which he takes part in dangerous adventures. Odysseus is an example of Homer’s greek hero. He is a leader of his people and they depend and follow him. Odysseus is brave; he believes in himself and trusts that he is doing the right thing. Odysseus values his honor and is confident in himself.

The Cyclops, Polyphemus, traps Odysseus and his men inside his large cave by blocking the exit with an enormous boulder. Odysseus feels threatened, but decides to cause a scene that would glorify his identity. Odysseus taunts the Cyclops, unnecessarily, to prove authority over it. One particular phrase that he says is, "So, Cyclops, no weak coward it was whose crew you bent to devour there in your vaulted cave- you with your brute force. Your filthy crimes came down on your own head, you shameless cannibal, daring to eat your guest in your own house-

In order for one to become a hero, one not only must have strength and bravery, but care and love for others. In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus shows a sense of genuine emotion rather than his usual courageous voice. Odysseus unexpectedly faces the ghost of his mother and breaks down, while learning that putting out a sense of care and emotion is a significant trait to becoming a true heroic man. First starting his journey, Odysseus’s only traits are bravery and courage. Before entering the Land of the Dead, the hero takes more than needed pride in himself when he shouts, “‘Hear me- / Poseidon, god of the sea-blue mane who rocks the earth! /

During the story of The Odyssey by Homer, the protagonist Odysseus got stuck in a lot of sticky situations on his journey of delivering his men back home. Odysseus was able to escape many life-threatening events, which makes him a leader to his people. One of the many foes that was encountered was the cyclops, in which Odysseus risked his life by lying to it. “My ship? Poseidon Lord, who sets the earth a-tremble broke it up on the rocks at your lands end (Homer, 959).” Although a small number of men were lost to the hungry stomach of the beast, Odysseus used his intelligence to outwit the cyclops and rescue him and his stranded people. To wait for the perfect time to strike at the cyclops took a lot of patience, and shows how dedicated he

The epic poem The Odyssey, written by Homer, centers around the main protagonist Odysseus and his long journey back home. Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, returns home after defeating the Trojans in a ten year war. On his way back, he angers Poseidon, god of the sea, by blinding his son, Polyphemus the Cyclops. Due to Odysseus’ actions, Poseidon refuses to let Odysseus reach home, and Odysseus and his crew are forced to go through a series of obstacles throughout the epic. Through this adversity, Odysseus must show his heroic attributions in order to survive. Homer portrays Odysseus as a hero by giving him characteristics such as: craftiness, loyalty, and bravery.

Odysseus' sense of wisdom, and hard earned intelligence help him be the great leader he is. Once again, Odysseus' encounter with the cyclops is a testament to his skill as a leader. On his first night in the cave Odysseus plans to slay the cyclops, but common sense tells him otherwise, for if he were to kill the giant, there would be no way for him to move the door slab, and he and his men would eventually die of starvation, so he finds another way out. After a few days of figuring out how Polyphemus lives out his days, Odysseus finds a pattern to exploit. Odysseus then uses this intelligence to trick the giant into a trap, allowing he and his men to blind him.

            Odysseus is no god.  He is man, and with that comes the mistakes and errors in all of us.  In many situations Odysseus' mortal side is seen.  An example of the power of Odysseus coinciding with his human flaws is his battle with Polyphemous the Cyclops (son of Poseidon).  After escaping the lure of the lotus-eaters and their island, Odysseus and his men find themselves on another island, rich with food and shelter.  After feasting, the men grab a large container of potent wine and go off exploring the new island.  Later in their search they stumble across a large cave filled with food.  Curious where the owner's whereabouts are the men encourage Odysseus to steal the food.  Odysseus (showing his hospitable and genuine character) decides to instead wait for the