Odysseus Is A Good Leader Essay

Odysseus was a great leader and hero throughout the story in many examples as I have listed below. My first example is when Odysseus was able to make a spear when he was in Polyphemus's cave. He then took the spear and drove it through the eye of the beast, blinding him. The cyclops then moved the boulder and the men escaped by hiding under sheep.This example shows that O. is a hero because he is daring. If the cyclops was to find any of them or he had missed and woken him then this surely would have meant death for them. The second reason is in book twelve when O. must pass the sirens. To do so he slabs beeswax on the ears of his shipmates. This will make it so them can not be lured into the captivity of the sirens. O. then lashes himself

Odysseus, through the tremendous physical journey that he has embarked on, goes on many mental journeys that greatly develop him as a character: he starts out hotheaded and single-minded, yet grows to be a lot more rational by the end of the book, which ultimately saves his own life and the lives of many others. For example, because of the inadvertent trip he and his crew take to the island of the Cyclops, and their subsequent escape from the Cyclops Polyphemus (which causes the ire of Poseidon, Polyphemus’ father, to be incited), Odysseus learns to not invite the wrath of the gods. He also learns, after taunting Polyphemus multiple times and consequently, almost getting everyone killed because of it, to not act in such a rash manner and to

     Odysseus shows loyalty like Telemakhos and Penelope to the gods and his family. Odysseus is a man that can be described as tenacious. He is always focused on one objective and that is to get home. He is persistent and overcomes any temptation that gets in his way. An example of this is when he is with the beautiful nymph Kalypso. She offers him immortality to stay with her and leave his thoughts for home but he gave it all up for his family and home. He never gave up hope and continued to trudge his way back home. He also shows loyalty to the god by not cursing them for all the harmful events that occur during his journey home.

In the start of the epic Odysseus is arrogant and cocky. After blinding and escaping the Kyklops, Polyphemos, who is the son of Poseidon. Odysseus says, “Kyklops, if ever a mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye” (9.548-551). As soon as Odysseus reveals himself, Polyphemos prays to Poseidon

A leader is someone that you look up to. Someone that dramatically impacts your country or state by making good decisions and keeping the city contained. The leader is so important that without them the city will go into a lapse. A great example of what happens to a city with a leader missing in action would be Ithaca. Ithaca’s leader was Odysseus. When Odysseus leaves the island to go fight in war he doesn’t return for seventeen years. In that long amount of time Ithaca turns into a corrupt society where many have forgotten their responsibilities. Not only had Ithaca change but his family as well as a result of what was happening during Odysseus’ voyage.

In The Odyssey, Homer suggests to his contemporaries that the most important character trait that Odysseus exhibits is perseverance. During the fight the Cyclops, he came up with a brilliant plan to hurt him, and even though he lost good men that didn’t stop him from getting the rest of his crew back to their boats and sailing away." neither reply nor pity came from him, but in one stride he clutched at my companions and caught two in his hands like squirming puppies to beat their brains out, spattering the floor." ( Homer 902 ). He is an intelligent man, but he also is very conceded.

The fact that Odysseus always stands up for and takes care of his men shows that he is loyal. An example is “I drove them all three wailing, to the ships, tied them down under their rowing benches, and called the rest” (pg 1212). This quote shows how he saved his men from the Lotus plant. After the men ate the plant, they forgot all about their goal and didn’t want to go home, so Odysseus dragged them off the island, tied them in the ship, and reminded them what their goal is. Likewise in Book 12 it says “No, no, put all your backs into it, row on; invoke Blind Force, that bore this scourge of men, to keep her from a second strike” (pg 1233). This is an example of how he encourages his men to keep going. They are doubting their abilities and don’t think that they can make it, but he tells them that they’ve done it before and he stays positive. Clearly these show

Another episode Odysseus shows loyalty would be during the Cyclops. He showed loyalty because he did not just leave his men and save himself. He made sure his men were out before he was out. He didn’t tie himself to the sheep he was under so he could

Why? Almost everybody wants to survive, and if you can save some lives while doing its a win-win. Odysseus’s loyalty to his men makes his choice hard, but he is an intelligent leader that knows when to make sacrifices for the greater good. Another example of loyalty and survival in the Odyssey is when the crew’s boat passes the Island of the Sirens. Odysseus orders his men to apply beeswax to their ears so they don’t hear the Siren’s song.

One of the things Greeks valued was loyalty to home and family. Odysseus shows this trait throughout the Odyssey. From his escape from Calypso to his willingness to face Scylla, Odysseus has always wanted to come home. He is also more than willing to make sacrifices to do so. He faces dangers both for his own sake and for the sake of his men.

One of the most difficult aspects of leadership is making complicated decisions that literally mean life or death. Odysseus had make a hard decision in book twelve of The Odyssey, whether or not to tell his men Scylla, a six headed monster with twelve legs who feasted on human flesh. Based on the events that transpired through the story Odysseus did the right thing by not telling his men.

Odysseus showed that he was loyal to his men just not by leaving them behind, but he revealed his true colors to notify his men that they cannot not ever give up even when things get difficult. He was known for his leadership skills; leaving home for so many years, to return back to his family. During Odysseus early life, he had the ability to solve problems as well as outwit his opponents. He promotes his own code of conduct through his exploits. Odysseus is more intense than Achilles, more pensive, but still is able to create explosive violence. Odysseus is all about being victorious; even when it was time for him to return back to his home.” A man who has been through bitter experiences and travelled far enjoys even his sufferings after a time” (Odyssey). This quote represents all of the misery that he came upon his excursion. He played a special role in Homer’s lliad; demonstrating his abilities to advise his followers so they can be independent.

Odysseus's loyalty was a major strength and an important aspect of how he is an epic hero. For example, when Odysseus went to the Underworld, following Circe's instructions to meet Tiresias, he sees his mother's ghost and says “seeing this ghost I grieved but held her off, through pang and pang of tears.” (Pg. 545, Lines 43-44, Homer) This is important because even though Odysseus held his mother off and did not speak to her much, we know he was broken-hearted inside to arrive at the Underworld and see her deceased spirit wandering about. This also shows us that even though Odysseus is a fierce war hero on the battlefield, when it comes to family he is loyal and sympathetic no matter the circumstance. Another example would be when Odysseus is at Circës’s house and refuses to drink and eat. When Circë asked why he was not touching the food or drink Odysseus replied, “Circë what man with justice in his mind would think of food and drink before he freed his comrades and could see them with his eyes? If you indeed

One of the biggest traits Odysseus shows throughout the story is his bravery. The whole story Odysseus shows his courage. Taking every mission knowing there could be death; Odysseus still did not give up. Odysseus did whatever it took to make back to Ithaca for his wife and son. Odysseus showed courage by outsmarting the Cyclops. Odysseus went to the land of the dead just to bury a dead shipmate with no fear. But Odysseus showed his every bit of bravery when planning and fighting against the suitors. Odysseus set up plans to kill all the suitors with only 3 people with him. Odysseus refused to back down from the suitors so when the time came he was prepared. When all the suitors were killed Odysseus and his family had finally reunited. After 20 years of Odysseus bravery had all paid off. That’s why I think Odysseus shows he has lots of bravery throughout the story.

            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