In The Odyssey, by Homer, a hero named Odysseus makes his way back home to Ithaca after a great battle at the city of Troy. On his way home, Odyssey faces many challenges that push his leadership and emotional restraint. Odysseus and his men have to face the wrath of gods, such as the almighty Zeus, and mythical creatures, such as the sirens and the nymphs. Throughout his journey, Odysseus and his men show many admirable qualities. These qualities include caution in the face of danger, bravery, and dedication. Odysseus shows caution when he anchors his ship outside the cove of the Laestrygonian land of the cannibals. Odysseus displays bravery when he and his men conquer the Cyclops. Odysseus’ dedication for his men is demonstrated when he faces
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Odysseus is seen crying many times throughout The Odyssey. When Circe goes to tell Odysseus that he may leave, the narrator reveals “all his [Odysseus’] days he’d sit on the rocks and beaches, wrenching his heart with sobs and groans and anguish, gazing out over the barren sea through blinding tears” (5.173-175). Odysseus spends his days crying instead of trying to find a way back home or accepting and being thankful for the life he has after all his men have died. After Odysseus gets off of Ogygia, he lands on the island of Phaeacia where King Alcinous takes Odysseus in. While Odysseus is at the palace of Alcinous, there is a party in which a bard plays many songs about historical events. One of these songs talks about Odysseus and Achilles fighting at Troy, and during this song, Odysseus starts crying in front of everyone. In Book 9, when Odysseus introduces himself to the Phaeacians after many days of staying in the palace, he shows he is very arrogant by using his fame as an introduction. He could have told the Phaeacians that he was the Odysseus, King of Ithaca instead of “I am Odysseus, son of Laertes, known to the world for every kind of craft – my fame has reached the skies” (9.21-22). Odysseus shows that he is cocky when he taunts the Cyclopes during Odysseus and his men’s escape. During the taunting, the Cyclopes lobs boulders at Odysseus’ ship almost sending the ship into the cliff face of the island. After the first time this happens, the men urge Odysseus to stop his taunts, but Odysseus’ cockiness overpowers the men’s wishes and Odysseus continues the verbal onslaught almost getting the men killed
Odysseus is seen crying many times throughout The Odyssey. When Circe goes to tell Odysseus that he may leave, the narrator reveals “all his [Odysseus’] days he’d sit on the rocks and beaches, wrenching his heart with sobs and groans and anguish, gazing out over the barren sea through blinding tears” (5.173-175). Odysseus spends his days crying instead of trying to find a way back home or accepting and being thankful for the life he has after all his men have died. After Odysseus gets off of Ogygia, he lands on the island of Phaeacia where King Alcinous takes Odysseus in. While Odysseus is at the palace of Alcinous, there is a party in which a bard plays many songs about historical events. One of these songs talks about Odysseus and Achilles fighting at Troy, and during this song, Odysseus starts crying in front of everyone. In Book 9, when Odysseus introduces himself to the Phaeacians after many days of staying in the palace, he shows he is very arrogant by using his fame as an introduction. He could have told the Phaeacians that he was the Odysseus, King of Ithaca instead of “I am Odysseus, son of Laertes, known to the world for every kind of craft – my fame has reached the skies” (9.21-22). Odysseus shows that he is cocky when he taunts the Cyclopes during Odysseus and his men’s escape. During the taunting, the Cyclopes lobs boulders at Odysseus’ ship almost sending the ship into the cliff face of the island. After the first time this happens, the men urge Odysseus to stop his taunts, but Odysseus’ cockiness overpowers the men’s wishes and Odysseus continues the verbal onslaught almost getting the men killed