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Examples Of Lying In The Odyssey

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One characteristic of Odysseus’ that makes him unheroic is his excessive lying. There are many events where he lies for either is well-being or to gain extra information from others. One example is when Odysseus and his crew had been captured by Kyklops and in order to escape Odysseus came up with a plan that involved injuring and lying to him. To trick him, Odysseus says, “‘Kyklops, try some wine. Here’s liquor to wash down your scraps of men. Taste it, and see the kind of drink we carried under our planks. I meant it for an offering if you would help us home’” ( Fitzgerald 155). After the Kyklops is passed out, Odysseus blinds him and once he’s awake Odysseus lies about the incident and runs. Although he believes he is doing the right thing for his crew, being …show more content…

After intruding in an archery competition and hitting the target straight on, Odysseus begins to brag about his skill. After he had hit the target he turns and says, “‘ Telemakhos, the stranger you welcomed in your hall has not disgraced you. I did not miss, neither did I take all day stringing the bow. My hand and eye are sound, not so contemptible as the young say.’” ( Fitzgerald 405) Odysseus is overly confident in his skills and has no problem boasting about it. He constantly makes himself and his skills seem more superior to others, making others feel ashamed. Odysseus also shows an extreme amount of confidence after injuring Kyklops. Once the job is done and Odysseus and his crew are leaving, Odysseus yells, “‘ Kyklops, if ever mortal men inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes’ son, whose home’s on Ithaka’”( Fitzgerald 160). This quote shows that Odysseus is very happy with what he has done and he wants everyone to know what was done. Injuring someone is bad enough but bragging and being happy with yourself is even worse and not a good quality or

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