Of Odysseus In In The One-Eyed Giant's Cave By Homer

In the section “In the One-Eyed Giant’s Cave” from Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus is portrayed as a hero through his character traits and behaviors. When Odysseus and his men attack the city of Ismarus, the Cicones’ strong hold, Odysseus made sure to fairly distribute the spoils among his men. Odysseus’s behavior shows that he is a great leader, a characteristic of a hero. While Odysseus and his crew are in the Cyclops’ cave, Polyphemus, the cyclops, notices them. Polyphemus asks who they are with a monstrous tone, “‘Strangers!' he thundered out, 'now who are you? Where did you sail from, over the running sea-lanes? Out on a trading spree or roving the waves like pirates, sea-wolves raiding at will, who risk their lives to plunder other men?'” Odysseus and his crew become frightened, but despite this, Odysseus shows the heroic trait of bravery by answering back confidently, “The hearts inside us shook, terrified by his rumbling voice and monstrous hulk.

Another great example of Odysseus’ cleverness is when Polyphemus asks for his name. Odysseus responds, “Nobody- that’s my name. Nobody- so my mother and father call me, all my friends.” Odysseus’ quick thinking pays off later when he and four of his men stab Polyphemus in his eye. Polyphemus then calls for his neighbors’ help, “Nobody’s killing me now by fraud and not by force!” Polyphemus’ neighbors misinterpret his cries, believe that nothing is killing him, and leave.