Odysseus is an arguably epic hero, and sometimes called, “master of landways and seaways” (Homer 1010). He is best known for enduring many of perilous challenges and events. The long journey took 10 years, 7 of which he spent captive with Calypso. The methods used by the Greeks to defeat the trojans angered the gods, therefore setting Odysseus and his men on the journey of their lives, and ended up even costing some their own.
The hero’s first significant stop was the land of the Cyclops. Odysseus exhibits wise and strategic choices throughout this event. “ I took the wooliest ram, the choicest of the flock, and flung myself under his kinky belly” (Homer 382-384). He devised a plan to escape the angered cyclops by hiding him and his men under multiple rams. Another important event during his journey was the land of the dead. Odysseus represented good judgment and a kind heart on this island.“ Unhappy spirit, I promise you the barrow and the burial”(Homer 609-610). By promising this he shows that he cares about all beings and wishes them to be content, alive or dead.
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“I carried wax along the line, and laid it thick on their ears” (Homer 712-713). The wax would keep them from hearing the sirens, and ultimately their death. This an accurate example of his caring and intelligent ways, and his tendency to always do what is right. Odysseus’s last challenge before returning home is the cattle of the sun god. This event reveals some of his faults, as he does not take responsibility for falling asleep as his men slaughter the cattle. Odysseus states, “O Father Zeus and gods in bliss forever, you made me sleep away this day of mischief!” (Homer 899-900). The man fails to see he that he was simply fatigued. The effect of him sleeping through the slaughter costed him and his men