Traits Of Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey

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On Odysseus’ difficult journey home, Odysseus displays three unique traits. He shows us his intelligence, pride, and his loyalty to his wife and child. Odysseus used his quick thinking and intelligence to survive many difficult situations, such as the Cyclops. In this particular situation Odysseus is forced to escape from the cyclops cave in order to survive. Odysseus knew he had to outsmart the Cyclops or else he and his crew will surely parish, therefore Odysseus tells the cyclops that his name is “Nhbody” in order to trick the Cyclops. Once the cyclops believes that is his name, Odysseus gives the Cyclops plenty of wine to drink, making it pass out, then, with the help of his crew, shoves a large sharpened tree into the Cyclops’ eye. Odysseus and his men still need to escape from the cave, so Odysseus thinks of another plan.…show more content…
But, what comes with great intelligence is lots of pride. Once Odysseus and his men are safely aboard their ship after escaping from the Cyclops, Odysseus proceeds to taunt the cyclops saying, “O Cyclops, Would you feast on my companions? Puny am I, in a Caveman’s hands? How do you like the beating we gave you, you damned cannibal? Eater of the guests under your roof! Zeus and the gods have paid you!” The cyclops then gathers a giant boulder and hurls it at the ship, almost getting them killed, and Odysseus ends up giving it his name and where his home land is. Then, the cyclops, being Poseidon’s son, prays to his father asking for Odysseus journey home being long and miserable. Poseidon does what his son, Polyphemus, asks. Other than Odysseus intelligence and pride, Odysseus always tried to stay loyal to his wife and child. While held captive on Calypso’s island, Odysseus tries to resist the Goddess, but it is nearly impossible to do
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