Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey

In Homer’s Grecian epic The Odyssey, Odysseus is the heroic main character. Throughout his countless escapades, Odysseus can best be described as reckless, clever, and loyal. In The Odyssey, Odysseus’s journey is a long and tedious one, which partially can be attributed to his careless decisions along the way. Nevertheless, whether he is outwitting Polyphemus or defending his crew, Odysseus’s shrewdness and loyalty always seem to be his saving grace.

Undoubtedly, impulsiveness and rash behavior can have severe repercussions, yet Odysseus does not appear to come to this realization. Constantly, he disregards cautionary advice and danger signs that could prevent unwanted predicaments. Nonetheless, his actions are regretted when he encounters a vicious giant named Polyphemus. While sailing, Odysseus spots the infamous Cyclops Island, home of behemoths, and despite his crews’ apprehension, Odysseus proceeds to cross uncharted waters. As a result, Odysseus and his men have to battle for their lives as they scarcely escape Polyphemus’s cave. Luckily, most of them make it out in time to dodge the wrath of the Cyclops, however, they are no closer to returning home due to Odysseus’s careless judgment.

Despite his lack of responsibility, Odysseus can be quite cunning and ingenious. One of the best
This characteristic is especially exhibited when Odysseus and his men arrive in the land of Aeaea. In the land, Odysseus' men turn into swine after being poisoned by a goddess named Circe. Arguably, after hearing of his crew’s misfortune, Odysseus could have abandoned them to avoid danger. Still, Odysseus’s instincts to be devoted and faithful outweigh any intentions of deserting his men. While in jeopardy, he manages to prioritize the safety of his team over his own well-being. Consequently, Odysseus is able to force Circe’s hand, demanding that she reverse the spell and turn his men back to human