Odysseus Persuasive Essay. His participation in the war was crucial to the Greeks' victory. = He speaks to Polyphemus, and considers a strategy to get them out. What is the Greek meaning of Odysseus’ name? 8. Odysseus’s quick thinking helps him out of some very tough situations, as when he escapes from the cave of the Cyclops in Book 9, or when he hides his slaughter of the suitors by having his minstrel strike up a wedding tune in Book 23. “Heroism” is a loaded term. Odysseus refers to himself, and is referred to a number of times, as a hero. The Odyssey by Homer, is a epic based off the actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes of a greek by the name of Odysseus. As Menelaus tells Telemachus in Book 4, it was Odysseus' legendary ruse of the Trojan horse that led to the defeat of Troy. Just like any public figure, Odysseus must have both sides to him. In what ways does this help or endanger his men? Odysseus is loving, loyal, and genuine hero who has a heart, just like all of us. How heroic are Odysseus’s acts in this episode? How does this apply to him? At first Telemachus thought Odysseus was an old beggar and then he thinks Odysseus is a god. Compare Odysseus’ emotions with those of Telemachus at their reunion. Consequently, at least part of an ancient Greek definition would have to include facing challenges beyond ordinary, human experience. Homer wrote about the Trojan War, in which Odysseus took part in, in the Iliad, and about Odysseus long journey home in, The… While waiting for Tiresias, Odysseus cuts down the other phantoms that emerge, including Elpenor, who had fallen from Circe's roof. He is also a convincing, articulate speaker and can win over or manipulate his audience with ease. It was he who disguised himself as an old beggar and infiltrated the enemy. Odysseus is a hero due to the extraordinary leadership abilities exemplified as a result of his tenacious bravery, swift intellect, and selfless acts. What drive motivates Odysseus’ crew? Odysseus promises him a proper sailor's burial back on Circe's island. He fits the person who both contemplates and acts in order to fulfil his part in the order of the world. What is the basic characteristic of Odysseus’ personality that motivates all his acts? This episode brought to light the balance Odysseus creates between showing his force vigorously, and being calm and collected at times. Throughout the story, Odysseus’ travels take him to new places on new adventures with no insight on what could happen next. Odysseus is a hero in his on time because of all his adventures and characteristics. The ancient Greeks and we Modernists would probably define the term differently. In The Odyssey by Homer, the main character, Odysseus, is considered a hero for fulfilling many heroic traits throughout his journey. Odysseus and his crew sail to the region of the Men of Winter and, per Circe's instructions, make a ritual sacrifice for Tiresias. When Odysseus left for Troy, he had already established his reputation as a hero. Odysseus is overcome with tears of joy in seeing his son, but Telemachus is afraid because he thinks he is a god or the gods are trying to trick him This episode shows the dark side of Odysseus's vainglory: his greed and his thirst for adventure overtake his good sense and cost several men their lives. Sometimes he is more sensible than his men; sometimes less. He’s putting his men at risk as he calls Polyphemus his real name. Though Odysseus is the hero of the story, he is far from infallible. Think of how they act in the bag of winds episode. Seneca’s reading of the episode is the exact opposite: for him the ideal wise man would sail by the Sirens’ voices with “mental earplugs”. For the Stoics, Odysseus is the ideal model of contemplation because he is a student of the world. Odysseus is a hero of all times thanks to Homer who wrote his story in The Odyssey.