Odyssey Fully Embodies the Greek Idea of Heroism - 1087 Words

Greek mythology and the epic poems written during the Hellenistic period are filled with heroes and their adventures, highlighting the qualities that Greeks perceived as valuable in men. Odysseus, a prime example as the protagonist of The Odyssey, fully embodies the Greek idea of heroism, using his physical skill, as well as his clever mind to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. From escaping the Cyclops’ lair to facing the suitors in Ithaca, Odysseus chooses to use strategy over brute force often in The Odyssey and sets a precedent for future heroes of Western epics. While Odysseus has physical strength on his side, he often exercises his mental prowess, acknowledging that not all battles can be won with brute force. In Book IX, â€Å"New Coasts and Poseidon’s Son†, Odysseus and his crew are trapped in the cave of a gigantic, man-eating Cyclops, Polyphemus. This monster’s size and strength clearly outmatch the physical abilities of Odysseus and his men, creating a situation comparable to the story of David and Goliath. Instead of relying on his might, Odysseus uses his cunning brain and concocts a clever escape plan. â€Å"Now came the time to toss for it [a six foot pole]: who ventured along with me? whose hand could bear to thrust and grind that spike in Kyklops’ eye, when mild sleep had mastered him?† (9.359-62) Knowing that, under normal circumstances, the Cyclops would be easily able to fend off any attack by him and his men, Odysseus cleverly lulls the giant to sleep,Show MoreRelated Gilgamesh, Achilles and the Human Condition Essay3880 Words   |  16 PagesGilgamesh, Achilles and the Human Condition Gilgamesh and Achilles, each heroes of their respective epic tales, embody the whole array of typical heroic attributes. They stand above. They are men set apart. They operate somehow in that area that lies between average mortals and the gods themselves. They are stronger, faster, more wily than those they face in battle. They overcome. They are men who stand alone in their various strengths. They are also susceptible to weakness. Each of themRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesCommunication strategies †¢ Discussion of how to frame messages for maximum impact †¢ Discussion of the effects of authority, expertise, and liking on communication effectiveness †¢ Updated discussion of body language in communication †¢ Introduces new ideas about the effects of electronic communications †¢ New Point–Counterpoint (Social Networking Is Good Business) †¢ New An Ethical Choice (The Ethics of Gossip at Work) †¢ New Case Incident (Using Social Media to Your Advantage) †¢ Updated Case Incident (Should