Odysseus Character Analysis Essay

Odysseus, who is often described as the master of craftiness, was a brave king of Ithaca who struggled through adversity to return home after a bloody war. He lives up to his legendary epithet through his cunning acts in times of peril. He is able to use his resources to his advantage and lead him and his crew back to their homeland of great Ithaca. He does this all while utilizing his brain and steely courage, not just sheer brawn. Odysseus displays great chicanery throughout his encounters with the cyclops and other gods and godlike beings, Circe, and the suitors.
Odysseus’s encounter with the cyclops displays his mastery of trickery. Firstly, he is able to secure food and wine for his crew members. Then, when Polyphemus enters the cave and shuts them in he is able to fool the cyclops using his abilities. He offers him a drink of wine and eventually blinds him. The cyclops becomes enraged and opens the door to call to his fellow brethren. However, he exclaims that “Nobody” has hurt him and is ignored for saying such a foolish statement. Odysseus and his crew are able to escape safely from the lair of the cyclops and back to their ship. This interaction exemplifies Odysseus’s brilliant genius as a leader and hero that is able …show more content…
The sorceress invites Odysseus’s men to her mansion for a feast of grand food. His crewmen cannot turn down this offer and gladly accept the meal. However, little do they know, their drinks are laced with a peculiar potion that will eventually turn them into swine. Odysseus eventually finds out about their plight and is aided by the god, Hermes, in their rescue. Using Hermes’s help, Odysseus is able to free the men of their binds and using his cunningness and charm, tricks Circe into turning the pigs back into men. Odysseus’s encounter with the sorceress and Hermes proves his respectful and mutual relationship with the gods and his intelligence in threatening

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