Odyssey Final Essay

Several heroes, old and young, are described to have a specific characteristic
at which they excel. The hero uses that/those characteristic to aide them overcome
obstacles that arise. The main character, Odysseus in The Odyssey by Homer relies
on some specific characteristics to get back to his home, Ithaca. There was one
characteristic specifically that Odysseus relied on heavily; his cleverness. It is
important enough to Greek heroes, because Homer mentions it many times.
Odysseus is a rather clever man. Homer shares this information several times
in The Odyssey. Homer wrote of several accounts where Odysseuss wits and critical
thinking came into play. This is written in the introduction once again and later in his
journey. Tell me O Muse, of that ingenious hero who traveled far and wide after he
sacked the famous town of Troy. (Homer 11) Homer seems to be explaining
Odysseus was smart enough to be described that way and called an ingenious
hero. Why else would he be described as ingenious? Later, Homer writes of
Odysseuss cleverness when it comes to describing his past. Many cities did he
visit, and many were nations with whose manners and customs he was acquainted.
(Homer 11) Greek heroes must have been smart and clever enough to know of
other cultures and customs. Homer writes that Odysseus himself did travel far and
wide to other places in the world, only if he were smart enough would he actually
know of other customs. Odysseus was clever enough to learn such things before his
journey.