Latest answer posted June 12, 2016 at 4:51:53 PM. But they themselves- in their depravity- design grief greater than the griefs that fate assigns." Homer, The Odyssey 228 likes Like "Ah how shameless - the way these mortals blame the gods. Overall, Odysseus is a good leader because he is brave, thoughtful, and clever. While he does not appear to be particularly sagacious, as soon as he speaks it is evident--even to Antenor, the king's wise counselor--that Odysseus is a gifted and wise orator. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Show More. The lot fell upon the very four whom I should have chosen, and I myself made five. Click . (2019, Nov 18). eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Is Odysseus A Hero: Main Character of Homers Epic Poem Essay, Analysis of the Male and Female Relationships in the Odyssey Essay, The Odyssey: Odysseus As The Archetypal Trickster Essay, A Study of the Characters Odysseus and Poseidon as Depicted in Homer's Odyssey Essay, Strengths And Weaknesses Of Odysseus Essay, A study of the friendship between Odysseus and Athena Essay, An Analysis of the Journey of Odysseus Essay, Gilgamesh and Odysseus: the Lessons Learned Essay, Womens Influence on the Warfare in the Illiad Essay. Analysis of Odysseus as an Effective Leader in The Odyssey - GradesFixer Odysseus also told them that Zeus would help them survive. When he realizes his men are in danger, he is confident in an escape plan and taking the risks to go through with it. Odysseus Hero Quotes - 1017 Words | 123 Help Me However, his curiosity got the better of his, which resulted in at least 6 of Odysseus best men dying. With Alcinous' help, he can reach home. Next, the group was stranded on Circes island and his men were turned into animals by the goddess. Explain this statement by analyzing the relationship of Helen and Paris in the Iliad. "Nohbdy, Nohbdy's tricked me, Nohbdy's ruined me" (Homer.9.317)! In other words the most ideal leaders are capable to accomplish the tasks they already have. If I beg and pray you to set me free, then bind me more tightly still.". En route, they unknowingly stopped at the island of the Cyclopes to gather supplies for their long journey home. What if Im spared the chill, fatigue, and a sweet sleep comes my way? Therefore, take me and bind me to the crosspiece half way up the mast; bind me as I stand upright, with a bond so fast that I cannot possibly break away, and lash the rope's ends to the mast itself. What a piece of work the hero dared and carried off in the wooden horse where all our best encamped, our champions armed with bloody death for Troy. Odysseus is saying this to himself after being wakened up by a group of young Phaeacian girls playing ball. In Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus exhibits many qualities that confirm his ability to fit the role of a good leader. So, thoughtfulness is clearly another trait of Odysseus that he uses to make him a stronger leader. He also tries to bring home his comrades, but fails. It was so huge that we could only compare it to the mast of a twenty-oared merchant vessel of large burden, and able to venture out into open sea. But one man alone his heart set on his wife and his return Calypso, the bewitching nymph, the lustrous goddess, held him back, deep in her arching caverns, craving him for a husband. That is not to say that Odysseus is a one dimensional man; he does, at times, persist when saving his men from the Cyclops. Using a metaphor, Nestor compares the siege of Troy by the Greeks to a spider weaving a web. The other name of the suitors mentioned by Homer in this epic poem include: commons.wikimedia.org He joins the chosen four in the expedition to the cyclops cave and takes the lead in ensuring that it will be a success by preparing the weapon accordingly. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 167-172. First, he discloses the disturbing information to his men, so they know as much as he does about the fate that awaits them on the sea. Homer (around 800 and 600 BCE) to show the numerous adventures and experiences Odysseus goes through. He remembers Calypsos prophecy about the painful journey home he would have. More fearsome, is it now, than when the kyklopes penned us in his cave? Log in here. Their own best claim to glory.". 260). Odysseus Page Number this Quote Three, four times blessed, my friends-in-arms who died on the plains of Troy those years ago, serving the sons of Atreus to the end. Afterwards, at the Cyclops cave, Odysseus also showed how thoughtful he was as he lead his people through a well-devised plan to save them from the Cyclops. He looks terrifying to the Phaeacian princess Nausicaa and her handmaids as he approaches them. However, in the Odyssey, Odysseus makes choices that both his crew and the reader find questionable. DO USE INGENUITY WHEN FIGHTING YOUR ENEMIES: Odysseus showed good leadership when he saved the remaining men from his crew from the cyclops. Odysseus is an admirable leader when he orders his men to tie him up and do not untie him because he is sacrificing himself for the good of his men. Announce to the nymph with lovely braids our fixed decree: Odysseus journeys home the exile must return. Joywarm as the joy that children feel when they see their fathers life dawn again, one whos lain on a sickbed racked with torment, wasting away, slowly, under some angry powers onslaught then what joy when the gods deliver him from his pains! The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 515-523. Odysseus knew that he would encounter this monster because Circe warned him about her. The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 15-18. Unfortunately, the inhabitants [], The Odyssey is a story about Odysseus return home, and the struggles he faces. This shows how Odysseus came up with a brilliant plan to hide in between the Cyclops rams and escape with the rams when the Cyclops let them out. Even though others may claim that Odysseus is not a good leader because of the amount of hubris he shows, the positive qualities such as his good judgement, bravery, and his ability to inspire others prove otherwise. The Odyssey: Odysseus Quotes | SparkNotes In the Odyssey it is made clear that the choice of Mentor is entirely governed by Odysseus, who makes the decision when Telemachus is still an infant. For example, Odysseus wisely told the Cyclops his name was noman so that he could not properly call out for help once he was impaled. While the were on an unknown island inhabited by Cyclops, Odysseus wanted to know if they were friends or foes. In this story, he solidifies his reputation as a strong leader, which is why we are willing to follow his journey. However, Odysseus did not disclose any information to his crew. He was reliable and strong, and so he earned title of king in Ithaca and was treated with great respect. DONT ANGER THE GODS:Odysseus angered Poseidon by blinding and making fun of the Cyclops, who was his son. Classics A Level Quotes (The Odyssey) Flashcards | Quizlet But he cant destroy you, not for all his anger. Odysseus is meeting with Tiresias (a blind prophet) to learn his future. She is mortal after all and you, you never age or die Nevertheless I long I pine, all my days to travel home and see the dawn of my return. This shows that he truly cared about his men and kept their wellbeing in mind no matter the circumstances. Odysseus is the only person survive from his expedition why because he did not properly protect his shipmates.Let me read this quote "Driven by hunger they ignore Odysseus' warning and eat Helios' cattle". Killing his men was perhaps not the best thing to do, but he still is heroic because his loyalty is what drives him to advance on his long journey home. Odysseus . The Cicones in The Odyssey: Homer's Example of Karmic Retribution The opening line of The Odyssey introduces Odysseus by his epithet, "the man of twists and turns." Odysseus is "the man of twists and turns" because his journey, and his story, are anything but straightforward. They said dreadful danger/ lurks there for us. The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 272-277. From beginning to end of the Odyssey, Odysseus repeatedly motivated his crew to not give up during their journey by announcing "My friends, I know how much/ you have endured. However, Oedipus slowly uncovers the truth, ultimately leading to his own banishment from his. Odysseus is a prominent figure in the story about his journey home after the Trojan War,The Odyssey; however, he is merely a supporting character in the Iliad by Homer. The Odyssey Quotes Explained - ThoughtCo One of the reasons Odysseus is an unfit leader is because he puts himself above others. This is an epic simile, another characteristic of epics in which the writer spins really elaborate comparisons. For example, when Odysseus and his men are heading to the sirens Odysseus states you are to tie me up, tight as a splint (Homer 1005). Latest answer posted December 16, 2020 at 8:04:05 PM. Analyzes how odysseus shows inadequate leadership qualities throughout the story. ", "and no one knew him at all I alone, I spotted him for the man he was. What epic elements do you find in Homer's Iliad? Written in the late 8th or 9th century BC, The Odyssey remains one of the all-time greatest quest stories. "Man of misery, what next? He's on the final leg of his journey, and this grand tale has culminated in his finally coming near his goal. A great leader views the world like he is looking through 3D glasses, always seeing the depth and vibrancy of the possibilities around him. He may of saved his men multiple times, but also got them killed them due to his neglect. When we do see him, he is generally described as being "godlike" or somehow connected to the gods Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Odyssey | Summary, Characters, Meaning, & Facts - Encyclopedia Britannica There is a strong theme of homecoming in The Odyssey, with Odysseus on a long, perious journey home after the end of the Trojan War. She falls far short of you, your beauty, stature. Strip off those clothes and leave your craft for the winds to hurl, and swim for it now, you must, strike out with your arms for landfall there, Phaeacian land where destined safety waits. you sing the Achaeans' fate, all they did and suffered, all they soldiered through, This is an exception to the patriarchal world of the time, with the woman having the power and the man being her captive. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 33-46. The lack of obedience and respect for Odysseus shows the lack of leadership role that he has between he and his followers. Odysseus was a weak leader and his lack of vision in not seeing the strength and possibilities in his men combined with his inability to effectively communicate to those around him ultimately led to his failure of not being able to safely deliver his men back to Ithaca. We get a brief synopsis of the story of the epic poem. The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 303-306. To start off, Odysseus is a good leader because he is determined to get back, Anteclous, the wine Its wine the drink of the gods (The Odyssey). Here, however, he does not suffer the missteps he will in The Odyssey. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 490-497. 260). Often mortals will turn to the gods to help them achieve justice, and fear of divine . According to Helen's description, Odysseus is the son of Laertes (a well-respected . The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 280-281. In another instance, he ensures his crew's safety from the sirens who try to lure them away. We should care about this topic because it is pertinent in our world today. Here the narrator describes Odysseus typical day in captivity: weeping by day because he is prevented from returning home, and being an unwilling lover by night. This shows how powerful a woman Penelope is. Telemachus is searching for news of his father, who has not been heard from since he left for war nearly 20 years earlier. Who does Odysseus encounter in the Land Of The Dead in Homer's Odyssey? Significant Myths and Structure of the Text. True, but he is the one more blest than all other men alive, that man who sways you with gifts and leads you home, his bride! Despair to their enemies, a joy to all their friends. 'The Odyssey' Book 16 Key Quotes Flashcards | Quizlet An epic simile compares his delight to the joy of children when the gods deliver their father from serious illness. To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below: By clicking Send, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. This example has been uploaded by a student. Homer explains how the, Odysseus is not a hero because he stabs Polyphemus in the eye and blinds him. First, he discloses the disturbing information to his. Over the course his ten-year journey, Odysseus faces many obstacles including mythical creatures. All cannot play the king, and a host of leaders is no wise thing. Long-enduring great Odysseus, overjoyed at the sight, bedded down in the midst and heaped the leaves around him. "Men are so quick to blame the gods: they say that we devise their misery. However, Amphinomus decided to stay and eventually got killed by Telemachus, along with the other suitors. What are they here violent, savage, lawless? A Homeric simile compares this to a farmer burying an ember in ashes to keep it warm, so that he can kindle a fire later. She helps him fight his way out of the breakers driving him towards the rocky coast. 1 / 9. This was a bad leadership on the part of Odysseus because he was unable to keep track of his men and possibly save and because he did know he needed to give the crewmember a funeral, something he is morally obliged to do. Odysseus' sharp wit distinguishes him from other heroes of his era, who only use strength to overpower their enemies. With our Essay Lab, you can create a customized outline within seconds to get started on your essay right away. Before leading the mission to blind Polyphemus, Odysseus even considered attacking the Cyclops himself. The Odyssey. Critical Essays Major Themes in. She tells Odysseus to abandon his raft and take her immortal scarf. Notably, Homers epic The Odyssey charts the journey of Odysseus and his men traveling from Troy to Ithaca. Leadership requires a person to lead a group of people and have people obey you, how can that occur if Odysseus men do not obey simple instructions. for. Leaders must fall above their followers in certain ways, like levels of knowledge and readiness for whatever may come their way. 19 The epic poem "The Odyssey" is written by Homer and takes place in ancient Greece 700 B.C. Helen tells the story of how Odysseus cunningly disguised himself as a begger to slip into Troy unrecognized during the Trojan war. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 142-153. Book 1 of The Odyssey is titled "Athena inspires the prince" and that is what the goddess is attempting to do. By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. He has decreed that the exiled hero is to return home. Here Odysseus appears to be flattering and even flirting with her. Odysseus | Myth, Significance, Trojan War, & Odyssey Don't use plagiarized sources. "What are some good quotes about Odysseus being a hero who thinks things through in the Iliad by Homer?" In closing, throughout the whole story, Odysseus progresses himself and designates many Greek, While Odysseus is a little arrogant, he can also be a great leader because he is able to trust his second in command, Eurylochus, and give him more power while he is away. When they land on the island his men are held captive and are turned into animals. After his boat is wrecked and he is adrift on a heavy sea for two nights and days, Odysseus is overjoyed to see the shores of Phaeacia. DONT KEEP SECRETS FROM YOUR MEN:Odysseus showed bad leadership by telling his men nothing about Scylla. She says that he is being held captive on an island by the goddess Calypso, who is trying to wipe out all thoughts of his homeland. Not only that, but he does not expect of his men what he is not willing to do himself. We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. In the meantime, while . When Odysseus commands his men to go back to sea to voyage, he is a good leader because he is telling his men what to do. The trait of Odysseus being dishonest is a factor of why Odysseus is a bad leader. After that, he stays equally as strong when faced with Poseidons anger and the journey ahead of him. This shows that he prioritizes himself over his men and is clearly selfish, a quality good leaders should not have. Zeus also warns that Odysseus journey will not be an easy one, but full of pain. Odysseus longs to be back home with her in Ithaca, no matter what trials he faces along the way. Since Odysseus could not control his men and make them not eat the cattle, his whole crew died and his ship got destroyed. The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 119-123. From the conversation between Hector and Andromache inthe Iliad, choose details which show great love between the two. Enumerate the epic conventions that you can find in books 1 and 2 of the Iliad? Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns driven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy. In this passage Athena, who has a special relationship with Odysseus, pleads with Zeus to allow the "cursed by fate" hero home. Od. During the time Odysseus encounters many divergent tough tasks, he always overcomes many tasks with his men when he encourages them. His ability to remain courageous in the face of brute beast, the actions of gods and demi-goddesses, and in almost impossible natural and supernatural circumstances certainly admirable. "Odysseus, master of many exploits, praised the singer: I respect you, Demodocus, more than any man alive surely the Muse has taught you, Zeus's daughter, or god Apollo himself. "I reassured the ghost, but he broke out, protesting, "No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! You can also use our tools to come up with interesting topics and points to argue in your Heroes orders are followed and pursued, but Odysseus wasn't. Quotes in Odyssey Quote #1 "Tell me about a complicated man. Was Odysseus a Good or Bad Leader - GraduateWay The poet asks the Muse for inspiration to learn about the "man of twists and turns" and his arduous journey home. What makes Odysseus a good leader in The Odyssey? Tricking Polyphemus into drinking the wine, sharpening a huge tree trunk into a spear, and driving it into the eye of the cyclops shows not only slyness but strength and leadership. However, a heroes orders are followed without debating, but Odysseus orders were not obeyed. Why was Odysseus not a good leader? Then, he planned for his men to escape concealed by being bound under the bellies of sheep. Furthermore, Odysseus is very clever, which is a another strong trait leaders should possess. She is the [], After the events of the Trojan War, Odysseus and his men headed back home to Ithaca. Students who find writing to be a difficult task. Odysseus fears his imminent death after Poseidon creates a storm at sea while he is sailing home from Calypsos island. He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. And if a god will wreck me yet again on the wine-dark sea, I can bear that too, with a spirit tempered to endure. Odysseus is still a hero because he is a leader. In a culture that equally values wisdom and physical prowess, Odysseus can hold his own. Out to sea again! (Homer 984). Odysseus had what it takes to be a good leader because he was intelligent, fair and fearless and he supported and did not do anything that would blemish his men's courage. Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Even if Odysseus fought in the Trojan War, he is not a hero because he is self-centered and ignorant to other people's values and needs.There are multiple examples of Odysseus being self-centered, such as not taking people's advice. What are the worthwhile causes for fighting a war? A heros funeral then, my glory spread by comrades now what a wretched death Im doomed to die! In the future, Odysseus will be presented with two obstacles, going through Scylla (6 headed monster) or Charybdis (a giant whirlpool). DONT LET YOUR CREW TELL YOU WHAT TO DO: Odysseus showed bad leadership with his men and Helios cattle. ", "And now for his blinded son the earthquake god though he wont quite kill Odysseus drives him far off course from native land. What power we had! Instead of killing Odysseus and his men, the hilltop made a big wave that brought the ships back to shore. This is despite her maids fleeing at the terrifying sight of him. So with his lordly ways he brought the ranks to heel, and they flocked back from their huts and ships to the Assembly, noisily, like a wave of the roaring sea when it thunders on the beach while the depths resound. Why is Odysseus a Bad Leader. Get your custom essay from professional writers. He compliments her beauty and compares it in a metaphor to a blooming flower. Odysseus led the squadron of soldiers in the trojan horse and is a hero of the Trojan War and the king of Ithaca. 2021 StudyDriver.com - Big database of free essay examples for students at all levels. But you can one from professional essay writers. Odysseus as a Hero in 'The Odyssey' Free Essay Example - StudyMoose However, the Odyssey states, Driven by hunger, they ignore Odysseus warning not to fest on Helios cattle Zeus sends down a thunderbolt to sink Odysseus ship. In a simile it is compared to a shield rising over the waves. Early in the poem we are informed that Odysseus had chosen one of his friends to be the overseer of his family and property. Scylla was a huge monster that had twelve large legs like tentacles and 6 heads with fangs. He pleads for rags to cover him and assistance to get to the town. When does Odysseus show bravery in The Odyssey? There is the personification of fate in this passage. Poseidon may have condemned Odysseus to an additional ten years suffering at sea, but his fate has attracted the attention of the other gods who want to help him. Nothing to fear now, neither pain nor death.". A hero's funeral then, my glory spread by comrades - now what a wretched death I'm doomed to die! According to the article, The Nine Traits that Define Great Leadership, explain that an optimistic leader The very best leaders are a source of positive energy. Even immortal gods will show a man respect, whatever wanderer seeks their help like me I throw myself on your mercy, on your current now I have suffered greatly. Let's fix your grades together! Latest answer posted January 22, 2021 at 1:12:04 PM, Latest answer posted December 06, 2020 at 10:35:48 AM.