Odysseus is one the most well-known characters of Greek mythology. Odysseus was know for his bravery and fighting skills. "In Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey, Odysseus was the son of Laertes, king of Ithaca, and Anticleia, although in later legends Odysseus was said to be the son of Sisyphus, who had seduced Anticleia." (McCaffery) In the 24 books of the Odyssey, it most revolves around Odysseus's journey from Troy to Ithaca to regain his kingdom. (McCaffery) Odysseus had been on his journey for so long that men were forcing his wife into marriage until he was recognized. (McCaffery) Odysseus took on many adventures including the blinding of the Cyclops and his escape under the belly of the ram. (McCaffery) Ultimately, Odysseus lives up to his courageous, cunning, and wise personality.
"Odysseus combines the virtues of his peers with his own singular qualities to become the most experienced and fully realized hero of the Homeric poems." (Haft) Odysseus's injury is one of the few that inspired the tragic intervention of Achilles's friend Patroclus. (Haft) Odysseus possesses a scar on his thigh that represents his achievement of killing a boar. (Haft) Not only is Odysseus good with fighting and bravery but he has a gift with words. He acts as Greek ambassador to Troy after Helen's kidnapping (Il. 3.205–24) and on the mission to Achilles in Iliad 9. (Haft) Odysseus contains all kinds of traits and virtues that are admirable and is very important in Greek mythology.
Works Cited
McCaffery, Elisabeth. "Odysseus." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 28 Mar. 2014. "Odysseus." Image. Instructional Resources Corporation. World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 29 Mar. 2014.
Haft, Adele. "The Hero Odysseus: Odysseus Polytropos, the Versatile Hero." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras.ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 29 Mar. 2014.
Haft, Adele. "The Hero Odysseus: Odysseus Polytropos, the Versatile Hero." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras.ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 29 Mar. 2014.