The Odyssey
by Homer
Table of Contents
Odysseus
Odysseus is an impressive hero, blessed by the gods with nearly superhuman qualities of strength, wit, and endurance. Yet, Odysseus is far from perfect. He cleverly escapes the cave of Polyphemus, the Cyclops, but in his pride cannot resist giving the Cyclops his real name. Because of this arrogant gesture, Odysseus earns the wrath of Poseidon, thus prolonging his return to Ithaca by several years. The struggles which Odysseus endures during his long voyage home shape the hero greatly, however. By the time he returns to Ithaca, he is a much humbler man. Odysseus’s humility is demonstrated by his willingness to remain disguised as a poor, old beggar for several days. He patiently endures the insults of the suitors and of his own traitorous servants, waiting until the time is right to take his revenge. No longer rash and arrogant, Odysseus has matured into a wise leader, capable of maintaining peace in his kingdom for the remainder of his years.
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