The Strength In Odysseus Of Homer's Odyssey

Sometimes the greatest leaders show their strength in different ways. As a leader, Odysseus did not let circumstances, no matter how impossible, overwhelm him. His one dream was to reach home, and after twenty years, nothing was going to stand in his way. Odysseus was a strong ruler who used his clever thinking skills and brains in addition to his physical strength to overcome perilous situations where he needed to save the lives of his men and his own.

When it comes to the lives of his men, Odysseus always does his best to protect them. The crew arrived at the land of the Cyclopes, and Odysseus thought they would be welcoming to visitors. They went into a cave where they found cheese and wine and began to eat. They were starving since

Stand up, then: we now declare a contest for that prize.

Here is my lord Odysseus’ hunting bow. Bend and string it if you can. Who sends an arrow though iron axe-helve sockets, twelve in line? I join my life with his, and leave this place, my home, my rich and beautiful bridal house, forever to be remembered, through a dream I dream it only.”… (21.29-40)

After the men failed to complete her task, only the beggar remained. Odysseus was able to successfully complete the task and win the contest. Odysseus changed back from the beggar into his true self. Since he waited and didn’t attack earlier, he took his sweet revenge. The suitors were locked in a room with Telemachus and Odysseus. He knew which men he had to slay first in order to ensure his own safety. They begged him to stop and he fired back with:

“You yellow dogs, you thought I’d never make it home from the land of Troy. You took my house to plunder twisted my maids to serve your beds. You dared bid for my wife while I was still alive. Contempt was all you had for the gods who rule the wide heaven, contempt for what men say of you hereafter. Your last hour has come. You die in blood.”

There is no such thing as a perfect ruler because everyone has their own opinion on which qualities are most important. It’s hard to be sure whether or not the suitors for the Queen hated Odysseus, but the way they treated Penelope shows that they had little respect for him. I feel that if it weren’t for Odysseus’ mind and ability to adapt to situations, he wouldn’t have been able to make it home. He demonstrates how the phrase “Think before you act” can apply to your