Odysseus Use Of Strategy In Homer's Odyssey

In The Odyssey, Odysseus’s journey is driven by his use of strategy to both his benefit as well as his detriment. The two largest times when Odysseus spoils his strategy also end up being the two times when he is under the most pressure, in Book 10 when the crew almost return home and in Book 9 when Odysseus shouts his name to the Cyclops.

One example of Odysseus using his strategy on his one of his journeys is in Book 10, when Odysseus’ crew lands on the island of Aiolos. There, the inhabitants of that island give him a bag of winds, and send him on his way. This was possibly the best gift that Odysseus could have received at the time, because it basically guaranteed his successful homecoming. Meaning to keep his crew informed on only what he thought that they would need to know, he doesn’t tell them about the bag of winds

or its power.

Odysseus not telling his crew about the bag or what it contains is Odysseus flexing his muscles, proving to himself that he’s the only one worthy of knowing what’s inside the bag because he believes he is the smartest in the crew. He sails for nine straight days, and is so close to home that the crew can see the shore of Ithaka. Odysseus goes to take a nap and falls asleep and the crew becomes suspicious of the bag, believing Odysseus was storing riches inside that he didn’t want to share. “Temptation had its way with my companions, and they untied the bag” (10. 50-52).The crew sends Odysseus and his dream of reuniting with his family thousands of miles away. I find this instance to be a little strange, because if one were to think about it, they would come to the conclusion that Odysseus had nothing to lose if he were to inform his shipmates about the bag. After his strategy fails and he realizes the great

mistake he has made, he even considers suicide, because he is so disappointed, “Should I got overside for a quick finish…” (10.55-56). His strategy fell through and thus far we had known Odysseus to be the smartest mortal during that time period (aside from the Cyclops encounter mistake), so it gives the reader a small taste of the mistakes to come.
Perhaps the largest fall through of a strategy occurs when Odysseus encounters the Cyclops. He conjures up a magnificent strategy to help his crew get free from the cave. Many people would’ve taken being trapped in a cave with a Cyclops as a death sentence, but Odysseus has a mind that works very well. He blinds the Cyclops, and then escapes underneath the sheep. Unfortunately, after the escape, he falters. As the men are leaving, in a moment of, “anger” (9.547), Odysseus shouts out his name to the Cyclops, cursing himself to a long and strenuous journey home when the Cyclops prays to his father, “Grant that Odysseus, raider of cities, never see his home” (9.578-579). This might be the least thought-out thing Odysseus does the entire epic. It shows that he’s not invincible. There are moments when he performs well, but sometimes Odysseus can’t keep himself completely restrained after moments of high pressure. He may be able to compose a great strategy when he’s between a rock and a hard place, but the kryptonite to his strategy is usually himself.