The odyssey summary
The Odyssey is an epic poem written by Homer and tells the story of Odysseus, a Greek hero who has been away from home for twenty years fighting in the Trojan War and facing various trials and challenges on his way back to his homeland Ithaca.
After the fall of Troy, Odysseus and his men encounter numerous obstacles leading to his extended absence. Their first stop is the land of the Lotus-eaters, where some of his crew members eat the lotus plant and lose all desire to return home. Next, they encounter Polyphemus, a Cyclops who eats several of Odysseus' men before the hero devises a plan to blind him and escape from his cave.
Continuing their journey, they arrive on the island of Aeolus, the god of wind, who gives Odysseus a bag containing all the winds except the favorable one. However, Odysseus' crew opens the bag, unleashing a storm that blows them back to Aeolus' island, where the god refuses to help them further.
They then arrive on the island of Circe, a witch who turns Odysseus' crew into pigs. With the help of the god Hermes, Odysseus defeats Circe and turns his crew back into humans. Circe advises Odysseus to visit the land of the dead to seek guidance from the prophet Tiresias.
Odysseus sails to the land of the dead and consults Tiresias, who warns him of the dangers that await him when he returns to Ithaca. He also learns about the future and the fate of his family. After facing more challenges and temptations, including the dangerous Sirens and the deadly Scylla and Charybdis, Odysseus and his remaining crew make it to the island of the nymph Calypso.
Calypso holds Odysseus captive on her island for seven years, promising him immortality if he stays with her. However, Odysseus longs to return home, and with the help of the god Hermes, he convinces Zeus to intervene. Zeus sends the goddess Athena to Ithaca, where she disguises herself as a young man and reunites Odysseus with his son Telemachus.
Together, Odysseus and Telemachus plan to confront the suitors who have overrun their home and courted Odysseus' wife Penelope. Odysseus cleverly disguises himself and, with Athena's assistance, defeats the suitors in a fierce battle. Finally, Odysseus reveals his true identity to Penelope, and the couple is reunited.
Overall, The Odyssey is a tale of adventure, perseverance, and the ultimate triumph of a hero returning home against all odds.
Is odysseus a good or bad leader?
The character of Odysseus can be seen as both a good and a bad leader depending on the perspective and interpretation of his actions.
On one hand, Odysseus possesses qualities of a good leader. He is known for his intelligence and cunning, using creative strategies to overcome obstacles and enemies. For example, his plan to blind Polyphemus and escape from the Cyclops' cave demonstrates his resourcefulness and quick thinking. Odysseus also displays bravery and determination throughout his journey, facing numerous challenges and persevering against all odds.
Additionally, Odysseus shows leadership through his ability to inspire and motivate his crew. Despite their initial doubts and fears, he manages to rally his men and keep their spirits high, encouraging them to stay focused on their goal of returning home. He also prioritizes the safety and welfare of his crew, often placing their needs above his own.
However, Odysseus also demonstrates some negative leadership qualities. He can be viewed as arrogant and prideful, often boasting about his achievements and considering himself superior to others. This arrogance leads to several unfortunate incidents, such as when he reveals his real name to the Cyclops, allowing Polyphemus to seek revenge and hinder their journey.
Moreover, Odysseus' decision-making can be questioned at times. For example, his curiosity and desire for glory lead his crew to open the mysterious bag of winds given to him by Aeolus, causing a storm that sets them back in their journey. His encounter with Circe, where he stays on her island for seven years, also raises concerns about his loyalty and commitment to his crew and his duty to return home.
Overall, Odysseus is a complex character who exhibits both positive and negative leadership qualities. His intelligence, bravery, and ability to inspire make him an effective leader, but his arrogance and questionable decision-making can be seen as weaknesses.
who is odysseus
(background info)
Background- TAG the story (state the title, author, and genre); give a brief background statement.
Story titles should be in italics or underlined.
*The Odyssey, written by Homer in ancient Greece, is an epic poem that tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus. The poem is set during the aftermath of the Trojan War and follows Odysseus' ten-year journey back to his homeland of Ithaca.*
Odysseus is known for his cleverness, resourcefulness, and bravery. He is the king of Ithaca and a respected warrior who played a crucial role in the fall of Troy. As a commander in the Greek army, he devised the idea of the Trojan Horse, which led to the successful invasion and ultimate defeat of the city of Troy.
In addition to his military prowess, Odysseus is highly regarded for his sharp intellect and quick thinking. He is often described as the "man of twists and turns" due to his ability to solve intricate problems and navigate dangerous situations. His encounters with various mythical creatures, gods, and goddesses throughout his journey in The Odyssey highlight his intelligence and resourcefulness.
Odysseus is also depicted as a flawed hero. Despite his many qualities, his pride and arrogance occasionally lead him astray, causing setbacks and endangering his crew. However, he learns valuable lessons throughout his journey and undergoes personal growth, ultimately proving his worth as a leader and a hero.
His primary goal in The Odyssey is to return home to his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. Despite facing numerous trials and adventures, including encounters with monsters, seductive nymphs, and vengeful gods, Odysseus remains dedicated to his family and homeland, demonstrating his unwavering determination and loyalty.
The character of Odysseus has become an archetype of a hero in Western literature and serves as an enduring symbol of wit, courage, and perseverance. His journey and the challenges he faces represent the universal theme of the human struggle to overcome obstacles and return home.
3 postivie words to describe him as a leader
Three positive words to describe Odysseus as a leader are:
1. Clever: Odysseus is renowned for his intelligence and cunning. He consistently uses his wit and cleverness to outsmart his enemies and navigate challenging situations. His ability to devise creative strategies and think on his feet showcases his leadership in finding innovative solutions.
2. Determined: Odysseus displays unwavering determination throughout his journey. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, he is resolute in his goal to return home to Ithaca. His sheer perseverance and refusal to give up inspire his crew and demonstrate his leadership in overcoming adversity.
3. Inspirational: Odysseus has the ability to inspire and motivate others. His charisma and leadership qualities inspire loyalty and dedication among his crew members, urging them to stay focused on their mission. His actions and words inspire courage, unity, and resilience, making him a charismatic and inspirational leader.
Evidence- (Example, quote, or paraphrase from the story that demonstrates this character trait.)
If you’re stuck, explain a choice he’s made, action he’s taken, reaction he’s had, or thing he has said.
1. Clever: One example that demonstrates Odysseus' cleverness as a leader is his plan to blind the Cyclops Polyphemus in Book 9 of The Odyssey. Odysseus and his men become trapped in the Cyclops' cave and are in danger of being eaten. Odysseus devises a plan to offer the Cyclops wine, making him drunk and incapacitated. When Polyphemus asks for Odysseus' name, he cunningly responds with the name "Nobody." This proves advantageous later when Odysseus blinds the Cyclops with a sharpened wooden stake. When Polyphemus cries for help, his fellow Cyclopes ask who has harmed him. The blinded Polyphemus only responds with "Nobody" as the offender, allowing Odysseus and his crew to escape unnoticed.
2. Determined: Odysseus' determination is evident in his encounters with multiple challenges and his refusal to abandon his goal of returning home. Throughout his journey, he faces dangerous obstacles such as the Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, and the temptation of Circe. Despite the allure and danger that these obstacles present, Odysseus remains determined to continue his journey and reunite with his family in Ithaca. His unwavering determination is evident in his relentless pursuit of his ultimate goal, emphasizing his resilience as a leader.
3. Inspirational: Odysseus displays his inspirational leadership when he rallies his crew in the face of danger and adversity. In several instances throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus encourages his men to stay strong, reminding them of their shared purpose and the rewards that await them upon their return home. One instance is in Book 12, when Odysseus and his crew must sail past the dangerous and deadly Sirens. He orders his men to plug their ears with beeswax, while he himself is tied to the ship's mast so he can hear the Sirens' enchanting song without being able to act on it. His trust in his crew and his willingness to face danger head-on inspire his men to remain focused and unified, highlighting his inspirational leadership qualities.