Odysseus Bravery Analysis

Register to read the introduction… Throughout the epic poem, he makes various stops on alien islands without knowledge of what awaits inland. His gallantry urges him to venture into these unfamiliar territories. Such as on the island of Ismaros, where his adventurous bravery is the cause to his growth as a hero because he learns valuable lessons at these islands. …show more content…
He first shows us his intellect by demonstrating his ability to comprehend the supremacy of the gods. Even though in the beginning of his hero’s journey Odysseus’s flaw was his hubris, he came to realize his weakness and modify his attitude to have more piety. One instance when we see this change in his faith with the gods is when he trusts Aiolos to not open the bag of winds. Then he listens to the advice of Tiresias to not eat the flock of cattle of the Sun God on Thrinakia, which ultimately saves his life. The fact Odysseus is able to realize the gods are the almighty beings to mortals is key to his survival. Another heroic trait is his stern conviction, his ability to remain faithful in his beliefs even in time of skepticism, which Homer portrays through Odysseus’s piety. Another category Odysseus exhibits is his quick thinking. While trapped in the cave of the Kyklops, he quickly uses his resource of wine to intoxicate the giant and knock him out which results in lives saved. Also, he makes a hasty decision to tie up his crew members to their rowing boards so they aren’t memorized to stay on the Land of the Lotus Eaters. His last example of his cunning is his ability to deceive others into thinking he is someone he is not. This is first exemplified when he pretends to be a beggar to the suitors. Then he tricks everyone in the palace that he is not Odysseus but rather a poor man. Odysseus’s wits are one of his greatest expedients and make him a hero since he used them for benevolent