In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus embodies the character of a wily, crafty, and wise leader through the demonstration of his wit in the Polyphemus’ cave. For example, Odysseus uses his smart thinking to save his men from attack when he gives Polyphemus a fake name: “They lumbered off, but laughter filled my heart to think how nobody’s name – my great cunning stroke – had duped them one and all” (Homer 9.461-463). Odysseus’ “cunning stroke” tricks the other cyclops into leaving their friend, Polyphemus, alone to fight Odysseus and his men. Despite the urgency of the situation, Odysseus demonstrates his wit in this experience by devising a clever scheme to rescue him and his men from their certain demise. In addition, Odysseus once
