An Admirable Leader
In the modern world, heroes are defined as many different things. They can be doctors, singers, parents, and more. The definition of a hero is in the eye of the beholder. In the Odyssey, by Homer and translated by Robert Fagles, Odysseus is in charge of his crew as he makes a journey home to Ithaca. Over the course of the journey, Odysseus is forced to take leadership many times, which arises the question of his skill as a leader. He makes many questionable decisions, which would lead many to think he is unfit as a leader. However, he successfully navigates his crew through all their obstacles which shows his true colors as a great leader.
One reason why Odysseus is an amazing leader is because he cares about his crew and tries to keep them safe throughout the journey. For example, he goes back for the men on Circe’s island when they get turned into pigs. He could have just left and tried to save himself, but he shows bravery and selflessness by going back and challenging Circe. He also demonstrates his care for his crew when they …show more content…
He has the strength to give his crew members instructions to tie him and plug their own ears when passing by the sirens. In book 12, he tells them “...you must bind me with tight chafing ropes, so I cannot move a muscle…And if I plead, commanding you to set me free, then lash me faster, rope on pressing rope.” These sharp and assertive instructions show his good leadership, because he quickly guides them through how to accomplish their objective. Another action he takes to show his leadership is when he leads his crew off Circe’s island. Even though it is extremely tempting to stay with Circe, he is disciplined enough to save his men and make Circe say an oath so that she doesn’t hurt them. Great leaders make smart, thoughtful decisions based on the entire crew, which is what Odysseus executes
In the modern world, heroes are defined as many different things. They can be doctors, singers, parents, and more. The definition of a hero is in the eye of the beholder. In the Odyssey, by Homer and translated by Robert Fagles, Odysseus is in charge of his crew as he makes a journey home to Ithaca. Over the course of the journey, Odysseus is forced to take leadership many times, which arises the question of his skill as a leader. He makes many questionable decisions, which would lead many to think he is unfit as a leader. However, he successfully navigates his crew through all their obstacles which shows his true colors as a great leader.
One reason why Odysseus is an amazing leader is because he cares about his crew and tries to keep them safe throughout the journey. For example, he goes back for the men on Circe’s island when they get turned into pigs. He could have just left and tried to save himself, but he shows bravery and selflessness by going back and challenging Circe. He also demonstrates his care for his crew when they …show more content…
He has the strength to give his crew members instructions to tie him and plug their own ears when passing by the sirens. In book 12, he tells them “...you must bind me with tight chafing ropes, so I cannot move a muscle…And if I plead, commanding you to set me free, then lash me faster, rope on pressing rope.” These sharp and assertive instructions show his good leadership, because he quickly guides them through how to accomplish their objective. Another action he takes to show his leadership is when he leads his crew off Circe’s island. Even though it is extremely tempting to stay with Circe, he is disciplined enough to save his men and make Circe say an oath so that she doesn’t hurt them. Great leaders make smart, thoughtful decisions based on the entire crew, which is what Odysseus executes