to Ithaca and his wife Penelope. Odysseus has been referred to many nicknames, such as "Odysseus of the many designs," showing us that he is to be admired as much for his native cunning as for his strength and bravery. In nearly every way, Odysseus is a more complete and likeable figure than Achilles, and we cannot help admiring him even when he misbehaves. As the goddess Calypso, with whom he encounters on one of the many stops during his voyage home, says to him affectionately, "You are so naughty... you will have your own way in all things" (Lattimore, 1968:93). Yet Odysseus tells his next hosts, Arte and Alkinoos, that neither Calypso nor any other woman could ever win over his heart, which has always remained with Penelope and the home he has not seen in almost twenty years. As an epic hero, Odysseus can best be described as a brave and cunning figure that conquers with his brain when he cannot win with his brawn. Odysseus managed to make himself beloved not only to women, but also to men; Alkinoos' response to him is characteristic; the king and father of Nausikaa tells him shortly after they have met, "...how I wish that, being the man you are and thinking the way that I do, you could have my daughter and be called my son-in-law, staying here with me" (Lattimore, 1968:119). This could never be of course, but it has been suggested more than once that not only the various women he encounters in his long jury seriously tempt Odysseus, but also by the prospect of new wealth and nobility. Odysseus has his tender side also, and we often see him in a sentimental and homesick mood in spite of the many pleasurable incidents of his travels. In parting from Alkinoos, he reminds us of his fondest wish: "May I return to my house and find there a blameless wife, and all who are dear to me unharmed" (Lattimore, 1968:199). When Odysseus does finally reach his homeland, he encounters not only Penelope, Telemakos and Laertes awaiting him, but a c...
