Homers The Odyssey, a magnificent story of lust, deceit, greed, and heroism, still fascinates scholars and casual readers alike today in the same way it fascinated its audience at the time it was written. The Odyssey, a journey of determination, patience, and virtue, tells the tail of Odysseus, the main character, on his voyage home to Ithaka after the end of the Trojan War. Odysseus goes through many unforeseen trials and tribulations, which exemplify his character. During these different happenings, Odysseus makes decisions that do not correspond to his character.Odysseus character , as seen in the Iliad, is much like that of a Homeric hero. A hero in Homers world entails many attributes other than physical strength including, but not limited to, courage, honor, respect, intelligence, and good morals. Throughout The Odyssey, some of these character traits are illustrated, and some are slightly changed.His journey starts east from Troy to smaros. Odysseus and the Akhaian forces battle with Kikons. Odysseus, knowing of the Kikons skill, intelligently order back out to sea. They refuse and, in return, many are killed. Here, Odysseus intelligence would have saved the men, if they would have listened. Though they failed to obey, Odysseus exhibited patience as he did not hold them at fault.Their next destined endeavor takes them to the land of the Lotos Eaters. The Lotos flower possesses powers which cause men to forget any thought they have of leaving the island. Odysseus, knowing of the Lotus special powers, orders his men to avoid the flowers. Three men took it upon themselves to taste the flower and were subsequently drug back to the ships kicking and screaming. Again, Odysseus intelligent command, if it would have been taken more seriously, would have saved the heartache of his men.The next land Odysseus and his men come across is the land of the Kyklops. Odysseus curiosity and desire for adventure, driving him inland,...
