quotes from the odyssey about odysseus being a leader

Odysseus was given advice from Circe that said not to try to fight Scylla even when she takes six of your men, but Odysseus tried to fight her and he lost . Odysseus lacked to be a good leader when him and his men were on the way to Ithaca. The three men were put under a spell where they forgot their way home, but Odysseus forcefully brought them back to the ship himself. Odysseus is a great leader, and a hero. This was a bad leadership on the part of Odysseus because he was unable to keep track of his men and possibly save and because he did know he needed to give the crewmember a funeral, something he is morally obliged to do. Odysseus had what it takes to be a good leader because he was intelligent, fair and fearless and he supported and did not do anything that would blemish his men's courage. In another instance, he ensures his crew's safety from the sirens who try to lure them away. 16 students ordered this very topic and got original papers. They readily address him as their king and leave many responsibilities in his hands. Then, being much troubled in mind, I said to my men, "My friends, it is not right that one or two of us alone should know the prophecies that Circe has made me, I will therefore tell you about them, so that whether we live or die we may do so with our eyes open. The father of the gods decides to intervene to allow Odysseus to return home. The lot fell upon the very four whom I should have chosen, and I myself made five. Poseidon may have condemned Odysseus to an additional ten years suffering at sea, but his fate has attracted the attention of the other gods who want to help him. Some of us may be more susceptible than others are, but there's always a siren. "Men are so quick to blame the gods: they say that we devise their misery. The poet asks the Muse for inspiration to learn about the "man of twists and turns" and his arduous journey home. Line 223-301). Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. Often mortals will turn to the gods to help them achieve justice, and fear of divine . A hero's funeral then, my glory spread by comrades - now what a wretched death I'm doomed to die! Without these qualities, a leader is not being the best they can be towards their people. This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before, Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts. But he could not save them from disaster, hard as he strove the recklessness of their own ways destroyed them all, the blind fools, they devoured the cattle of the Sun and the Sungod blotted out the day of their return. In the nights, true, hed sleep with her in the arching cave he had no choice unwilling lover alongside lover all too willing. We get a brief synopsis of the story of the epic poem. Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. In this situation, He was able to use the "magic" inside his head to create this plan that uses his masculinity to escape the cave of Polyphemus. Odysseus being a leader makes him a hero because he makes bold decisions and he protects himself and his, Some may diagree with Odysseus style of leadership because it may appear to not be sensible or well thought out. And seventeen days he sailed, making headway well; on the eighteenth, shadowy mountains slowly loomed the Phaeacians island reaching toward him now, over the misty breakers, rising like a shield. We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. (2019, Nov 18). The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 142-153. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper. However, it is evident that there are circumstances where his hubris leads him to trust his intellect and wit over more reasonable course of action that not only endanger his life, but the life of his entire, Odysseus demonstrates as an efficient leader when they come across various threatening situations. He compliments her beauty and compares it in a metaphor to a blooming flower. "Noman is my name, and Noman they call me, and my father and my mother and all my fellows'. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 436-441. 19 Here, take this scarf, tie it around your waist it is immortal. Much have I suffered, labored long and hard by now in the waves and wars. In suffering for that man; for me, in relentless, heartbreaking grief for him, lost and gone so long now dead or alive, who knows? Odysseus is still a hero because he is a leader. Odysseus' could not properly feed his men and he could not control them. What is the importance of arete in the Iliad. Idk what to say for this one, DONT: After Odysseus left Troy, his crew and him went to Ismarus, which was where the Cicones lived. The reader learns about the characters through the themes. Lord Poseidon, I trust, will let his anger go. In this epic is four major examples that convey loyalty, which is shown by Penelope, Telemachus, the servants, and Odysseus. What are 3 examples of times when Odysseus demonstrated epic hero/god like qualities in The Odyssey? Afterwards, at the Cyclops cave, Odysseus also showed how thoughtful he was as he lead his people through a well-devised plan to save them from the Cyclops. These are the opening words to Homers masterpiece, The Odyssey, one of the most important and enduring works of Western literature. Stripped of his pride and dignity, a naked shipwrecked Odysseus begs Phaeacian princess Nausicaa for help. In brief, Odysseus clearly is a good leader because he is courageous, pensive, and intelligent. Odysseus fears his imminent death after Poseidon creates a storm at sea while he is sailing home from Calypsos island. He joins the chosen four in the expedition to the cyclops cave and takes the lead in ensuring that it will be a success by preparing the weapon accordingly. Pity me, lord, your suppliant cries for help." Their own best claim to glory.". In the tug of war for Odysseus' heart, it is Penelope who wins over Calypso. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Remember: This is just a sample from a fellow student. He then grabbed one of Odysseus' men "and made his meal, gaping and crunching like a mountain lion-everything: innards, flesh, and marrow bones" on him without regret. Hes still alive, somewhere in this wide world, held captive, out at sea on a wave-washed island, and hard men, savages, somehow hold him back against his will. That was how the war was won, and it was all thanks to Odysseus and his cleverness and ability to lead. Website studydriver.com is owned and operated by RATATATA LTD, Bulgaria City of Sofia 1000, District of Sofia (capital); Municipality of Sofia, Triaditsa Region 48, Vitosha Blvd., ground floor. In book two of the story, Odysseus is again compared to the chief of all the gods, Zeus; and when Odysseus speaks, he imparts wisdom and good counsel that should be heeded by all. One of the reasons Odysseus is an unfit leader is because he puts himself above others. Nothing to fear now, neither pain nor death.". Athena on the other hand employs her considerable power at a meeting of the gods to help Odysseus and persuade Zeus to allow him return home. With our Essay Lab, you can create a customized outline within seconds to get started on your essay right away. Here, however, he does not suffer the missteps he will in The Odyssey. After barely escaping, the Cyclops he placed a curse on Odysseus out of his fury. In this passage Athena, who has a special relationship with Odysseus, pleads with Zeus to allow the "cursed by fate" hero home. In an extended simile, Odysseus is compared to a powerful mountain lion driven by hunger to approach a homestead and attack its flocks of animals. ", "Three, four times blessed, my friends-in-arms who died on the plains of Troy those years ago, serving the sons of Atreus to the end. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 148-158. Some readers argue Odysseus should have shown them the bag in order to avoid the situation, Temptation had its way with [his] companions, and they untied the bag. As Odysseus and his men prepare to face Kharybdis and Skylla, his men are nervous, so Odysseus reminds them "'Have we never been in danger before this? These quotes prove my claim because Odysseus played a trick on Polyphemus that worked out in his advantage to get out of the cave that he was trapped. 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. Home Essay Samples Literature Odysseus Analysis Of Odysseus As A Good Leader. He is confident that he represents virtue even when a modern audience might not be so sure. Scylla was a huge monster that had twelve large legs like tentacles and 6 heads with fangs. What are the worthwhile causes for fighting a war? Odysseus is scraped by the rocks on the Phaeacian shore. The opening line of The Odyssey introduces Odysseus by his epithet, "the man of twists and turns." Odysseus is "the man of twists and turns" because his journey, and his story, are anything but straightforward. This genius plan saved himself and his crew from dangerous situation with the cyclops. But listen to me now./ Tiresias and Circe both insisted/ we must avoid the island of the Sun, the joy of mortals. Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Both he and Odysseus visited Antenor on a mission to arrange for the return of Helen, and Antenor talks about that visit here as he and others watch the preparations for the great duel, below the tower. Odysseus prepares a bed by covering himself with leaves on Scheria, the island home of the Phaeacians. They use their power of trickery to trick and deceive humans, to fulfill their wishes. Get your custom essay. "Here I am at your mercy, princess are you a goddess or a mortal? In the future, Odysseus will be presented with two obstacles, going through Scylla (6 headed monster) or Charybdis (a giant whirlpool). Odysseus is trapped on Calypsos island, where the nymph is keeping him and wants him for her husband. Related. But he cant destroy you, not for all his anger. However, Odysseus did not disclose any information to his crew. When Odysseus is away from Circes island, Odysseus has a change of heart and suddenly wants to go back to Circes island to retrieve his crew. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. Nevertheless, heroes rules and commands are respected by their followers and it shows excellent leadership, yet this does not the speak to Odysseus. Especially among Gods and Goddesses. You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers. Odysseus longs to be back home with her in Ithaca, no matter what trials he faces along the way. He is being a leader by protecting his men from the Ciccone 's army by leaving before reinforcements come. Penelope, Odysseus's wife, and their young son, Telemachus, are powerless before her arrogant suitors as they despair of Odysseus's return from the siege of Troy. In the Circe episode, Circe persuades Odysseus and his men to stay with her. He thought of a cunning plan to get most of his men out of the cave they were trapped in. The Odyssey. While Odysseus longs to return to his wife Penelope in Ithaca, the bewitching goddess Calypso holds him back. She is mortal after all and you, you never age or die Nevertheless I long I pine, all my days to travel home and see the dawn of my return. In the Odyssey, Odysseus states, I tied them [rams] silently together then slung a man under each middle one to ride there safely, shielded left and right. Furthermore, how can we consider Odysseus a hero if his commands are not followed by his men. Beset by vengeful gods and facing many challenges, Odysseus has lost nearly everything, but his ultimate goal has remained unwavering. And no one there could hope to rival Odysseus, not for sheer cunning at every twist of strategy he excelled us all. He took risk and find solutions to all the problems they faced. Latest answer posted July 08, 2020 at 12:54:27 PM. Odysseus was quick on his toes, he said "'Cyclops, try some wine. In The Iliad by Homer, we see Odysseus as a man who thinks deeply and carefully about all that is happening around him. Leaders must fall above their followers in certain ways, like levels of knowledge and readiness for whatever may come their way. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 338-345. His concern for his men is only matched by his own desire to rise above mortal limits. His men try and convince him to leave, but to this he ignores their pleas and says Yet I refused. He is missing for 10 years and his wife Penelope [], The characters in Homer's The Odyssey are forever at the mercy of the Gods, those immortals who live in the heights of Mount Olympus, and who, on occasion, walk the lands of earth. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 196-203. Taste it, and see the kind of drink we carried under our planks Give me another, thank you kindly' The Cyclops drank three bowls of wine and became very drunk that was what Odysseus was trying to do so, A great leader has to possess certain qualities like being charismatic, responsible, competent, and determined. However, Amphinomus decided to stay and eventually got killed by Telemachus, along with the other suitors. Latest answer posted December 16, 2020 at 8:04:05 PM. In the end I deemed it would be the best plan to do as follows. His Arrogance and his hubris The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 272-277. All rights "Man of misery, whose land have I lit on now? They communicate easily. The article explains, that an optimistic leader is supposed to have a positive energy towards everything and they have to be easy to talk to. Although Odysseus has some positive attributes he is a bad leader for the following reasons he keeps secrets from his crew, he falls asleep at inappropriate times and is arrogant to a fault. Homer (around 800 and 600 BCE) to show the numerous adventures and experiences Odysseus goes through. 16 students ordered this very topic and got original papers. Orders: That is not to say that Odysseus is a one dimensional man; he does, at times, persist when saving his men from the Cyclops. All cannot play the king, and a host of leaders is no wise thing. Calypso is portrayed in the epic poem as a maniulative seductress. DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO SAVE YOUR CREW: Odysseus showed signs of good leadership when he saved his men from the Lotus Eaters. You seem no fool to me. After his boat is wrecked and he is adrift on a heavy sea for two nights and days, Odysseus is overjoyed to see the shores of Phaeacia. By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. I fear wild beasts will drag me off as quarry.". On the Cicones Island, even though he didn't make much attempt to make his men leave and his lack of . Odysseus was a weak leader and his lack of vision in not seeing the strength and possibilities in his men combined with his inability to effectively communicate to those around him ultimately led to his failure of not being able to safely deliver his men back to Ithaca. They said dreadful danger/ lurks there for us. Odysseus proves to be an epic hero in The Odyssey by showing bravery,intelligence and respect for the gods.Odysseus shows his intelligence by having his men tie him up to the mast as they sail past the sirens,so odysseus dont lose his will to get home.Odysseus use his bravery by going past scylla,so that he does not risk losing Their response is not what he expected: they cheer loudly and head back to their ships, eager to go home rather than finish fighting the war they came here to fight. What makes a good leader? He might be intelligent but really he tolerably manipulated his crew by saying things such as dont you want to go back to your home again?. Zeus also warns that Odysseus journey will not be an easy one, but full of pain. Odysseus forcibly tied his men to the ship to save them from Lotus that they became hypnotized by. I can help you save hours on your homework. To start off, Odysseus is a good leader because he is determined to get back, Anteclous, the wine Its wine the drink of the gods (The Odyssey). 2021 Dec 16 [cited 2023 Mar 5]. A good leader would have taken his mens concerns into consideration. "I reassured the ghost, but he broke out, protesting, "No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 131-138. He also tries to bring home his comrades, but fails. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 236-246. All that you say is true, how well I know. I went up to this club and cut off about six feet of it; I then gave this piece to the men and told them to fine it evenly off at one end, which they proceeded to do, and lastly I brought it to a point myself, charring the end in the fire to make it harder. From beginning to end of the Odyssey, Odysseus repeatedly motivated his crew to not give up during their journey by announcing "My friends, I know how much/ you have endured. And if a god will wreck me yet again on the wine-dark sea, I can bear that too, with a spirit tempered to endure. What a misery, keeping watch through the night, wide awake -- you'll soon come up from under all your troubles." Homer author Odyssey book hoping sleeping night misery concepts 02 Share "Nobody -- that's my name. Ino, as sea deity Leucothea, makes a dramatic appearance to save Odysseus from drowning in a violent sea whipped up by Poseidon. By continuing well assume you board with our cookie policy. What are the challenges that Odysseus had to face on his journey home? Read More Odysseus barely managed to escape this, but his actions put him and his crew at a huge risk. Hospitality. or friendly to strangers, god-fearing men? When Odysseus emerges naked from the bushes after his sea ordeal, he is hungry and in need of food. If one of the gods who rule the skies up there, youre Artemis to the life, the daughter of mighty Zeus I see her now just look at your build, your bearing, your lithe flowing grace But if youre one of the mortals living here on earth, three times blest are your father, your queenly mother, three times over your brothers too. When does Odysseus show bravery in The Odyssey? Odysseus, in his apathy with regard to the crisis, did not want to have to manage his crew's fear. 380-381). Students who find it difficult to write detailed essays. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 538-545. He's on the final leg of his journey, and this grand tale has culminated in his finally coming near his goal. He always looks out for his men and encourages them to keep moving forward when hope disappears. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 163-174. I define a good leader as someone who is an example for others to follow, someone who you trust, and someone you respect and who respects you. ", She pitied Odysseus, tossed, tormented so she broke from the waves like a shearwater on the wing, lit on the wreck and asked him kindly, "Ah poor man, why is the god of earthquakes so dead set against you? The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 479-482. This shows that he truly cared about his men and kept their wellbeing in mind no matter the circumstances. But what if I climb that slope, go for the dark woods and bed down in the thick brush? Even the wrath of Poseidon does not keep him from his homecoming. In the first place, Odysseus demonstrates his ability to be a good leader by being strong with everything he goes through during the epic. Even immortal gods will show a man respect, whatever wanderer seeks their help like me I throw myself on your mercy, on your current now I have suffered greatly. Throughout his journey, Odysseus proves himself worthy of this reputation due to how deals with the challenges he faces and carries his men. Latest answer posted September 17, 2018 at 7:55:02 PM. And out he stalked as a mountain lion exultant in his power strides through wind and rain and his eyes blaze and he charges sheep or oxen or chases wild deer but his hunger drives him on to go for flocks, even to raid the best-defended homestead. That is what I'm called by my mother and father." Quote regarding Melantho's behavior "Melantho of the pretty cheeks jeered at him outrageously" Quote regarding the Cyclops prayer of revenge "Grant that Odysseus.may never reach his home in Ithaca" "The Odyssey" is about a man named Odysseus and his ten-year journey to get home with his men after losing the Trojan war. Thus, the question of leadership supersedes the topic of Arete. And may the good gods give you all your heart desires: husband, and house, and lasting harmony too. ", "what a heart that fearless Odysseus had inside him! More fearsome, is it now, than when the kyklopes penned us in his cave? Their response is not what he expected: they cheer loudly and head back to their ships, eager to go home rather than finish fighting the war they came here to fight. A professional writer will make a clear, mistake-free paper for you! In the Iliad, whois responsible for the death of Achilles and who helps him? But they themselves- in their depravity- design grief greater than the griefs that fate assigns." Homer, The Odyssey 228 likes Like "Ah how shameless - the way these mortals blame the gods. Significant Myths and Structure of the Text. Eumaeus, Odysseus's trusty swineherd, is reassuring Odysseus that the suitors will be punished for their bad behavior, because the gods frown upon mortals who flout the kindness of hospitality. you sing the Achaeans' fate, all they did and suffered, all they soldiered through, Odysseus led the squadron of soldiers in the trojan horse and is a hero of the Trojan War and the king of Ithaca. Over the course of the epic, Oedipus gradually loses his men until he has none when he comes home because of his hubristic leadership. Line 660). So with his lordly ways he brought the ranks to heel, and they flocked back from their huts and ships to the Assembly, noisily, like a wave of the roaring sea when it thunders on the beach while the depths resound. The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 57-60, 65-68. This shows how powerful a woman Penelope is. The Odyssey Quotes and Analysis "Tell me, why do you weep and grieve so sorely when you hear the fate of the Argives, hear the fall of Troy? Also, Odysseus is evidently clever when devising the escape plan from the Cyclops cave. The Odyssey [], The relationship between male and female is a key theme in the Odyssey and has been increasingly popular in recent scholarship. In The Odyssey, how does the character of Odysseus change from the beginning of his quest until the end? They are killed by the god Helios for their reckless action in consuming his cattle. Strategy. Odysseus is an epic hero, he is a natural leader and at some points in the book smarter than everyone else. Retrieved March 4, 2023 , from https://studydriver.com/odysseus-showed-bad-leadership/, Get in touch with our top writers for a non-plagiarized essays written to satisfy your needs. His quick and impractical decision eventually led to death among his men. [], The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey both deals with characters that question their mortality due to death. We have experts for any subject. What role does war play in the Iliad? (Page 12), DONT GET COCKY WHEN YOU HAVE A VICTORY: Odysseus showed bad leadership when he started to mock the cyclops after they left his island. Both of these stories show how fame can interact [], Essentially a tale of warfare, Homers Iliad presents the Trojan War as a traditionally male-focused conflict. Words 181. The most compelling evidence is. This is Odysseuss response to the situation.After Circe releases his men from the spell, Odysseus spends a year with her (pg 506). He told them to hug the shoreline of the cliff and to keep rowing so that they do not see the Sirens on the mountain. So, thoughtfulness is clearly another trait of Odysseus that he uses to make him a stronger leader. Strip off those clothes and leave your craft for the winds to hurl, and swim for it now, you must, strike out with your arms for landfall there, Phaeacian land where destined safety waits. Odysseus declines the goddess offer to stay with her and be immortal. First she said we were to keep clear of the Sirens, who sit and sing most beautifully in a field of flowers; but she said I might hear them myself so long as no one else did. Killing his men was perhaps not the best thing to do, but he still is heroic because his loyalty is what drives him to advance on his long journey home. Latest answer posted May 29, 2020 at 7:42:15 AM. (Hom. But when the other [Menelaos] drove to his feet, resourceful Odysseus,he would just stand and stare down, eyes fixed on the ground beneath him,nor would he gesture with the staff backward and forward, but hold itclutched hard in front of him, like any man who knows nothing.Yes, you would call him a sullen man, and a fool likewise.But when he let the great voice go from his chest, and the words camedrifting down like the winter snows, then no other mortalman beside could stand up against Odysseus. Odysseus and his crew robbed and killed them on their island. The three traits that makes Odysseus a bad leader are being dishonest, prideful, and careless. Up with you, see how the land lies, see for yourself now.". Two character traits define Odysseus and shape his poor leadership style. In other words the most ideal leaders are capable to accomplish the tasks they already have. Throughout the entirety of The Odyssey, Odysseus proved to be a strong leader for his men in all the ways he worked with problems and carried his men. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. 260). I wished to see the cave man, what he had to offer- no pretty sight, it turned out, for my friends (155-157). What are they here violent, savage, lawless? Odysseus is a prominent figure in the story about his journey home after the Trojan War,The Odyssey; however, he is merely a supporting character in the Iliad by Homer . Your time is important. Weird, right? Don't use plagiarized sources. The examples that will presented will illustrate that Odysseus hubris, risk taking prowess, and at times unwillingness to follow instructions often placed his crew in danger as he journeyed Ithaca. What epic elements do you find in Homer's Iliad? While intelligence is highly respected, occasionally there isnt much you can do to avoid situations, and you just have to accept your. Homer explains how the, Odysseus is not a hero because he stabs Polyphemus in the eye and blinds him. When we do see him, he is generally described as being "godlike" or somehow connected to the gods Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. If Odysseus looted the city and left, then he could have stolen many things without losing any. The major themes in The Odyssey are especially significant because they serve to form the moral and ethical constitution of most of the characters. Even if Odysseus fought in the Trojan War, he is not a hero because he is self-centered and ignorant to other people's values and needs.There are multiple examples of Odysseus being self-centered, such as not taking people's advice. "Hear me, lord, whoever you are, Ive come to you, the answer to all my prayers rescue me from the sea, the Sea-lords curse! He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. Or am I really close to people who speak my language? We will occasionally send you account related emails. After defeating the Cyclops, Odysseus taunted him, which made him very angry. All rights reserved. We respect this quality in a person because with leadership a person can lead a group of people and, However, examples within the literary narrative of the Odyssey leaves the discussion open with regards to his leadership. The trait of Odysseus being dishonest is a factor of why Odysseus is a bad leader. He shall see his loved ones, reach his high-roofed house, his native land at last". He may of saved his men multiple times, but also got them killed them due to his neglect. No finer, greater gift in the world than that when man and woman possess their home, two minds, two hearts that work as one.