Odysseus, slayer of Cyclops

Odysseus, lord of Ithaca, acts the most heroic at the Cyclops. This is because the Cyclops is eating Odysseus’s men and Odysseus stays calm, showing no fear at all. Later he devises a plan to escape by blinding the Cyclops, and then use the sheep to escape the clutch of the Cyclops. “I tied them silently together, twining cords of willow from the ogre’s bed, then slung a man under each middle one to ride there safely, shielded left and right. So three sheep would convey each man.” (378-382) This shows how Odysseus can stay calm under pressure to lead his men to safety.

            Odysseus is also heroic when he comes back to Ithaca. He’s heroic for the fact that he didn’t instantly rush in to say hello, instead he stays with the sheepherder to find out his kingdom is being horded by suitors. He swiftly disguises as an old man to take out all the suitors by winning at the bow challenge. Then slaughters the intruders, later he and Penelope, his wife were reunited.” Telemachus, the stranger you welcomed in your hall has not disgraced you. I did not miss, neither did I take all day stringing the bow. My hand and eye are sound, not so contemptible as the young men say”.(1393-1397) this is when Odysseus wins the bow challenge and gives the virdict on the following events after. This also shows his ability to stay calm after what all the suitors did to him, and his skill in combat.