The Odyssey

Eurylochus persuades Odysseus to stop at Helios by arguing that it is better to face possible death by starvation on the sea than to perish from hunger on the ship. He also highlights the favorable condition of the island and the potential to find provisions there.

No, in the Odyssey, the Cyclops encountered by Odysseus and his men is not the son of Poseidon. The Cyclops they encounter is named Polyphemus, who is a one-eyed giant and a son of the sea god Poseidon.

A conflict of personality and leadership arises when Odysseus tries to prevent his men from taunting the cyclops. Odysseus values strategy and rational thinking, while his men are driven by fear and impulsiveness, leading to tension and disagreement within the group.

Odysseus overcomes Polyphemus by getting him intoxicated on wine, then blinding him while he is asleep. This allows Odysseus and his men to escape from the Cyclops's cave by hiding under the belly of his sheep. They also use their wit to outsmart Polyphemus.

Calypso pointed out that Zeus allowed mortal heroes to be aided by divine intervention in their quests, while he forbade her to release Odysseus from her island, even though he had completed his part in the Trojan War. This inconsistency showed Zeus's favoritism towards mortal heroes over immortals.

The first spirit to visit Odysseus in Hades asks him to allow her to drink the blood of the sacrificial animals so that she may speak to him and share her prophecy.

Odysseus convinces Circe not to turn him into a pig by drawing his sword, as Circe is afraid of his weapon. Additionally, he is able to resist her magic because he has been given a protective herb by Hermes. Odysseus also persuades Circe through his cleverness and wit, engaging her in conversation and outsmarting her.

Odysseus is sometimes perceived as selfish because he prioritizes his own needs and desires above those of others, leading to actions that may seem self-serving or manipulative. For example, he displays a lack of consideration for the well-being of his crew members in pursuit of his own goals, such as risking their lives to satisfy his curiosity or desire for adventure. Additionally, his cunning and deceptive tactics can be seen as self-serving, putting his own interests ahead of others'.

Some may view Odysseus as selfish when he listens to the sirens because he prioritizes his own desires for knowledge and adventure over the safety and well-being of his crew. By choosing to hear the sirens' song, he puts his men in danger of succumbing to the lure of the sirens' voices.

The cyclops is typically described as brutish, aggressive, and lacking in social skills. They are often depicted as solitary creatures with a tendency towards violence and anger.

Eurylochus values self-preservation and the well-being of the group over loyalty and duty. Odysseus values loyalty, perseverance, and duty to his family and homeland above all else. Their differing values lead to conflicts in "The Odyssey" as they navigate challenges and trials together.

Odysseus seeks Tiresias' advice to navigate his journey back home since Tiresias possesses prophetic abilities and insights into the future. Tiresias can help Odysseus understand the challenges he will face and how to overcome them. Additionally, Tiresias can provide guidance on appeasing the gods, which is crucial for Odysseus's safe return.

How does Odysseus demonstrate his cunning and intelligence in his journey home?

Odysseus's judgment can be characterized as both cunning and strategic. He is known for his ability to make wise decisions and outsmart his adversaries, but he also has moments of pride and recklessness that can cloud his judgment. Ultimately, his journey in Homer's "The Odyssey" showcases a complex portrayal of his judgment and its consequences.

Eurylochus is described as a cunning and pragmatic member of Odysseus' crew, known for his persuasive and charismatic nature. He shows both loyalty to his comrades and a level-headed approach to tough situations, but he also displays a skeptical and sometimes self-serving attitude, which leads to clashes with Odysseus.

In this section, Odysseus's responsibility as a leader and protector of his crew is revealed as he navigates dangerous waters and safeguards his men against various challenges and threats. His commitment to leading and ensuring the safety of his companions demonstrates his role as a responsible leader in their journey.

The welcoming and hospitality shown by Odysseus' wife, Penelope, towards strangers in her home, even in the absence of her husband, illustrates the positive cultural value of hospitality and kindness in Ithaca. Penelope's actions reflect the importance of treating guests with respect and generosity, a key value in Greek society.

The only decent suitor is someone who genuinely cares for and respects the individual they are pursuing, communicates openly and honestly, and acts with integrity in the relationship. It's subjective and will vary from person to person based on their values and standards.

Telemachus and his mother need Odysseus because he is their husband and father, respectively. Odysseus is seen as the rightful ruler of Ithaca and his return is essential for restoring order and legitimacy to their household and kingdom. Additionally, Odysseus' presence provides protection and guidance for Telemachus as he comes of age and learns to be a leader.

The moral of the section "Scylla and Charybdis" from Greek mythology is about navigating between two dangerous choices. It teaches the lesson of making difficult decisions when faced with two equally risky options, and the importance of finding a balance between them to avoid disaster.

Telemachus hesitates because he is unsure if the man claiming to be his father is truly Odysseus. He is cautious and wants to verify his identity. Telemachus changes his mind when Odysseus reveals secret information that only his son would know, confirming his true identity.

Amphinomus advises the suitors to stop their aggressive behavior towards Telemachus and instead focus on enjoying the feasting and entertainment at the palace. He warns them not to harm Telemachus, as it could result in retribution from the gods.

Telemachus kills the handmaids because he believes they betrayed his family by continuing to sleep with the suitors. He sees them as disloyal and unfaithful, contributing to the disrespectful behavior in his household. By eliminating them, he is asserting his authority and restoring order in his home.

A conflict of wills emerges between Odysseus and his men when they try to convince him to stop taunting the cyclops. The men fear the consequences of angering the cyclops, showcasing a conflict of priorities and approaches to survival.

Telemachus would likely view Odysseus as a skilled and powerful figure if he were the target of the suitors' practice shots. He would respect his father's ability to withstand such attacks and possibly see it as a test of Odysseus's resilience and strength. Telemachus may also be proud of his father for enduring these challenges posed by the suitors.