quotes from the odyssey about odysseus being a leader quotes from the odyssey about odysseus being a leader

DO USE INGENUITY WHEN FIGHTING YOUR ENEMIES: Odysseus showed good leadership when he saved the remaining men from his crew from the cyclops. 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. Related. Yes, the terribly challenging circumstances in narrative in which the Odysseus finds himself is a challenge of courage and heroism of which very few would willingly volunteer. Listen: shouting, echoing round me women, girls or the nymphs who haunt the rugged mountaintops and the river springs and meadows lush with grass! Odysseus declines the goddess' offer to stay with her and be immortal. His men relied on him to prepare them on what was going to happen during their journey. According to Helen's description, Odysseus is the son of Laertes (a well-respected . They must be superior in order to provide as a good figure for others to follow, learn from, and willingly respect. ", "Nine years we wove a web of disaster for those Trojans, pressing them hard with every tactic known to man, and only after we slaved did Zeus award us victory. Furthermore, how can we consider Odysseus a hero if his commands are not followed by his men. In The Iliad by Homer, we see Odysseus as a man who thinks deeply and carefully about all that is happening around him. While intelligence is highly respected, occasionally there isnt much you can do to avoid situations, and you just have to accept your. 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. Who does Odysseus encounter in the Land Of The Dead in Homer's Odyssey? What qualities in each are revealed? We get a brief synopsis of the story of the epic poem. Did I not keep my The three men were put under a spell where they forgot their way home, but Odysseus forcefully brought them back to the ship himself. He sings the praises of the brave and cunning Odysseus, credited with the idea of using the horse to deceive the Trojans. Odysseus is an admirable leader when he orders his men to tie him up and do not untie him because he is sacrificing himself for the good of his men. He thought of an elaborate, but organized way to blind Polyphemus after drugging him. The three traits that makes Odysseus a bad leader are being dishonest, prideful, and careless. 2021 Dec 16 [cited 2023 Mar 5]. Using a metaphor, Nestor compares the siege of Troy by the Greeks to a spider weaving a web. 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. 260). Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. The more complicated a character is, the more he or she engages these major themes. Consequently, this gives him experience when it comes acting in difficult situations. ", "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. After this victory, they decided to stay on the island a little bit longer to celebrate. By continuing well assume you board with our cookie policy. What is the importance of arete in the Iliad. Best Odysseus Leadership Quotes from Odyssey Quotes About Leadership QuotesGram. Get your custom essay on, https://studydriver.com/odysseus-showed-bad-leadership/. 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 Odyssey it is made clear that the choice of Mentor is entirely governed by Odysseus, who makes the decision when Telemachus is still an infant. This genius plan saved himself and his crew from dangerous situation with the cyclops. His prayer is answered. Notably, Homers epic The Odyssey charts the journey of Odysseus and his men traveling from Troy to Ithaca. Or am I really close to people who speak my language? He is confident that he represents virtue even when a modern audience might not be so sure. Beset by vengeful gods and facing many challenges, Odysseus has lost nearly everything, but his ultimate goal has remained unwavering. Menelaus is aggrieved at the loss of his comrade Odysseus and laments his fate. When Odysseus and his men go to the island of the Cyclopes, they discover a cave that Odysseus wants to explore. 2021 StudyDriver.com - Big database of free essay examples for students at all levels. "But my heart breaks for Odysseus, that seasoned veteran cursed by fate so long far from his loved ones still, he suffers torments off on a wave-washed island rising at the center of the seas. Odysseus longs to be back home with her in Ithaca, no matter what trials he faces along the way. This shows that he truly cared about his men and kept their wellbeing in mind no matter the circumstances. "Here I am at your mercy, princess are you a goddess or a mortal? 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?. First, he discloses the disturbing information to his. After three of his men ate the Lotus, they wanted to keep eating more and did not want to leave the island. What monstrous clouds King Zeus crowning the whole wide heaven black churning the seas in chaos, gales blasting, raging around my head from every quarter my death-plunge in a flash, its certain now! Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. That was how the war was won, and it was all thanks to Odysseus and his cleverness and ability to lead. Latest answer posted May 29, 2020 at 7:42:15 AM. We have experts for any subject. Heroes orders are followed and pursued, but Odysseus wasn't. With our Essay Lab, you can create a customized outline within seconds to get started on your essay right away. This is perhaps the most famous example of leadership by Odysseus. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 436-441. When Odysseus commands his men to go back to sea to voyage, he is a good leader because he is telling his men what to do. Therefore, take me and bind me to the crosspiece half way up the mast; bind me as I stand upright, with a bond so fast that I cannot possibly break away, and lash the rope's ends to the mast itself. He thought of a cunning plan to get most of his men out of the cave they were trapped in. "Odysseus, master of many exploits, praised the singer: I respect you, Demodocus, more than any man alive surely the Muse has taught you, Zeus's daughter, or god Apollo himself. Odysseus declines the goddess offer to stay with her and be immortal. Accessed 5 Mar. In the Circe episode, Circe persuades Odysseus and his men to stay with her. You least of all I know we're born and reared without the gods' good will." -Athena. The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 272-277. In a culture that equally values wisdom and physical prowess, Odysseus can hold his own. Another part of the adventure where this is portrayed is when Odysseus and his men are on Circes island. on the headland, sitting, still, weeping, his eyes never dry, his sweet life flowing away with the tears he wept for his foiled journey home, since the nymph no longer pleased. When Odysseus emerges naked from the bushes after his sea ordeal, he is hungry and in need of food. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Significant Myths and Structure of the Text, http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/odyssey.html. Leadership requires a person to lead a group of people and have people obey you, how can that occur if Odysseus men do not obey simple instructions. 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. 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 lacked to be a good leader when him and his men were on the way to Ithaca. What makes Odysseus a good leader in The Odyssey? 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. Click . Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns driven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy. One of the reasons Odysseus is an unfit leader is because he puts himself above others. "I reassured the ghost, but he broke out, protesting, "No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! 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. Odysseus takes Agamemnon's scepter and does this: [W]hen he came upon some common soldier shouting, he drove him back with the sceptre and rebuked him: "Sit, man, and hear the words of better men than you; you are weak and lack courage, worthless in war or counsel. According to The Odyssey, it is shown that a hero has a quality of being a risk taker; a trait Odysseus demonstrates throughout his journey. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 163-174. 14. She falls far short of you, your beauty, stature. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime. Menelaus tells the story of the Trojan Horse, which enabled the Greeks to trick the defenders of Troy and take the city after a fruitless ten-year siege. In the end, Odysseus and his crew avoided the Sirens because all of his men listened to him. Are you interested in getting a customized paper? Odysseus is trapped on Calypsos island, where the nymph is keeping him and wants him for her husband. The other name of the suitors mentioned by Homer in this epic poem include: commons.wikimedia.org our extensive database of written samples to find the inspiration or research youre looking For example, when they arrived at the Land of the Lotus Eaters, Odysseus ordered three of his men to explore the island for dangers, rather than all at once investigating the situation. Odysseus is crying as he listens to the Phaiakian bard sing about the Trojan War, but he's not just letting a single tear fall: he's weeping like a widowed woman. Odysseus was quick on his toes, he said "'Cyclops, try some wine. You seem no fool to me. 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. 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. The tragedy focuses on Oedipuss sin and how Oedipus wants to bring justice to the murderer of King Laius. Lastly, Odysseus illustrates good leadership through his use of determination. Hospitality. And may the good gods give you all your heart desires: husband, and house, and lasting harmony too. Noman is my name, and Noman they call me, and my father and my mother and all my fellows. Telemachus is searching for news of his father, who has not been heard from since he left for war nearly 20 years earlier. Homer portrayed Odysseus as a man of outstanding wisdom and shrewdness, eloquence, resourcefulness, courage, and endurance. How often their hearts must warm with joy to see you striding into the dances such a bloom of beauty. All that you say is true, how well I know. 1 / 9. He has no way to voyage home to his own native land, no trim ships in reach, no crew to ply the oars and send him scudding over the seas broad back. In the meantime, while . Book 1 of The Odyssey is titled "Athena inspires the prince" and that is what the goddess is attempting to do. 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. The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 626-630. Odysseus is a Leader The story of The Odyssey with Odysseus being a great leader has been told for many years and will be told many years to come. Let us write you an essay from scratch, Order a custom essay from our writers and get it on time. They said dreadful danger/ lurks there for us. In order to do this, he hid his men in cattle to escape from the cyclops. Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds, many pains he suffered, heartsick on the open sea, fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home. I wished to see the cave man, what he had to offer- no pretty sight, it turned out, for my friends (155-157). That is not to say that Odysseus is a one dimensional man; he does, at times, persist when saving his men from the Cyclops. - Odysseus. From the conversation between Hector and Andromache inthe Iliad, choose details which show great love between the two. 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. This essay will explore the representation of three types of relationship in Odyssey: husband and [], Trickery is common in Greek mythology. But not in the convoy of the gods or mortal men. 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. The Odyssey [], The relationship between male and female is a key theme in the Odyssey and has been increasingly popular in recent scholarship. The brilliant U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur once said, A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. This description of a leader can be used when telling of the great adventures of Odysseus on his way home to Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan War. When I had done this I hid it under dung, which was lying about all over the cave, and told the men to cast lots which of them should venture along with myself to lift it and bore it into the monster's eye while he was asleep. He is being a leader by protecting his men from the Ciccone 's army by leaving before reinforcements come. When Odysseus and his men are stuck in Polyphemus's cave Odysseus tricks him into drinking a lot of wine so he falls asleep so they can make a plan to get out alive. This is an exception to the patriarchal world of the time, with the woman having the power and the man being her captive. Out to sea again! (Homer 984). He looks terrifying to the Phaeacian princess Nausicaa and her handmaids as he approaches them. Latest answer posted June 12, 2016 at 4:51:53 PM. paper. reserved. Just do as I say. In Homer's 'The Odyssey', the forces of fate, destiny, and justice factor into Odysseus' journey home. ", "Show me the way to town, give me a rag for cover, just some cloth, some wrapper you carried with you here. In brief, Odysseus clearly is a good leader because he is courageous, pensive, and intelligent. In book three of the epic story, Odysseus is being compared to Menelaus, a man who is imposing and impressive physically. When he realizes his men are in danger, he is confident in an escape plan and taking the risks to go through with it. Log in here. Unfortunately, Odysseus makes poor choices throughout his travels and his actions often do more harm than good. Odysseus sometimes lacks self-awareness when he would kill his men or people just because it was a faster way to reach his goal. This experience should guide him to choose correctly when being put in a tight spot. In this passage Athena, who has a special relationship with Odysseus, pleads with Zeus to allow the "cursed by fate" hero home. "Man of misery, what next? "Ah great goddess dont be angry with me, please. In the tug of war for Odysseus heart, it is Penelope who wins over Calypso. 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. The lot fell upon the very four whom I should have chosen, and I myself made five. DONT LET YOUR CREW TELL YOU WHAT TO DO: Odysseus showed bad leadership with his men and Helios cattle. First, he discloses the disturbing information to his men, so they know as much as he does about the fate that awaits them on the sea. The epic poem "The Odyssey" is written by Homer and takes place in ancient Greece 700 B.C. 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 15-18. A Homeric simile compares this to a farmer burying an ember in ashes to keep it warm, so that he can kindle a fire later. All rights 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. Weird, right? Following are some quotes from The Odyssey that demonstrate Odysseus's leadership qualities. There is much foreshadowing in the passage. Odysseus' sharp wit distinguishes him from other heroes of his era, who only use strength to overpower their enemies. But one man alone his heart set on his wife and his return Calypso, the bewitching nymph, the lustrous goddess, held him back, deep in her arching caverns, craving him for a husband. Odysseus knew that he would encounter this monster because Circe warned him about her. The same men who had been rushing back to their ships, giddy at the prospect of returning home, now become an overwhelming tide of humanity flowing back to the battlefield. "Men are so quick to blame the gods: they say that we devise their misery. Zeus also warns that Odysseus journey will not be an easy one, but full of pain. 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. In order to serve as a good leader one must have certain qualities about their personality and abilities. A heros funeral then, my glory spread by comrades now what a wretched death Im doomed to die! By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Eumaeus and Philoetius, the servants, remained faithful servants to their master. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 236-246. In summary, a hero has to have an excellent leadership role. Tricking Polyphemus into drinking the wine, sharpening a huge tree trunk into a spear, and driving it into the eye of the cyclops shows not only slyness but strength and leadership. They are killed by the god Helios for their reckless action in consuming his cattle. Already a member? In the Odyssey, what does Teiresias (the prophet in the Land of the Dead) warn Odysseus against in his prophecy? I can help you save hours on your homework. Even though Odysseus knew that the Cyclops could be very dangerous, he still went on to their island in order to explore. 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. What epic elements do you find in Homer's Iliad? Odysseus is an epic hero, he is a natural leader and at some points in the book smarter than everyone else. The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 119-123. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, however, what gives someone the title of a good or bad is decided by the decisions they make and how those decisions affect others. She says that he is being held captive on an island by the goddess Calypso, who is trying to wipe out all thoughts of his homeland. So, thoughtfulness is clearly another trait of Odysseus that he uses to make him a stronger leader. Justice is a big theme in The Odyssey, both among gods and mortals. 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. Here, however, he does not suffer the missteps he will in The Odyssey. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. These were only some main events in the epic that showed his acts of valor, but they supported his ability to be a good leader nonetheless. They use their power of trickery to trick and deceive humans, to fulfill their wishes. The most compelling evidence is. 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. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. Significant Myths and Structure of the Text. Human feelings are always mixed, and there is no true unconditional love. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime. After barely escaping, the Cyclops he placed a curse on Odysseus out of his fury. We should care about this topic because it is pertinent in our world today. [], The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey both deals with characters that question their mortality due to death. Let us have but the one leader, the one true king, to whom Zeus, the son of Cronos of wily counsel, gave sceptre and command, to rule his people wisely.". Throughout the epic poem the main characters [], The Odyssey presents its readers with many moments of grief Penelope grieves over the possible loss of her husband, Telemachus is riddled with the grief the suitors give him by trying to take over his missing fathers estate. Helen is telling the story of how she saw and recognized Odysseus when he came into Troy disguised as a beggar during the war. They readily address him as their king and leave many responsibilities in his hands. Athena inspires Nausicaa with the courage to face the brine-caked and naked Odysseus. How true to life, all too true . He confronted Circe and slept with her in order to have his men turned back into humans, proving his fearlessness and reliability as a leader. I fear wild beasts will drag me off as quarry.". Pity me, lord, your suppliant cries for help." ", "and no one knew him at all I alone, I spotted him for the man he was. Three time and four time happy those Danaans were who died then in wide Troy land, bringing favor to the sons of Atreus, as I wish I too had died at that time and met my destiny on the day when the greatest number of Trojans threw their bronze-headed weapons over me, over the body of perished Achilles, and I would have had my rites and the 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. DO INSTILL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR SUBORDINATES: The men became terrified when they saw smoke of white water and heard loud sounds of water. 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. And no one there could hope to rival Odysseus, not for sheer cunning at every twist of strategy he excelled us all. Don't use plagiarized sources. Odysseus is a great leader, and a hero. And how did his struggles end? ", "but what a feat that hero dared and carried off in the land of Troy where you Achaeans suffered! To calm them down, Odysseus told them what to do next. The shipwrecked Odysseus flatters Nausicaa in a bid to gain her assistance, even comparing her to the goddess Artemis. Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. An important figure in Greek mythology is Metis. 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. In Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus exhibits many qualities that confirm his ability to fit the role of a good leader. The Iliad is not Odysseus's story; however, he is certainly an integral part of what happens in it. Here's liquor to wash down your scraps of men. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 148-158. Odysseus barely managed to escape this, but his actions put him and his crew at a huge risk. 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. ", "I saw him once on an island, weeping live warm tears in the nymph Calypsos house she holds him there by force. This is Odysseuss response to the situation.After Circe releases his men from the spell, Odysseus spends a year with her (pg 506). By clicking Continue, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 1-12. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus a prominent Greek epic hero is on a quest . Why was Odysseus not a good leader? The Odyssey. Cold and exhausted after his harrowing ordeal at sea, he wonders is this the end for him. After stabbing the cyclopes in the eye and the cyclopes moving the boulder Odysseus had to think of a way to get his men out safely and this quote shows his intelligence and leadership skills "I tied them silently together, twining cords of willow from the cyclops's bed; then slung a man . The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 142-153. A hero's funeral then, my glory spread by comrades - now what a wretched death I'm doomed to die! Therefore, he warned Amphinomus to leave his house before the final battle took place. Throughout The Odyssey, he lead his men well by thinking every situation through. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 329-337. Quotes Odysseus Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns. Agamemnon has had a dream and is confident the gods are now on the side of the Achaians against the Trojans; he decides to test his army and announces that they are free to go home if they wish. Written in the late 8th or 9th century BC, The Odyssey remains one of the all-time greatest quest stories. A great leader views the world like he is looking through 3D glasses, always seeing the depth and vibrancy of the possibilities around him. What are the worthwhile causes for fighting a war? In The Odyssey, how does the character of Odysseus change from the beginning of his quest until the end? At that moment to there shock this Cyclops does not for tray the "rules" of the Gods. However, Amphinomus decided to stay and eventually got killed by Telemachus, along with the other suitors. Without these qualities, a leader is not being the best they can be towards their people. This shows that he prioritizes himself over his men and is clearly selfish, a quality good leaders should not have. Ultimately Odysseus can be a good leader but behind the scenes, he's not. 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. Even though others may claim that Odysseus is not a good leader because of the amount of hubris he shows, the positive qualities such as his good judgement, bravery, and his ability to inspire others prove otherwise. As Odysseus claimed his name to be "Nohbdy . However, Oedipus slowly uncovers the truth, ultimately leading to his own banishment from his. Strewing your way with such a crop of troubles!