Is this the end? Why was Odysseus not a good leader? 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 shipwrecked Odysseus flatters Nausicaa in a bid to gain her assistance, even comparing her to the goddess Artemis. DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO SAVE YOUR CREW: Odysseus showed signs of good leadership when he saved his men from the Lotus Eaters. Odysseus in The Odyssey | Shmoop Show More. Already a member? Instead of killing Odysseus and his men, the hilltop made a big wave that brought the ships back to shore. Odysseus is meeting with Tiresias (a blind prophet) to learn his future. Look at my wise Penelope. Odysseus, in his apathy with regard to the crisis, did not want to have to manage his crew's fear. What makes Odysseus a good leader in The Odyssey? 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. In this story, he solidifies his reputation as a strong leader, which is why we are willing to follow his journey. The other name of the suitors mentioned by Homer in this epic poem include: commons.wikimedia.org This shows how Odysseus came up with a brilliant plan to hide in between the Cyclops rams and escape with the rams when the Cyclops let them out. Line 223-301). Being a leader is a very honorable and important status. Already a member? Examples Of Leadership In The Odyssey - 1206 Words | Cram Zeus instructs his son Hermes to deliver his command to Calypso concerning Odysseus. He is being a leader by protecting his men from the Ciccone 's army by leaving before reinforcements come. However, in the Odyssey, Odysseus makes choices that both his crew and the reader find questionable. 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.". Odysseus: Top Ten Quotes | Novelguide "I reassured the ghost, but he broke out, protesting, "No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! These are the opening words to Homers masterpiece, The Odyssey, one of the most important and enduring works of Western literature. After this victory, they decided to stay on the island a little bit longer to celebrate. Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus, start from where you will sing for our time too. The Odyssey Quotes Explained - ThoughtCo Penelope is the wife of Odysseus; she does not remarry while he is away. We have experts for any subject. Odysseus is a bad leader - Free Essay Example - 661 Words - StudyDriver.com 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. Furthermore, how can we consider Odysseus a hero if his commands are not followed by his men. According to Helen's description, Odysseus is the son of Laertes (a well-respected . 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. Odysseus Quotes from The Odyssey - 242 Quotes, Analysis All that you say is true, how well I know. Here the narrator describes Odysseus typical day in captivity: weeping by day because he is prevented from returning home, and being an unwilling lover by night. No, on a lashed, makeshift raft and wrung with pains, on the twentieth day he will make his landfall, fertile Scheria, the land of Phaeacians, close kin to the gods themselves, who with all their hearts will prize him like a god and send him off in a ship to his own beloved land, giving him bronze and hoards of gold and robes more plunder than he could ever have won from Troy if Odysseus had returned intact with his fair share. A bad leader is like a cyclops wearing an eyepatch, never able to see his mighty hand in front of his own face. The three men were put under a spell where they forgot their way home, but Odysseus forcefully brought them back to the ship himself. Tiresias warns Odysseus that if his men ate Helios cattle, then they would be all be punished with 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. While not fully explored in [], We provide you with original essay samples, perfect formatting and styling. [], The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey both deals with characters that question their mortality due to death. Throughout his journey, Odysseus proves himself worthy of this reputation due to how deals with the challenges he faces and carries his men. In the Odyssey, what does Teiresias (the prophet in the Land of the Dead) warn Odysseus against in his prophecy? Od. 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. 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. 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. 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. 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. 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. He pleads for rags to cover him and assistance to get to the town. The fate of Odysseus is being controlled by a vengeful Poseidon, angered at the blinding of his son, Zeus acknowledges. Without these qualities, a leader is not being the best they can be towards their people. Odysseus is inspired once again by Athena as he tries to swim safely to shore in heavy seas. This shows how powerful a woman Penelope is. Odysseus was waiting for the beastly one-eyed man ''beholden them for his help, or any gifts you give- as custom is to honor strangers." That was how the war was won, and it was all thanks to Odysseus and his cleverness and ability to lead. . What are the challenges that Odysseus had to face on his journey home? Listen: shouting, echoing round me women, girls or the nymphs who haunt the rugged mountaintops and the river springs and meadows lush with grass! Important Odyssey Quotes Explained | Literature Guides - Ivypanda Latest answer posted June 12, 2016 at 4:51:53 PM. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 33-46. 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. There is much foreshadowing in the passage. Helen tells the story of how Odysseus cunningly disguised himself as a begger to slip into Troy unrecognized during the Trojan war. Secondly, Odysseus can be deceitful and not fully communicate the facts of each situation. 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. He is a thinker and he is a hero, and we see these attributes whenever we read about him. Is it presented as a good or bad thing? GradesFixer. He prays that the gods will grant her hearts desires and an ideal marriage. Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. After three of his men ate the Lotus, they wanted to keep eating more and did not want to leave the island. The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 15-18. Odysseus is visited by Athena. Written in the late 8th or 9th century BC, The Odyssey remains one of the all-time greatest quest stories. You least of all I know we're born and reared without the gods' good will." -Athena. 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. Analysis of Odysseus as a Good Leader - GradesFixer DONT LET YOUR CREW TELL YOU WHAT TO DO: Odysseus showed bad leadership with his men and Helios cattle. In summary, a hero has to have an excellent leadership role. In order to do this, he hid his men in cattle to escape from the cyclops. Odysseus also leads with his clever ideas when he orders the Greeks to build the Trojan Horse so they could raid Troy and destroy it. Significant Myths and Structure of the Text. Odysseus sometimes lacks self-awareness when he would kill his men or people just because it was a faster way to reach his goal. Odysseus and his crew robbed and killed them on their island. Odysseus is still a hero because he is a leader. Odysseus Is Not A Hero Essay - on Study Boss 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. Notably, Homers epic The Odyssey charts the journey of Odysseus and his men traveling from Troy to Ithaca. Get your custom essay. Beset by vengeful gods and facing many challenges, Odysseus has lost nearly everything, but his ultimate goal has remained unwavering. 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. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 490-497. 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. Odysseus declines the goddess' offer to stay with her and be immortal. Or am I really close to people who speak my language? paper. ", "Show me the way to town, give me a rag for cover, just some cloth, some wrapper you carried with you here. When Odysseus and his men go to the island of the Cyclopes, they discover a cave that Odysseus wants to explore. "Kind Like a Father": On Mentors and Kings in the Odyssey Orders: The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 303-306. Odysseus believes that he is going to die at sea, thanks to the storm sent by Poseidon. Not only that, but he does not expect of his men what he is not willing to do himself. ", 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? This essay proves that an epic hero is not only a personification of that culture but also the best version of that culture. Therefore, he warned Amphinomus to leave his house before the final battle took place. Is Odysseus a Good Leader? - New York Essays Examples Of Odysseus Being A Good Leader | ipl.org Over the course of the epic, Oedipus gradually loses his men until he has none when he comes home because of his hubristic leadership. Odysseus . 16. Moreover, Odysseus proved himself a proper leader through being thoughtful. He also tries to bring home his comrades, but fails. Early in the poem we are informed that Odysseus had chosen one of his friends to be the overseer of his family and property. First, he discloses the disturbing information to his. The first main trait that demonstrates Odysseus is a worthy leader is his optimistic approach to the difficult tasks both he and his men faced during their adventure. Odysseus knew about this and wanted to spare his life. This essay will explore the representation of three types of relationship in Odyssey: husband and [], Trickery is common in Greek mythology. Line 660). Much have I suffered, labored long and hard by now in the waves and wars. 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?. Since Odysseus could not control his men and make them not eat the cattle, his whole crew died and his ship got destroyed. Major Themes in The Odyssey - CliffsNotes 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 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. He neglected to tell them anything, which resulted in 6 of his men being eaten. He prays to the river god as he swims towards the mouth of a river on the coast of Phaeacia. The poet asks the Muse for inspiration to learn about the "man of twists and turns" and his arduous journey home. He believes that the gods are against him and his position is hopeless. Muse, tell me how he wandered and was lost when he had wrecked the holy town of Troy, and where he went, and who he met, the pain he suffered in the storms at sea, and how he worked to save his life and bring his men back home." Lines 1-7 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. Accessed 5 Mar. But fascinatingly Odysseus willingly beds Calypso one more time before he sails away on the raft she allowed him to build. This shows Odysseus as a good leader because he tied his men down to the ship and left the island because he knew it was the best way to save them from the Lotus. All cannot play the king, and a host of leaders is no wise thing. 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 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. His Arrogance and his hubris Then every wind roared into hurricane; the ships went pitching west with many cries; [their] land was lost (X. The Odyssey Quotes | Explanations with Page Numbers | LitCharts Here, however, he does not suffer the missteps he will in The Odyssey. This pep talk motivated his crew and prepared them for what was to come in the future. Long-enduring great Odysseus, overjoyed at the sight, bedded down in the midst and heaped the leaves around him. Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. 380-381). Latest answer posted January 22, 2021 at 1:12:04 PM, Latest answer posted December 06, 2020 at 10:35:48 AM. our extensive database of written samples to find the inspiration or research youre looking eNotes Editorial, 26 Nov. 2013, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/there-any-good-quotes-about-odyseuss-being-hero-464644. And no one there could hope to rival Odysseus, not for sheer cunning at every twist of strategy he excelled us all. 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. Click . The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 1-12. In the tug of war for Odysseus' heart, it is Penelope who wins over Calypso. Odysseus is a Leader They readily address him as their king and leave many responsibilities in his hands. I can help you save hours on your homework. Nevertheless, heroes rules and commands are respected by their followers and it shows excellent leadership, yet this does not the speak to Odysseus. Proteus tells Menelaus that Odysseus is being held captive on a remote island by the lustful goddess Calypso. Odysseus Is An Epic Hero Quotes - Term Paper - TermPaper Warehouse There were other points where Odysseus showed his bravery, like when he travelled to the underworld, and many more. You can find some excellent answers on these topics in the eNotes links below, which can help guide you in your studies. Quotes in Odyssey with Examples and Analysis - Literary Devices In the tug of war for Odysseus heart, it is Penelope who wins over Calypso. Odysseus is a king who is deeply respected for his combat triumphs and heroism in the trojan war. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Significant Myths and Structure of the Text, http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/odyssey.html. ", "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. 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 . 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. Odysseus in The Iliad: Character Analysis | Study.com He may of saved his men multiple times, but also got them killed them due to his neglect. How true to life, all too true . The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 131-138. 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. His concern for his men is only matched by his own desire to rise above mortal limits. Odysseus and his men will be left for dead. Although he and his crew may face obstacles, Odysseus usually comes up with a plan that serves the crew well in the long run. Announce to the nymph with lovely braids our fixed decree: Odysseus journeys home the exile must return. He's on the final leg of his journey, and this grand tale has culminated in his finally coming near his goal. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/analysis-of-odysseus-as-a-good-leader/. Let's fix your grades together! Read More 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. Remember: This is just a sample from a fellow student. 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 . "Noman is my name, and Noman they call me, and my father and my mother and all my fellows'. Example 1 "I started shouting,calling the Cyclops, although around me my comrades cautioned me from every side,But my warrior spirit did not listen.." (Book 9. DONT ANGER THE GODS:Odysseus angered Poseidon by blinding and making fun of the Cyclops, who was his son. 15. 2021 StudyDriver.com - Big database of free essay examples for students at all levels. On the Cicones Island, even though he didn't make much attempt to make his men leave and his lack of . Leaders have more expectations and responsibilities that they must cater to as well. In order to save his men, Odysseus, drove them, all three wailing, to the ships, tied them down under their rowing benches, and called the rest. Stripped of his pride and dignity, a naked shipwrecked Odysseus begs Phaeacian princess Nausicaa for help. Book 1 of The Odyssey is titled "Athena inspires the prince" and that is what the goddess is attempting to do. the crew relies on their leader to make decisions for the well-being of the crew. The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 57-60, 65-68. 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. Latest answer posted September 17, 2018 at 7:55:02 PM. After building a raft and setting sail from Calypsos island, Odysseus finally sees the land of Phaeacia. 2021 Dec 16 [cited 2023 Mar 5]. Weird, right? Ultimately Odysseus can be a good leader but behind the scenes, he's not. Enumerate the epic conventions that you can find in books 1 and 2 of the Iliad? This shows that he prioritizes himself over his men and is clearly selfish, a quality good leaders should not have. 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. DON'T KEEP SECRETS FROM YOUR MEN:Odysseus showed bad leadership by telling his men nothing about Scylla. What qualities in each are revealed? ", "but what a feat that hero dared and carried off in the land of Troy where you Achaeans suffered! Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus a prominent Greek epic hero is on a quest . After that, he stays equally as strong when faced with Poseidons anger and the journey ahead of him. Then, he planned for his men to escape concealed by being bound under the bellies of sheep. Odysseus is saying this to himself after being wakened up by a group of young Phaeacian girls playing ball. Homer explains how the, Odysseus is not a hero because he stabs Polyphemus in the eye and blinds him. This shows the lack of obedience the men have and Odysseus lack of leadership. Heroes orders are followed and pursued, but Odysseus wasn't. At Polyphemuss cave, Odysseus shows no fear confronting and speaking to the Cyclops in the beginning. 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. Students who find it difficult to write detailed essays. This resulted in some of his men being eaten by the Cyclops, due to Odysseus curiosity. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 329-337. Only Alcinous daughter held fast, for Athena planted courage within her heart, dissolved the trembling in her limbs, and she firmly stood her ground and faced Odysseus, torn now Should he fling his arms around her knees, the young beauty, plead for help, or stand back, plead with a winning word, beg her to lead him to the town and lend him clothing? Latest answer posted December 16, 2020 at 8:04:05 PM. Odysseus Leadership Quotes - 162 Words | Bartleby Furthermore, Odysseus is very clever, which is a another strong trait leaders should possess. Log in here. Odysseus led the squadron of soldiers in the trojan horse and is a hero of the Trojan War and the king of Ithaca. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 196-203. 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. 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. This is perhaps the most famous example of leadership by Odysseus. Noman is my name, and Noman they call me, and my father and my mother and all my fellows. Is Odysseus A Hero: Main Character of Homers Epic Poem Essay, Analysis of the Male and Female Relationships in the Odyssey Essay, The Odyssey: Odysseus As The Archetypal Trickster Essay, A Study of the Characters Odysseus and Poseidon as Depicted in Homer's Odyssey Essay, Strengths And Weaknesses Of Odysseus Essay, A study of the friendship between Odysseus and Athena Essay, An Analysis of the Journey of Odysseus Essay, Gilgamesh and Odysseus: the Lessons Learned Essay, Womens Influence on the Warfare in the Illiad Essay.