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Who is Odysseus and why is he known for cleverness?
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Odyssey: A Readerâs Guide to Homerâs Epic
Engraving of Homer by Hieronymus Wierix, 16th century; in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
Odysseus is the central hero of Homerâs epic poem the Odyssey and a prominent figure in the Iliad. As the king of Ithaca, he is characterized as a complex figure defined by his courage, eloquence, and exceptional resourcefulness.123
He is renowned for his clevernessâoften described as being "wily" or a "man of many turns"âbecause of his talent for strategic planning, ruses, and deception. This intelligence was vital to the Greek victory in the Trojan War and allowed him to survive numerous crises during his 10-year journey home. His cleverness is evidenced by his ability to:321
- Outwit adversaries: He escaped the Cyclops Polyphemus by clinging to the belly of a ram and navigated past the Sirens by having his men block their ears while he remained tied to the mast.4
- Solve complex problems: He successfully navigated the dangers of Scylla and Charybdis and used disguises to reclaim his kingdom.4
- Maintain strategic focus: His sharp wit and resourcefulness earned him the favor of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and military strategy, who frequently assisted him.52