The Odyssey. Homer (around 800 and 600 BCE) to show the numerous adventures and experiences Odysseus goes through. ", 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? His men expected Odysseus to make decisions for his crew 282 Words Odysseus must fight monsters, Cyclopes and more . 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. The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 119-123. Odysseus' could not properly feed his men and he could not control them. This is not an example of the work written by professional essay writers. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 338-345. Thus, the question of leadership supersedes the topic of Arete. 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. 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. What makes Odysseus a good leader in The Odyssey? Line 660). He has decreed that the exiled hero is to return home. Poseidon may have condemned Odysseus to an additional ten years suffering at sea, but his fate has attracted the attention of the other gods who want to help him. Ultimately his loyalty to family and homeland is more important than anything Calypso can offer. When we do see him, he is generally described as being "godlike" or somehow connected to the gods because of his wisdom or bravery. He's on the final leg of his journey, and this grand tale has culminated in his finally coming near his goal. He looks terrifying to the Phaeacian princess Nausicaa and her handmaids as he approaches them. Odysseus is scraped by the rocks on the Phaeacian shore. They readily address him as their king and leave many responsibilities in his hands. To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below: By clicking Send, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. The goddess and nymph Calypso keeps Odysseus as a sex slave on her island of Ogygia for seven years. 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. Joywarm as the joy that children feel when they see their fathers life dawn again, one whos lain on a sickbed racked with torment, wasting away, slowly, under some angry powers onslaught then what joy when the gods deliver him from his pains! However, they Cicones attacked Odysseus men and killed 72 of them. Odysseus is a great leader, and a hero. (Page 11). Gradesfixer , Analysis Of Odysseus As A Good Leader [Internet]. 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. Odysseus knew that he would encounter this monster because Circe warned him about her. Killing his men was perhaps not the best thing to do, but he still is heroic because his loyalty is what drives him to advance on his long journey home. Penelope is the wife of Odysseus; she does not remarry while he is away. ", "Show me the way to town, give me a rag for cover, just some cloth, some wrapper you carried with you here. So, thoughtfulness is clearly another trait of Odysseus that he uses to make him a stronger leader. (Page 21-22). But the hero of the Trojan war wishes that he had met his end more gloriously with his dead comrades on the battlefields of Troy. He believes that the gods are against him and his position is hopeless. She falls far short of you, your beauty, stature. Latest answer posted October 02, 2020 at 3:09:58 PM. This foreshadows the exact same tactics being used by Odysseus, with Athenas help, to return unnoticed to Ithaca. Line 223-301). He did all of this with only the goal of returning to his beloved family in mind. And no one there could hope to rival Odysseus, not for sheer cunning at every twist of strategy he excelled us all. So his destiny ordains. "There's always a siren, singing you to shipwreck. As Odysseus and his men prepare to face Kharybdis and Skylla, his men are nervous, so Odysseus reminds them "'Have we never been in danger before this? The father of the gods decides to intervene to allow Odysseus to return home. A heavy sea covered him over, then and there unlucky Odysseus would have met his death against the will of Fate but the bright-eyed one inspired him yet again. 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. Eumaeus and Philoetius, the servants, remained faithful servants to their master. 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? When Odysseus emerges naked from the bushes after his sea ordeal, he is hungry and in need of food. Generally I think Odysseus is a good leader because he saves his men more times than he lets them get killed, for example on the island with Polythemus. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus a prominent Greek epic hero is on a quest . He is a leader when he does this because he lets his men not suffer the sirens while he has to. Furthermore, how can we consider Odysseus a hero if his commands are not followed by his men. Often mortals will turn to the gods to help them achieve justice, and fear of divine . ", "And now for his blinded son the earthquake god though he wont quite kill Odysseus drives him far off course from native land. 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. 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. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 370-383. Secondly, Odysseus can be deceitful and not fully communicate the facts of each situation. Already a member? The Odyssey, Book 1, lines 15-18. This essay will explore the representation of three types of relationship in Odyssey: husband and [], Trickery is common in Greek mythology. Critical Essays Major Themes in. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 490-497. In a bird simile she is compared to a "shearwater on the wing." Then, to demonstrate his own courage and fortitude, he asks them to tie him to a mast so he alone can hear the Sirens's song, while the others stop their ears. However, his curiosity got the better of his, which resulted in at least 6 of Odysseus best men dying. 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. At that moment to there shock this Cyclops does not for tray the "rules" of the Gods. The lack of obedience and respect for Odysseus shows the lack of leadership role that he has between he and his followers. Unique to Odysseus as an ideal hero as he was a rare intelligent hero Strategy quotes 'quick witted' 'resourceful' 'at every twist of strategy he excelled us all' - Nestor to Telemachus The ideal wife complements odysseus Puts him above other men as he and his wife can work together as a team. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 329-337. 2023 gradesfixer.com. "Noman is my name, and Noman they call me, and my father and my mother and all my fellows'. Their own best claim to glory.". He always looks out for his men and encourages them to keep moving forward when hope disappears. He prays that the gods will grant her hearts desires and an ideal marriage. "Ah great goddess dont be angry with me, please. Look at my wise Penelope. By clicking Continue, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 305-308. All rights 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. ", "No one, no Achaean labored hard as Odysseus labored or achieved so much. While not fully explored in [], We provide you with original essay samples, perfect formatting and styling. The Iliad is not Odysseus's story; however, he is certainly an integral part of what happens in it. Leaders have more expectations and responsibilities that they must cater to as well. And may the good gods give you all your heart desires: husband, and house, and lasting harmony too. ", "Yet I tell you great Odysseus is not dead. This shows that he truly cared about his men and kept their wellbeing in mind no matter the circumstances. If Odysseus looted the city and left, then he could have stolen many things without losing any. Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. Odysseus is inspired once again by Athena as he tries to swim safely to shore in heavy seas. They are killed by the god Helios for their reckless action in consuming his cattle. Odysseus is saying this to himself after being wakened up by a group of young Phaeacian girls playing ball. Ultimately Odysseus can be a good leader but behind the scenes, he's not. Two character traits define Odysseus and shape his poor leadership style. So the man prayed and the god stemmed his current. In brief, Odysseus clearly is a good leader because he is courageous, pensive, and intelligent. Unfortunately, the inhabitants [], The Odyssey is a story about Odysseus return home, and the struggles he faces. We get a brief synopsis of the story of the epic poem. The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 272-277. All rights reserved. Having floated in heavy seas for two days and nights, battling Poseidons storms, Odysseus makes this plea for divine help. 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." (Page 19, lines 337-340). Is this the end? We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Tiresias warns Odysseus that if his men ate Helios cattle, then they would be all be punished with death. It may be with us all our lives, or it may be many years or decades before we find it or it finds us. This shows the lack of obedience the men have and Odysseus lack of leadership. She is mortal after all and you, you never age or die Nevertheless I long I pine, all my days to travel home and see the dawn of my return. (Hom. Despair to their enemies, a joy to all their friends. Therefore I led them back to the ships weeping, and sore against their will, and dragged them beneath the benches, and bound them in the hollow barques. If I beg and pray you to set me free, then bind me more tightly still.". GradesFixer. 260). Students who find it difficult to write detailed essays. 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. "The Odyssey" is about a man named Odysseus and his ten-year journey to get home with his men after losing the Trojan war. 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. In the Iliad, Odysseus appears as the man best suited to cope with crises in personal relations among the Greeks, and he plays a leading part in achieving the reconciliation between Agamemnon and Achilles. However, he prophecies that Odysseus will end up back in his homeland of Ithaca with many treasures, because that is his destiny. Orders: 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. What relevance does the Iliad have in modern times? He is a thinker and he is a hero, and we see these attributes whenever we read about him. 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. True, but he is the one more blest than all other men alive, that man who sways you with gifts and leads you home, his bride! 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. Explore important quotes from the epic poem, learn how fate plays a role, and discover how . Following are some quotes from The Odyssey that demonstrate Odysseus's leadership qualities. But come, all of us here put heads together now, work out his journey home so Odysseus can return. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. That is the gods' work, spinning threads of death through the lives of mortal men, and all to make a song for those to come." Alcinous, 8.647-651 When they land on the island his men are held captive and are turned into animals. Like a fond father welcoming back his son after nine years abroad, his only son, the apple of his eye for whom he has sacrificed much, the admirable swineherd threw his arms round Telemachus'. For instance, Odysseus speaks with Circ and discovers that their journey ahead will not be easy. Despite this sudden change of heart, he is still wise enough to plan out what he is going to do when he gets to Circes Island and how to keep his crew safe, Lastly, Odysseus lack of leadership is shown when he tells his men not to open the bag of air. "Nohbdy, Nohbdy's tricked me, Nohbdy's ruined me" (Homer.9.317)! Announce to the nymph with lovely braids our fixed decree: Odysseus journeys home the exile must return. When Odysseus and his men go to the island of the Cyclopes, they discover a cave that Odysseus wants to explore. From beginning to end of the Odyssey, Odysseus repeatedly motivated his crew to not give up during their journey by announcing "My friends, I know how much/ you have endured. (2019, Nov 18). More fearsome, is it now, than when the kyklopes penned us in his cave? Also, Odysseus angered Poseidon by destroying Troy. We see him earn the respect of the other men in the army and their trust. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 148-158. Moreover, after Odysseus and his men fight the Cicones, he orders Back and Quickly! The tragedy focuses on Oedipuss sin and how Oedipus wants to bring justice to the murderer of King Laius. DO INSTILL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR SUBORDINATES: The men became terrified when they saw smoke of white water and heard loud sounds of water. "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. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime. Odysseus showed bad leadership when his curiosity resulted in some of his men dying. In order to do this, he hid his men in cattle to escape from the cyclops. Instead of exploring the land, all Odysseus had to do was avoid it. Log in here. In other words the most ideal leaders are capable to accomplish the tasks they already have. 16 students ordered this very topic and got original papers. Strategy. . An epic simile compares his delight to the joy of children when the gods deliver their father from serious illness. He neglected to tell them anything, which resulted in 6 of his men being eaten. Don't use plagiarized sources. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. Especially among Gods and Goddesses. Odysseus longs to be back home with her in Ithaca, no matter what trials he faces along the way. 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. 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. He pleads for rags to cover him and assistance to get to the town. reserved. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 538-545. However, it is evident that there are circumstances where his hubris leads him to trust his intellect and wit over more reasonable course of action that not only endanger his life, but the life of his entire, Odysseus demonstrates as an efficient leader when they come across various threatening situations. Zeus instructs his son Hermes to deliver his command to Calypso concerning Odysseus. We will occasionally send you account related emails. Read More - Odysseus. While Nausicaa stands her ground, her attendants run off down the beach in panic. Menelaus is aggrieved at the loss of his comrade Odysseus and laments his fate. you sing the Achaeans' fate, all they did and suffered, all they soldiered through, 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. In this passage Athena, who has a special relationship with Odysseus, pleads with Zeus to allow the "cursed by fate" hero home. In Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus exhibits many qualities that confirm his ability to fit the role of a good leader. 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. Scarring his own body with mortifying strokes, throwing filthy rags on his back like any slave, he slipped into the enemys city, roamed its streets all disguised, a totally different man, a beggar. However, Odysseus told his men, Ill make the crossing in my own ship and find out what the mainland natives are-for they may be wild savages, and lawless. Human feelings are always mixed, and there is no true unconditional love. Odysseus sometimes lacks self-awareness when he would kill his men or people just because it was a faster way to reach his goal. The examples that will presented will illustrate that Odysseus hubris, risk taking prowess, and at times unwillingness to follow instructions often placed his crew in danger as he journeyed Ithaca. In the Odyssey, what does Teiresias (the prophet in the Land of the Dead) warn Odysseus against in his prophecy? Here's liquor to wash down your scraps of men. The reader learns about the characters through the themes. But what if I climb that slope, go for the dark woods and bed down in the thick brush? We have experts for any subject. Get your custom essay. Scylla was a huge monster that had twelve large legs like tentacles and 6 heads with fangs. In book three of the epic story, Odysseus is being compared to Menelaus, a man who is imposing and impressive physically. He also tries to bring home his comrades, but fails. 16 students ordered this very topic and got original papers. Lord Poseidon, I trust, will let his anger go. The fate of Odysseus is being controlled by a vengeful Poseidon, angered at the blinding of his son, Zeus acknowledges. 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 is confident that he represents virtue even when a modern audience might not be so sure. However, Amphinomus decided to stay and eventually got killed by Telemachus, along with the other suitors. A great leader views the world like he is looking through 3D glasses, always seeing the depth and vibrancy of the possibilities around him. Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. 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. And how did his struggles end? 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. 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. Retrieved March 4, 2023 , from https://studydriver.com/odysseus-showed-bad-leadership/, Get in touch with our top writers for a non-plagiarized essays written to satisfy your needs. Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. 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. Nobody worked as hard as or achieved so much as Odysseus, yet his struggles ended in suffering. Like pebbles stuck in the suckers of some octopus dragged from its lair so strips of skin torn from his clawing hands stuck to the rock face. So Odysseus moved out about to mingle with all those lovely girls, naked now as he was, for the need drove him on, a terrible sight, all crusted, caked with brine they scattered in panic down the jutting beaches. Therefore, he warned Amphinomus to leave his house before the final battle took place. 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. In a simile it is compared to a shield rising over the waves. So with his lordly ways he brought the ranks to heel, and they flocked back from their huts and ships to the Assembly, noisily, like a wave of the roaring sea when it thunders on the beach while the depths resound. They must be superior in order to provide as a good figure for others to follow, learn from, and willingly respect. In closing, throughout the whole story, Odysseus progresses himself and designates many Greek, While Odysseus is a little arrogant, he can also be a great leader because he is able to trust his second in command, Eurylochus, and give him more power while he is away. Why does a conflict take place between Agamemnon and Achilles in the Iliad? Throughout The Odyssey, he lead his men well by thinking every situation through. 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. Let's start by finding a writer. "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 Page Number this Quote 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. What power we had! This pep talk motivated his crew and prepared them for what was to come in the future. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. What if Im spared the chill, fatigue, and a sweet sleep comes my way? 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. 'Running forward to meet his master, he kissed his forehead, his fine eyes, and both his hands, while the tears streamed down his cheeks. On the Cicones Island, even though he didn't make much attempt to make his men leave and his lack of . In the future, Odysseus will be presented with two obstacles, going through Scylla (6 headed monster) or Charybdis (a giant whirlpool). Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. During the time Odysseus encounters many divergent tough tasks, he always overcomes many tasks with his men when he encourages them. Moreover, Odysseus proved himself a proper leader through being thoughtful. She tells Odysseus to abandon his raft and take her immortal scarf. The poet asks the Muse for inspiration to learn about the "man of twists and turns" and his arduous journey home. We should care about this topic because it is pertinent in our world today. The Odyssey, Book 6, lines 196-203. The Odyssey, Book 5, lines 33-46. Od. Long-enduring great Odysseus, overjoyed at the sight, bedded down in the midst and heaped the leaves around him. However, Oedipus slowly uncovers the truth, ultimately leading to his own banishment from his. Explain this statement by analyzing the relationship of Helen and Paris in the Iliad. What are 3 examples of times when Odysseus demonstrated epic hero/god like qualities in The Odyssey? 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. He was emotionally strong and made his crew strong. Odysseus is a Leader Stop wasting your time searching for samples! 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. DONT ANGER THE GODS:Odysseus angered Poseidon by blinding and making fun of the Cyclops, who was his son. If you are such a student, you can use From the conversation between Hector and Andromache inthe Iliad, choose details which show great love between the two. What are the worthwhile causes for fighting a war? or friendly to strangers, god-fearing men? Odysseus is trapped on Calypsos island, where the nymph is keeping him and wants him for her husband. Odysseus dauntlessly went after his men and was determined to rescue them from her curse. So warm, Odysseus joy when he saw that shore, those trees. The major themes in The Odyssey are especially significant because they serve to form the moral and ethical constitution of most of the characters.