Odysseus

Odysseus

Arguably the greatest or, at least, most famous hero of Greek mythology,
Odysseus was known for intelligence, cool under pressure, and incredible strength.
The Latin form of his name is Ulysses.   Although born as the son of Laertes, king
of Ithaca and Anticlea, myth insinuates that Odysseus might have been the
illegitimate son of Sisyphus, founder of Corinth.   If that were so, it would explain
Odysseus’s craftiness and intelligence.   According to mythological accounts,
Sisyphus outsmarted Thanatos and Hades(Cotterel 141).  
Odysseus was one of the suitors for Helen’s hand when Paris took her away
to Troy.   Thus, he was bound to aid in rescuing her.   Odysseus, however, feigned
insanity to avoid the responsibility.   Odysseus is characterized as not only crafty
and cunning, but wise and one who gives good advice(Clayton 147).
Odysseus had a part in resolving the Trojan war.   Mainly speaking, the
Trojan horse was his brainchild.   However, even before that event, Odysseus was
called upon to accomplish tasks of diplomacy and spying.   It was Odysseus who led
a party to Achilles in an attempt to bring about peace.   It was also he that first lept
out of the Trojan horse that he had conceptualized.   At the resolution of the war,
stemming from Achilles’ death, Odysseus obtained his armor using the power of
his persuasion (Clayton 147).
Traveling home from Troy, Odysseus came upon and island inhabited by a
Cyclops named Polyphemus, son of the god Poseidon.   Unaware about that fact,
Odysseus and his men wandered into the Cyclops’ lair where they waited for him
to return.   At last, the Cyclops came, “hideous and huge, tall as a great mountain
crag” (Hamilton 82).  
Polyphemus responded to Odysseus’ declarations of good intentions with
mockery and even rambled off about how he was bigger than Zeus.   Polyphemus
then proceeded to eat one of Odysseus’ men and closed the cave with a “huge
stone before the door, and if the horrified men had been able to...