Odysseus


 * ODYSSEUS THE CUNNING** (Olysseus, Olixeus, Oulixes)


 * FAMILY BACKGROUND**

The Greek Myths possess only a handful of information regarding Odysseus's family background. His paternal grandfather is Arcecius, son of Cephalus, while his maternal grandfather is the thief Autolycus, son of Hermes and Chione. His parents are only explicitly stated in //The Odyssey// as Laertes and Anticlea. He is married to Penelope, daughter of Periboea and Icarius, from whom he bore his son Telemachus.


 * CHARACTERISTICS**

As a mythological hero, he boats off the usual traits of heroes described in the epics along with some of the most faulty attitudes of humans. He displays the characteristics of a classic Epic Hero when he is challenged with the task of returning home to Ithaca and successfully overcomes the odds. For example, he outwits Polyphemus the Cyclops; he battles Charybdis and Scylla, and he disguises himself as a beggar and wins his family back from the intruders in his own home. His human imperfection is demonstrated by his being overly curious, which gets him into trouble with the cyclops, Lotus Eaters, etc. He is a man, and has a difficult time resisting the temptations of the beautiful Circe and Calypso. He is also cited to be arrogant, cunning, shrewd, charismatic, overconfident, and ingenious.

At times he would also be known as the antithesis of Achilles. A ** chilles's anger is all-consuming and of a self-destructive nature, Odysseus is frequently viewed as a man of the mean, renowned for his self-restraint and diplomatic skills. **


 * TROJAN WAR**


 * Odysseus was one of the most influential Greek champions during the Trojan War. Along with Nestor and Idomeneus he was one of the most trusted counsellors and advisers. He always championed the Achaean cause, especially when the king was in question, as in one instance when Thersites spoke against him. When Agamemnon, to test the morale of the Achaeans, announced his intentions to depart Troy, Odysseus restored order to the Greek camp. Later on, after many of the heroes had left the battlefield due to injuries (including Odysseus and Agamemnon), Odysseus once again persuaded Agamemnon not to withdraw. Along with two other envoys, he was chosen in the failed embassy to try to persuade Achilles to return to combat. **


 * His main role in the Trojan War was devising the Trojan Horse Plan wherein their soldiers hid in a Trojan Horse Statue allowing them to infiltrate Troy at night and win the war **
 * .[[image:http://komincents.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/trojan-horse.jpg width="199" height="160"]] **

THE ODYSSEY


 * Odysseus is the main protagonist of The Odyssey which details his journey back to Ithaca after the Trojan War. 10 years after the end of the Trojan War, Odysseus is trapped in an island with Calypso who has somehow fallen deeply in love with him. The god's debate over his future and Athena, being his strongest supporter manages to convince the other gods to have him set free. He journeys back to his home palace in Ithaca which has been overrun by a large and rowdy mob of suitors. **

SOURCES
 * Words:**
 * Odyssey: a long journey (answers.com) **

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