... intellect and wit helped win the Trojan war. The Odyssey continues to exemplify his heroic traits in the epic of his homecoming. His cunningness, Odysseus" most defining heroic characteristic, allows the escape and rescue of him and his men during their many dangerous encounters and obstacles. In Book 9, Odysseus escapes the one-eyed Cyclops, Polyphemus, by blinding the Cyclops and hiding his men under the bellies of the monster's sheep who hence carry the men ... , his land of rule. Odysseus" heroism transcends time, fulfilling both the heroic ideals of Homeric ideology as well as moder...

• Word Count: 885
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate