Character Traits Of Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey

In the Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus possesses several character traits. He is portrayed as a great hero who excels in many different fields. Throughout the story, Homer emphasizes how admired Odysseus is. For example, King Nestor says to Odysseus’ son, Telemachus, “Your father, yes, if you are in fact his son… I look at you and a sense of wonder takes me” (3.137-138). There are a few different occurrences when Odysseus is in need of help and receives it. Although he is viewed as an expert and a hero, he does have weaknesses. He is hesitant to trust others due to his different hardships. Odysseus is characterized as a heroic, likeable character that is pitied by others, but has difficulty trusting those who support him. Odysseus is successful in many different disciplines. While Nestor speaks to Telemachus, he mentions how Odysseus excelled above all the other soldiers in his strategic ways during the Trojan War (3. 136). Even the gods and goddess are aware and speak of Odysseus’ magnificent knowledge and skill. While talking about Odysseus, Zeus says, “Now, how on earth could I forget Odysseus? Great Odysseus who excels all men in wisdom, excels in offerings too he gives the immortal gods who rule the vaulting skies?” (1.77-80). Odysseus is not only very smart and clever, but also very athletic. He proves

Every time he is offered help, he assumes it is a trick. For instance, he doesn’t believe Calypso when she talks about letting him finally go home. He says, “Passage home? Never. Surely you’re plotting something else, goddess, urging me- in a raft- to cross the ocean’s mighty gulfs” (5. 192-194). Calypso swears she is not plotting anything in order to gain Odysseus’ trust. When Ino gives Odysseus the scarf to help him through the rough sea, he is hesitant whether it is a trap. He decides to wait to use the scarf until his ship has completely crashed. However, the scarf is what keeps him alive and Ino was not tricking