The emphasis on strategy rather than force in The Odyssey is prevalent in books 1-12 and becomes a defining characteristic of Odysseus. Ancient Greek culture places value on thinking about actions, and Odysseus puts this into practice when he creates plans to get out of multiple life or death situations. Odysseus possesses great strength and prowess, but what sets him apart from other soldiers is his cunning. It presents the idea that our mind is a tool, a weapon to conquer the world. The Odyssey prioritizes strategy over force because of its value and relevance in Greek culture, its ability to give information to the reader, and its role in Odysseus' return to homeland. House. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay. Homer describes the strategy because of the importance of the mind in Greek culture. In the first verse of the epic, Odysseus is called "the man of twists and turns", which sets the theme of the entire book and the many challenges encountered. It allows the reader to know the hero better and to characterize Ulysses from the first lines. When Odysseus travels to Hades, he sees Achilles, a great warrior known for reaching Kleos, and learns a valuable lesson. Achilles sends the following message: “I would rather be a slave on earth for another man – / a land-poor farmer who manages to stay alive – / then rule here below over all the breathless dead.” Odysseus is told that Kleos, the most sought after virtue in the life of a Greek hero, is not as valuable in life as it seems. Achilles wants nothing more than to be on Earth rather than with Hades and the "breathless dead." Ulysses realizes that a life that burns fast and bright isn't as rewarding in the end, and what matters is the survival strategy, living a long life with the people you love around you . “No man in the world is happier” than Achilles, and he still wishes he could see the day. Homer clearly addresses the social values ​​of Greek culture and criticizes them for the excessive value placed on titles and reputation, thereby trying to open the minds of the Greek population in general. In book 8, Demodocus continues by telling the story of Hephaestus and Aphrodite. When the Smith forged hidden chains to trap the two men the next time he left, it left them immobile and Hephaestus with many gods watching and laughing at how "Limping Hephaestus conquers the war...the quickest of all the gods who govern Olympus. Hephaestus was a crippled god who outwitted the powerful god of war. While Ares was physically superior, Hephaestus possessed a far more powerful weapon, his mind. Much like the chains, Hephaestus' power was underestimated and no one anticipated his move, especially from a crippled god. This story told is significant and many connections can be seen between Odysseus and the god of fire. The mind is the greatest weapon because it only manifests itself through action, and Homer intends to emphasize this throughout books 1 through 12. Odysseus' strategic tactics allow the reader to see opportunities that only Odysseus can see . For example, during the Trojan War, Odysseus was seen "scarring his body with mortifying blows, / throwing dirty rags on his back like any slave, / slipping into the enemy city, roaming its streets" . He is portrayed as a versatile leader with a unique skill set, willing to sacrifice his image and be seen "healing himself" to complete his mission, ending the World War.Troy. This shows how Odysseus incorporates deception and stealth into his plans, and that he knows that force is not his only tool. This is also prevalent in Odysseus's confrontation with the Cyclops, where he makes the Cyclops drunk and deceives him with his words. The Cyclops, already intoxicated by Odysseus' offerings of strong wine, asks who Odysseus is. Odysseus then responds and says, “No one, that’s my name.” Nobody- / that's what my mother and father call me, all my friends'". This shows how Odysseus analyzes people's characteristics and uses their flaws against them. Odysseus drugging the Cyclops and taking advantage of his judgment and his Impaired reasoning allows Odysseus and his men to avoid the dangerous implications of their journey. Without Odysseus, the challenge of escaping alive would have become impossible. These are cases where the brute force of a crew of Greek warriors would not be enough. simply not, and when it comes to supernatural forces, Odysseus knows he is only a mortal being. He brilliantly hatches plans that lead him through the perils of the high seas. meeting with the Sirens, Odysseus finds himself faced with another challenge. Circe warns Odysseus of their attractive nature and knows that Odysseus will give in to his pride and try to listen. She gives him a plan to listen and survive, another test that. he continues. Odysseus tells his men "you must tie me with tight ropes...and if I beg you, ordering you to release me, / then whip me faster." Odysseus is able to circumvent the deadly consequences of his hubris through this cunning plan, a somewhat recurring characteristic of the warrior. The sirens have ended many journeys home, but Odysseus hears "everything that happens on the fertile land." Odysseus experiences another benefit of a wise mind with the sirens and fulfills his desires without negative repercussions. He can erase his mistakes and continue to sail the seas with perseverance and endurance. Without Odysseus' cunning and wit, the journey back to Ithaca may never have been completed. Odysseus's first meeting with Circe draws attention to this point. Odysseus is an experienced man who has seen many women like Circe, a supernatural temptress with powers over men. Odysseus enters Circe's palace and is unaffected by the witch's drugs, with the help of Hermes, who gives him moly. Circe responds and says, “I am amazed – you have drunk my drugs, you are not bewitched!” / No other man has ever resisted my potion.” Circe is impressed by Odysseus and realizes that she is in the presence of a great hero. The fact that Odysseus is the only man to seek supernatural help from the gods shows his ingenuity and the effectiveness of this strategy. Odysseus is the only man who was smart enough to notice a trap and, therefore, he is the one who must save his crew. Odysseus uses strategy with his words as well as his actions. When Calypso “trapped” Odysseus on his island, he is forced to leave and continue his journey. Instead of leaving in a way that would anger the nymph, he flatters her and tells her how his wife "is far from her, / from her beauty, from her stature." Part of the strategy is having a strong moral compass and knowing what is right. Odysseus may be tempted to linger, but he has an iron will and knows he must get the job done. He knows what is best for him and uses this vision of his family in Ithaca to fuel his expedition home. The way he leaves is tentative and precise, allowing Calypso to remain satisfied while keeping her wishes a priority. Odysseus threads his conversation using his dialogue skills to get what he wants in a non-invasive way. Odysseus has multiple examples of trickery in books 1.