In the vast universe of Greek mythology, perhaps one of the most well-known and revered works is the epic poem The Odyssey, attributed to Homer. This legendary work examines many aspects of human nature, including the distinction between moral and political behavior. The main character of the story, Odysseus, endures many trials that reveal his specific character traits and reveal to readers the essence of his motivations. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus's actions are largely motivated by political factors, as evidenced by his interactions with his men, his enemies, and his pious guides throughout his journey. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Odysseus receives abundant support from a variety of gods he encounters during the difficult challenges he faces. The exchanges that occur between God and man shed light on the protagonist's true intentions and beliefs. As Odysseus prepares to confront the witch Kirkê, he meets the messenger god Hermês who tells him: "let your sharp blade appear, / let instant death shine upon her, / and she will cower and give up her bed." Odysseus follows these orders, and when Kirkê retreats in terror, he sleeps with her, rather than practicing sexual fidelity with his own wife in Ithaca (Homer 176). During another meeting with Athena in Ithaca, Odysseus attempts to hide his identity, as Athena is disguised as an ordinary shepherd and Odysseus does not wish to confront the furious suitors upon his return home. Odysseus constructs a lie, claiming that he is from the island of Crete, escaping trial for staging a government coup and killing a member of the royal family (Homer 238). Athena, however, corrects him by remarking: “Here, in your own country, would you not give your stratagems a moment's rest or cease from bewitching? This demonstrates Odysseus' purely political and self-centered ideology in his unwavering willingness to lie and deceive without regard for the potential ethical consequences. The threats Odysseus faces in The Odyssey often manifest as a monstrous enemy or villain that he must face during his journey. One of the most formidable adversaries with whom Odysseus came into conflict was Kyklops Polyphemos. When Odysseus and his crew arrive on the island of Kyklops, they find refuge in the home of Polyphemos and consume a large part of his provisions. After stealing his food, they sit in his cave, waiting for the Kyklops to return from the fields. When he returns home, Polyphemos finds the travelers awaiting hospitality and tells them: "We are here, / indebted for your help, or for any gift / that you offer - as it is the custom to honor strangers" . This selfish demand on Odysseus's part not only takes place after he blatantly robs his unobliging host, but highlights the hero's ignorance when it comes to respecting others and their property. Furthermore, managing to escape from Polyphemos' lair by blinding his host, Odysseus goads the Kyklops as they row away from the island (Homer 159). He threatens: “If I could take your life, I would take away your time and throw you into hell!” ". In response, his crew spoke “in low voices, protesting: “Good God, Captain!” / Why bait the beast again? Leave him alone,'” fearing that the rocks the Kyklops threw at them in response would kill them. Odysseus ignores his own crew's pleas for safety and pleases his ego by insulting the monster again?