The Homeric epic heroes have long been considered superior to normal human beings. Across a variety of epic poems, the traits of a hero are clear: strength, courage, and intelligence. The Oxford Dictionary defines a hero as “a person admired or idealized for courage, exceptional achievement, or noble qualities.” Odysseus' endless curiosity leads him into various dilemmas, but his intelligence and superb strength allow him to escape danger. His arrogance is often a setback, but it is loyalty and determination that guide him on his precarious journey. Whatever the situation, Odysseus meets each challenge with courage and intelligence, clearly displaying the attributes of an epic hero and an ideal leader. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay An example in which Odysseus demonstrates his intelligence is when he is trapped in Polyphemus' lair. Although it was his own curiosity that brought him into this situation, the masterful articulation of Odysseus's speech lends itself to his eventual escape. Odysseus plays with Cyclops' emotions by talking to him seductively and luring him with wine. The Cyclops, pleased with these gestures, takes the wine, ultimately leading to his demise. Odysseus displays more of his intellect following this cunning episode. Knowing that Cyclops will run for help after being injured, Odysseus formulates a plan that effectively prevents him from being discovered. Odysseus renames himself, declaring: “Cyclops, you ask me my glorious name, and I will tell you; and give me a stranger's gift, as you promised. No one calls me, no one calls me – my mother and my father, and all my classmates. If someone asked who hurt Polyphemus, the simple and confusing answer would be “no one.” This plan works wonderfully. When the other Cyclops respond to Polyphemus' cry for help, his response is absurd. Polyphemus' brothers and sisters leave the scene laughing and mocking, which ends in a brilliant victory for Odysseus. A further demonstration of Odysseus's ruse is demonstrated after he has killed all the suitors. He tells the servants and Telemachus to pretend a wedding is taking place. “The big house echoed with the sound of their footsteps, while the men and women with beautiful belts celebrated there; and so someone would speak outside the house who would hear them: “Surely now someone has married our long-sought-after queen.” This way, Odysseus could escape cleanly to his father's house, and no passerby would suspect anything was wrong. Odysseus thinks about the safety of everyone, even the servants who have remained faithful to him. His intelligence and kindness are shown when he thinks through all possible scenarios and chooses the one that benefits people the most. Not only is Odysseus intelligent, but he is extremely loyal to his home and family. Love for his family and his people gave him the strength to persevere despite difficult setbacks and difficult expeditions. Odysseus' similarity to other ancient Greek leaders expresses how he could be presented as the ideal Greek leader. Take, for example, the democratic leader of Athens, Pericles. Pericles was eerily similar to Odysseus, having the ability to use words to manipulate and influence the men around him. The decisiveness of Alexander the Great is matched only by that of Odysseus, a trait that all leaders must possess. The characteristic of arrogance is often present in a leader. Odysseus carried this trait, as did Alexander the Great. Alexander believed himself to be half immortal, compared himself to.