Write 5 page essay on the topic Discuss Odysseus as an ideal of manly conduct and resourcefulness in ancient Greek society.Download file to see previous pages... For years, the Greeks engaged in a civ

Write 5 page essay on the topic Discuss Odysseus as an ideal of manly conduct and resourcefulness in ancient Greek society.

For years, the Greeks engaged in a civil war with the Trojans whereby Achilles and Odysseus emerged foremost warriors in Greek mythology. They possessed outstanding qualities like strength, military skills, pride, bravery and honor which the ancient Greeks prized as manly virtues because of their noble task of transforming them into victory from the tyrannical error. As the Trojan War began, Odysseus was reluctant to join the war which was a dispute over the kidnapping of a beautiful Greek woman (Helen) by the Trojan Prince Paris. Instead, he sold ornaments as a travelling merchant to the women of the royal household at Skyros. Among the ornaments he sold, were weapons such as a shield and spear. Later on, he took a move of manhood by joining the Greek forces in order to redeem his people since it had been foreseen by a seer that his people would never defeat the Trojans without his help. Odysseus was therefore a hard working fellow. He decided to be a travelling merchant displaying ornament to the women of the royal household in order to acquire a living. Besides, he became keen and clever and recognized that he had found Achilles who was being looked for immediately just as the girl admired the shield and spear. He was persuasive too as he persuaded Achilles to join the Greek forces in order to redeem his people against the Troy. ...

Besides of his cunning and resourcefulness, he too had pride towards his allies and human failings. His mighty deeds and all human weaknesses made him popular and favorite with storytellers and scholars. An example is the Ulysses done by Alfred, Lord Tennyson which was the best known poem of the 1800s and James Joyce's novel (Ulysses) which used Homer's adventures pertaining Odysseus (Van 71). A hero should overpower his or her enemies and become an individual of respect and virtue at all times. Odysseus had to do this at all times until he became the outstanding hero among his people. After sometime, he became proud of himself but later realized that this was his weak point and therefore became humble. Often, he never boasted about who he was either but humbled himself among his people. On the other hand, heroes should fight the odds and overcome physical challenges which come on their way. Odysseus passed through many setbacks which in one way tested his intelligence and strength. To tackle with obstacles, he used more of his mind rather than physical force. He therefore become calm and had to bear with many challenges in order to finally go back home to Ithaca. Also, he obeyed the gods to the latter and his cleverness together with determination granted him an opportunity to be a real hero. To become heroic, Odysseus did change his attitude in the end for the better (Worman 42-3). Odysseus always showed respect to the gods more so appreciating their control of fate and realizing that he also required help if he was to get back home in Ithaca and to his beloved family. He therefore showed caution, keen observation and instinct to the gods in order not to annoy them.