Kamila Al-Attia Pre-AP English 9 Period 1 March 11, 2011 The Odyssey True leaders possess qualities that

are beyond the normality. Leadership is a trait that is noticeable since birth and highly appreciated. Leadership across cultures unites us because it is timeless and never changing. Odysseus is a cunning Greek leader that contributed to the fall of the Trojans, and is also the king of Ithaca. Odysseus journey home of ten years is treacherous and full of crucial decisions. Throughout the entire story, Odysseus is constantly trying to do the best he can for his men and his loved ones. In the epic poem, The Odyssey, the poet Homer suggests that Odysseus is a leader to be admired, which is revealed by Odysseus bravery, his compassion, and his resourcefulness. Odysseuss courage keeps his men united and optimistic of returning home to Ithaca. Initially, when Odysseus is on the land of the Kyklops, he defends his men and tricks and faces the Kyklops alone, By the gods, I drove my big hand spike/ deep in the embers/ cheered my men along with battle talk/ to keep their courage up/ no quitting now (Homer 9. 406410). Odysseus plunges a rod through the Kyklops eye, which blinds him so that he and his men can get away. His actions emphasize his valiance because he is willing to risk his life for the safety of his men. He is also being courageous by hiding his fears, which keeps his mens spirits alive and hopeful. This is important because if Odysseus shows that he is invincible, then it gives his men strength and reassurance that they are invincible too. In addition, after speaking to Kirke, the witch goddess that lives on island Aiaia, Odysseus decides to go to the underworld to seek advice on how to return home, from Teiresias the blind prophet, From every side they came and sought the pit, with rustling cries /I grew sick with fear/ I crouched with my drawn

sword (Homer 11.42-48). Odysseus sacrifices a ram and the blood attracts dead spirits, so that he is able to call Teiresias spirit and converse with him. In this excerpt Odysseus is slowly going down to the underworld but even though he is petrified of the dead spirits that keep coming at him, he does not stop and continues on for the sake of his men. In essence Odysseus is brave because he doesnt let anything get in his way, and will do good for anything and anyone. Odysseus compassion shines through when it comes to his men. Furthermore, when he is on Kirkes island, his men are captured and only Eurylokhos escapes and begs Odysseus not to go back for them, but despite the consequences he might have to face, he goes back for his men, Not back there, O my lord! ... / you, even you, cannot return, I know it /I know you cannot bring away our shipmates / better sail with these men, quickly too / and save ourselves from horror while we may (Homer 9. 292-2960). Eurylokhos witnesses Odysseus men be taken by Kirke and begs Odysseus to leave before they are harmed. Odysseus states he cannot leave his men behind, due to his obligation towards them, because he values his men, and they are his family, and as leader you look out for everyone. There is an age-old saying that states Nobody gets left behind. It is age old because this philosophy has been followed and respected since the beginning of time, it is also important because without this the bond of brotherhood and especially family would not exist. Also, Odysseus feeling are noted when he runs into Elpenor in the underworld, O my lord, remember me, I pray / do not abandon me unwept, unburied/ to tempt the gods; wrath, while you sail for home; (Homer 11.80-83). Elpenor is asking Odysseus for a proper burial so that he will be remembered. This is highly valued in the Greek culture because of Kleos. Kleos is the concept of glory earned in heroic battle. Which means you made your death significant and valiantly. Odysseus ultimately goes back and grants his request; he is overcome with emotion when he sees Elpenor there and does not know what

has happened to him. In brief, to be an admired leader you need to have emotions, a conscious, and the ability to care to make the right decisions. Throughout the many obstacles Odysseus has to face in his journey, he exhibits that he is an astute and strategic leader. For example, when Odysseus is stuck in the Kyklops cave he has to think fast and concoct a plan to deceive him so that he and his men can get away safely, a club, or staff, lay there along the fold / and it was like a mast/ a lugger of twenty oars, broad in the beam/Now I /chopped out a six foot section of this pole (Homer 9. 346-352). Odysseus talents are showcased when he makes a weapon out of an item he finds lying around. He also attributes his leadership skills when he concocts the ingenious plan that ultimately helps him and his men escape, also when he gives his men the option to risk their own lives which shows he cares and has fair judgment. As well, as when he deals with Kalypso and convinces her not to sink his ship, when he is finally allowed to leave her island, I take no raft you grudge me out to sea. / or yield me first a great oath, if I do/ to work no more enchantment to my harm (Homer 5.188-190). Odysseus knows what Kalypso is capable of, so he requests that she will not sink his ship. Odysseus shows his exemplary foresight because Kalypso admits she would have sunken his ship, if he had not asked her not to. In other words, when it comes to leadership, it is vital to know your enemies and now what is coming. In brief, to be a capable leader you need to have the ability to think fast and know your surroundings well. In conclusion, due to his bravery, compassion, and resourcefulness, Homer shows Odysseus is leader to be admired. For example, Odysseus overcame all obstacles that stood in his way with his outstanding abilities to think fast but intelligently. He used his resourcefulness when it came to dealing with Kalypso and the Kyklops. In addition he only cares for the wellbeing of his men and does everything in his power to make sure they will be safe. Odysseus

is compassionate leader when it comes to his men, he shows this when he goes back for them on Kirkes island and when he goes back to give Elpenor a proper burial. Furthermore, his Bravery is highly admired when he blinds the Kyklops and when he goes to the underworld in search of Tiresias. His treacherous journey showcases his loyalty to his men and in the end teaches him and his admirers about life decisions. Throughout the world today, his story is retold and appreciated because its a classic tale about a simple leader who does good for everyone. How real leader takes charge, acts, and thinks is taught through Odysseus story. His story will go on forever; as long as leadership is valued.