Question

Odysseus makes several mistakes of judgment during his adventures. Identify a situation where Odysseus did more harm than good to his situation by acting rashly.

Answer 1

Odysseus is known for being crafty, clever and ingenious. Nevertheless, at some points, his deceitful and clever manners brought him more trouble than good fortune. A good example is the moment that he and his crew are captured by the Cyclops, Polyphemus. Odysseus tells the Cyclops that his name is “nobody” so that, when the former blinds the latter, the Cyclops cries that “nobody” had blinded him. The other Cyclopes think him mad. Odysseus and his crew manage to escape, but Odysseus can´t restraint himself and reveals his real name. Polyphemus prays to his father, Poseidon, the god of the sea, to take revenge on Odysseus, setting forth a series of unfortunate events on Odysseus´ way back home.