Homeric epic heroes have long been considered superior to ordinary humans. In a variety of epics, 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, outstanding achievement, or noble qualities.” Ulysses' infinite curiosity drags him into various dilemmas, but his intelligence and extraordinary strength allow him to escape the danger. His arrogance is often an obstacle, but it is loyalty and determination that guide him on his precarious journey. Regardless of the situation, Odysseus faces every challenge with courage and intelligence, thus clearly exhibiting the attributes of an epic hero and an ideal leader. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayAn example where Odysseus demonstrates his intelligence is when he is trapped in Polyphemus' lair. Although it was his own curiosity that brought him into that situation, the masterful articulation of Odysseus' speech lends itself to his eventual escape. Odysseus plays with the Cyclops' emotions by speaking seductively and luring him with wine. The Cyclops, satisfied with these gestures, takes the wine, ultimately leading to his death. Odysseus further displays his intellect following this cunning episode. Knowing that the Cyclops will run for help after being wounded, Odysseus formulates a plan that effectively prevents himself from being discovered. Odysseus renames himself, stating: “Cyclops, you ask me my glorious name and I will tell you; and give me a stranger's gift, just as you promised. Nobody is my name, nobody calls me: my mother and my father, and also all my companions. If someone had asked who had hurt Polyphemus, the simple and confusing answer would be “no one.” This plan works fabulously. When the other Cyclopes respond to Polyphemus' call for help, his response is nonsensical. Polyphemus' relatives leave the premises laughing and jeering, ending in a brilliant victory for Odysseus. A further demonstration of Odysseus' cunning is demonstrated after he kills all the suitors. He tells the servants and Telemachus to pretend that a wedding is happening. “Now the great house rang loud with the thud of their footsteps, while the men there celebrated and the women with the beautiful girdles; and so someone outside the house who heard them would say: "Surely now someone has married our much sought-after queen." In this way, Ulysses would have managed to escape without problems to his father's house, and no one who had passed would have suspected that something was wrong. Ulysses cares about everyone's safety, even the servants who have remained faithful to him. His intelligence and kindness are demonstrated when he thinks of all possible scenarios and chooses the one that benefits the greatest number of people. 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 through harsh setbacks and tough expeditions. Odysseus' resemblance 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. Alexander the Great's resolve can only be compared to that of Odysseus, a trait all leaders must possess. The characteristic of arrogance is often present within a leader. Odysseus bore this characteristic, as did Alexander the Great. Alexander believed himself to be half-immortal,.