The emphasis on strategy over strength in the Odyssey is prevalent throughout books 1-12 and becomes a defining characteristic of the Odyssey. Ancient Greek culture places value on thinking through actions, and Odysseus reinforces this when he creates plans to get out of multiple life-or-death situations. Odysseus has great strength and skill, but what sets him apart from other soldiers is his cunning. It presents the idea that our mind is a tool, a weapon to conquer the world. The Odyssey gives precedence to strategy over force because of its value and recession in Greek culture, its ability to provide information to the reader, and its role in bringing Odysseus home. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Homer describes strategy because of the importance of the mind in Greek culture. In the first line of the epic, Ulysses is called “the man of twists and turns” which sets the theme of the entire book and the many challenges faced. It allows the reader to get to know the hero and characterize Ulysses from the first lines. When Odysseus travels to Hades, he sees Achilles, a great warrior widely known for having achieved Kleos, and learns a valuable lesson. Achilles sends the message: “I would rather be a slave on earth for another man – / some miserable sharecropper struggling to keep himself alive – / then rule down here over all the breathless dead.” Odysseus is told that Kleos, the most sought after virtue in the life of a Greek hero, is not as valuable to life as it seems. Achilles wants nothing more than to be on Earth instead of with Hades and the "breathless dead." Odysseus realizes that a life that burns bright and fast is not so rewarding in the end, and what matters is the survival strategy, living a long life with the people you love around you. “There is no man in the world more blessed” than Achilles, and he continues to wish he could see the light of day. Homer clearly addresses the social values ​​of Greek culture and criticizes them for their excessive value placed on titles and reputation, trying to open the minds of the Greek population in general. In book 8 Demodocus continues to tell the story of Hephaestus and Aphrodite. When the Blacksmith forged hidden chains to trap the pair the next time he left, he left them motionless and Hephaestus with many gods watching and laughing at how "limping Hephaestus wins the War... the fastest of all the gods who rule Olympus". Hephaestus was a crippled god who outwitted the powerful god of war. Although Ares was physically superior, Hephaestus had a far more powerful weapon, his mind. Just like the chains, Hephaestus' power was underestimated and no one saw the move coming, especially from a crippled god. This story told is significant and many connections can be seen between Odysseus and the god of fire. The mind is the greatest weapon because it manifests itself only through action, and Homer intends to emphasize this throughout books 1-12. Odysseus' strategic tactics allow the reader to see opportunities that only Odysseus can see. For example, during the Trojan War, Ulysses was seen "scarring his body with mortifying blows, / throwing dirty rags on himself like any slave, / slipping into the enemy city, wandering through its streets". He is portrayed as a versatile leader with a unique skill set, willing to sacrifice his image and be seen "scarring his body" to accomplish his mission, to end the Trojan War. This shows how Odysseus incorporates deception and stealth into his plans, knowing that force is not his only tool. This is also prevalent in Odysseus's confrontation with the Cyclops, where he doesgets the Cyclops drunk and deceives him with his words. The Cyclops, already intoxicated by Ulysses' offers of strong wine, asks who Ulysses is. Odysseus then responds and says “Nobody, that's my name. Nobody – / that's what my mother and father, all my friends call me.'” This shows how Odysseus analyzes people's characteristics and uses their flaws against them. Odysseus drugs the Cyclops and takes advantage of his impaired judgment and reasoning to allow Odysseus and his men to face the dangerous implications of their journey brute strength of a crew of Greek warriors would not be enough, and when dealing with supernatural forces Odysseus knows he is only a mortal being. He brilliantly puts together plans that lead him through the dangers of the open sea sirens Odysseus faces another challenge. He warns Odysseus of their attractive nature and knows that Odysseus will give in to his arrogance and try to listen. He gives him a plan to listen and survive, another test which he pursues. Odysseus tells his men “you must bind me with tight, chafing ropes…and if I beg you, commanding you to release me, / then whip me faster.” Odysseus manages to circumvent the deadly consequences of his arrogance with this clever plan, a somewhat recurring characteristic of the warrior. The sirens have cut short many journeys home in a short time, yet Odysseus can hear "everything that happens on the fertile land." Odysseus experiences another benefit of a wise mind with the sirens and fulfills his desires without negative repercussions. It can iron out mistakes and continue to roam the seas with tenacity and endurance. Without Odysseus' cunning and wit, the journey back to Ithaca may never have been completed. Odysseus's first meeting with Circe draws attention to this. Odysseus is an experienced man who has seen many women such as Circe, a supernatural temptress with powers over men. Odysseus enters Circe's palace and is unaffected by the witch's drugs, with the help of Hermes, who gives him moly. Circe responds and says “I'm amazed: you drank my drugs, you're not bewitched! / No other man has ever resisted my potion.” Circe is in awe of Odysseus and realizes that she is in the presence of a great hero. The fact that Odysseus is the only man to seek supernatural help from the gods demonstrates his resourcefulness and how effective this strategy is. Odysseus is the only man intelligent enough to notice a trap, and as a result he is the one who must save his crew. Odysseus uses strategy with his words as well as his actions. When Calypso has Odysseus “trapped” on her island, he is forced to leave and continue his journey. Instead of leaving in a way that would anger the nymph, he flatters her and tells her that his wife “is far inferior to her, / to her beauty, to her stature.” Part of the strategy is having a strong moral compass and knowing what is right. Odysseus may be made to linger, but he has an iron will and knows that he must get his job done. He knows what is best for him and uses this vision of his family in Ithaca to fuel his expedition home. The way he leaves is uncertain and precise, allowing Calypso to remain content while keeping her desires a priority. Odysseus is threading the needle in his conversation using dialogue skills to get what he wants in a non-invasive way. Odysseus has numerous examples of cunning in books 1-12, but his wife is also skilled at deception. As Odysseus returns home, Penelope weaves a shroud by day and unties it by night. The promise to get married after the shroud is completed creates excitement and anticipation among.