In the vast universe of Greek mythology, perhaps one of the best known and most revered works is the epic poem The Odyssey, attributed to Homer. This legendary work examines many aspects of human nature, particularly the distinction between moral and political behavior. The main character of the story, Odysseus, endures many trials that unmask his specific character traits and reveal to readers the essence of his motivations. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus' actions are largely motivated by political factors, as seen in his interactions with his men, his enemies, and the divine guides along his journey. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Odysseus receives great support from a variety of gods he encounters during the difficult challenges he faces. The exchanges that take place between God and man shed light on the true intentions and beliefs of the protagonist. As Odysseus prepares to face the sorceress Kirkê, he meets the messenger god Hermês who instructs him: "let thy sharp blade appear, / let instant death shine upon it, / and she will cower and yield to her bed" . Odysseus follows these commands, and when Kirkê recoils in terror, he sleeps with her, instead of practicing sexual fidelity with his wife in Ithaca (Homer 176). In another meeting with Athena in Ithaca, Odysseus attempts to hide his identity, as Athena is disguised as an ordinary shepherd boy and Odysseus does not wish to face the furious suitors when he returns home. Odysseus constructs a lie, claiming to be from the island of Crete, to escape prosecution for staging a coup within the government and killing a member of the royal family (Homer 238). Athena corrects him, however, remarking: "Here in your homeland, wouldn't you give a break to your stratagems or would you stop enchanting for a moment?". This demonstrates Odysseus' purely political and self-centered ideology in his unwavering willingness to lie and deceive without regard to potential ethical consequences. The threats that Odysseus faces in the Odyssey often manifest as a monstrous enemy or villain to face on his journey. One of the most challenging adversaries with which Odysseus came into conflict was Kyklops Polyphêmos. When Odysseus and his crew arrive on the Cyclops' island, they find refuge in Polyphemus' house and consume many of his provisions. After stealing his food, they sit in his cave, waiting for the Kyklops to return from the fields. When he returns home, Polyphemus finds the travelers awaiting hospitality, saying, "We are here, / grateful for your help, or for any gift / you will give, as it is customary to honor strangers." This selfish request on Odysseus' part not only occurs after he has brazenly burgled his unhelpful guest, but highlights the hero's ignorance regarding respect for others and their property. Furthermore, after managing to escape from Polyphemus' lair, blinding his host, Odysseus cheers on the Cyclopes as they are rowing away from the island (Homer 159). He threatens: “If I could take your life, I would and I would take away your time and throw you into hell!” In response, his crew spoke “in low voices, protesting, 'Good heavens, Captain! / Why torment the beast again? Leave him alone,'” fearing that the boulders the Kyklops were throwing at them in response would kill them. Odysseus ignores his own crew's pleas for safety and indulges his ego by insulting the monster again (Homer 160). This example of completely losing himself in narcissism and pride further illustrates Odysseus' political impulses overriding his ethical conscience in his decision-making processes. Many?