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Odysseus has the defining characteristics of a Greek Hero, a man who, beyond his strength,
is defined by his superior intellect. Moreover, this is not only seen once but all throughout the
Odyssey. For example, with regards to his encounter with Polyphemos, he was able to fool
him in believing that his name was Nobody, so as not to attract the attention of fellow cyclops.
Odysseus' act of blinding him also played a role as Polyphemos grazed his sheep the next
morning, they clung onto the bottom and was not felt by the giant. Another instance, when
Odysseus, a master of deception, disguised himself as a beggar and arranged the gradual
slaughter of the suitors. Those who have plagued and overstayed their welcome were caught
in a situation wherein Odysseus alone was armed while the suitors were locked in the same
room weaponless. Beyond the previously mentioned, Odysseus is a very articulate speaker,
as seen when he first encountered Nausika. At the end of the day, all these traits were widely
seen throughout out Odysseus' homecoming. Likewise, the bow in itself reflects some of
Odysseus' characteristics before he left Ithaca. It shows how he was superior even back then
as he was gloriously acknowledged not only by his servants but also friends from other
regions. Besides the friend who gave him this bow, you will also see his companions from the
trojan war who truly honor him, such as Agamemnon, Nestor and Menalaus. They are more
like brothers just as Agamemnon warns him of a probable betrayal or how Nestor and
Menalaus welcome Telemachos just like their son and praise about the wondrous heights
On the other hand, Penelope, a very passionate woman, has been shrouded by bewilderment
during the long absence of her husband and as she pines to be in his arms. Furthermore, the
suitors who desire to take her hand in marriage not only heavy the burden but at the same
time besiege Odysseus' estate. However, Penelope's love for Odysseus is undying and will
never waver because the foundation of their love is so natural. The commonality of their minds
is truly brilliant, their kindred wits and their love for scheming. Penelope shows her clever side
in multiple occasions, like her ploy of not being able to remarry until she has finished weaving
a shroud, which she secretly unravels at night as a tactic of detainment. In addition, she also
fooled the suitors into believing that she is ready to remarry and that any worthy suitor would
offer her gifts, instead of taking what is rightfully hers. Fast forwarding, she also tests
Odysseus' knowledge about their relation when she asked Eurykleia to move their seemingly
immovable bridal bed that symbolized the unshakable foundation of their love. In the end, the
bow contest may be one of her tactics since she believes that only Odysseus and no one else
Books XX-XIV
Until the very end of the Odyssey, Telemachos is still not in par with his father, Odysseus. He
does not even scheme at the same level of Odysseus nor speak with the same level of
fluency. One instance when this was shown was during the time he forgot to lock the stowage,
thereby enabling the suitors to arm themselves as said in the passage. Nevertheless,
Telemachos is well on his way in asserting himself as a prince of high repute. A factor that
could be in effect here was when Athena accompanied him to journey towards Sparta and
Pylos. She believes that this would influence Telemachos to mature and more of attaining
glory similar to Odysseus but not yet. After all, before he went to those areas Telemachos was
nothing but a wimp, but now we see the stoutness in his heart. He is determined to once
again reclaim the throne of his father's threshold, as he denounces the suitors. This is
perfectly symbolized by Telemachos' attempt to string the bow, in which he didn't really
succeed. Meanwhile, Odysseus still disguised as a beggar was solely the one who was able
to. Of course, this shows Odysseus' superiority over the suitors similar to all the other omens
about their inevitable death, such as the eagle/hawk striking a prey without warning, Zeus'
thunderclap along with the servant who denounces the suitors and their bloody and deformed
depiction during their final meal. At the same time, Odysseus who successfully shot the arrow
passing through 12 axes is, nevertheless, still superior over Telemachos and by far
unmatched.