The Odyssey Group

Question:

latelet890
latelet890
Student
High School - 9th Grade

How did Odysseus's physical strength help him in The Odyssey?

please!!! i need help

Rate question:

Posted by latelet890 on Thursday May 7, 2009 at 8:33 PM and tagged with odysseus, the odyssey.

Answers:

  1. mbomengen
    mrsmonica Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Much of what Odysseus does in The Odyssey shows how clever and crafty he is. However, he is one of the most heroic soldiers of the Trojan War. Had he not been physically strong, he could not have held such respect among his men.

    The best example of Odysseus's physical strength comes with the test of the suitors by Penelope. Odysseus is the only man strong enough to string the bow (although his son, Telemachus, comes closest). After his identity is revealed, Odysseus slays every man in the room. He is indisputably the strongest of all the men who want Penelope, not simply the smartest.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/odyssey/book-22-summary-analysis

    Rate answer:

    Posted by mrsmonica on Friday May 8, 2009 at 6:07 AM