Intellect And Power In The Odyssey

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In Homer's "The Odyssey", Odysseus's encounters with Kyklops and Calypso prove the importance of intellect and wit over physical strength and power. For example, Odysseus is held captive by the goddess Calypso for seven years, but he is saved by Hermes, who delivered a message from Zeus to let him go. Calypso's manipulation and power kept Odysseus away from his family, but his constant prayers and hope to return home got the god's attention. As a result, Odysseus's confidence allowed him to be freed from captivity and journey back to his family. Similarly, Kyyklops held Odysseus and twelve of his men in captivity until they were able to take an olive branch and puncture him in the eye. Although Odysseus faced a huge giant who knew only savage

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