The Odyssey

             Homer's Odyssey is the story of Odysseus an epic mythological Greek hero of the ancient world. In the Odyssey, Odysseus tries to find his self and in doing so becomes an arrogant, boastful, prideful, warrior king who is lost at sea for twenty years.
             During his travels Odysseus comes across the land of the Cyclopes. There Odysseus uses his wit to out smart the giant Cyclops Polyphemus who has trapped Odysseus and some of his men in his cave. Upon escaping and departing the island after causing the Cyclops much anguish he calls out to Polyphemus saying to him " "Cyclops,/ if ever mortal man inquire/ how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him/ Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye" " (lines 456-459). Prior to this taunt, Odysseus had given the Cyclops a different name and telling the Cyclopes his real name displays that Odysseus wanted to guarantee that he was credited for his actions.
             Later on his voyage Odysseus and his crew have to pass the waters near the Sirens. Odysseus covers his crews ears with wax as to not allow them to hear any of the song. He then has crew members tie him to the mast to insure that he is not lured by the sweet song himself. Now Odysseus is able to instill his bragging rights by saying he has heard and lived to tell how he heard the Sirens song. .
             Odysseus practically went out of his way to insure his name as a household one by defeating great Cyclopes, surviving the high seas, finding favor upon the gods, and nearly escaping dangerous instances. .