“Across the bay from the land of the Cyclopes is a lush

“Across the bay from the land of the Cyclopes is a lush, deserted island. Odysseus and his crew land on the island in a dense fog and spend days feasting on wine and wild goats and observing the mainland, where the Cyclops live.” In “The Cyclops” part of book 9 of Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus demonstrates that he is a Greek hero through his intelligence and strength; however, he also shows a weakness through his pride. Firstly, Homer states that Odysseus says his name is Nohbdy to the cyclops. “Out of the cave the mammoth Polyphemus roared in answer: Nohbdy, Nohbdy;s tricked me. Nohbdy’s ruined me! To this rough shout they made a sage reply: Ah well, if Nodody has played you foul there in your lonely bed, we are no use in pain…” (Homer, 316- 320). Odysseus is a Greek hero because of his intelligence to know when the cyclops yelled for help he would be saying Nohbdy instead of Odysseus. Secondly, Homer says that Odysseus had to fight off the cyclops. “… A giant wave that washed the ship stern foremost back to shore. I got the boathook out and stood fending us off, with furious nods to all to put their backs into a racing stroke…” (Homer, 398-402). This shows Odysseus’ great strength to keep him and his men alive which being attacked by a cyclops and proves why he is a Greek hero. While it is clear that Odysseus is a Greek hero, some people believe he is not a Greek hero because of his pride. “Why bait the beast again? Let him alone! That tidal wave he made on the first throw all but beached us” (Homer 408-410). However, this is not the case because he knew that him and his men were far enough from the island to be killed by the cyclops. These are some reasons why Odysseus is a Greek hero.