Homer’s The Odyssey, introduces Odysseus as the polar opposite of the Odysseus who fought in the Trojan War. However, through the beguiling melody of the Siren’s, the true nature of Odysseus’ ego-driven and autodidact personality is revealed. The Siren’s song is intriguing to note, because it uses the listeners’ flawed personality traits against them, to lure them to their demise.
As with some Achaean and Ilion warriors, a predominant characteristic possessed is their ego-driven, yearn for glory (kleos). Odysseus, like these other warriors, has not been spared from this treacherous trait. The Sirens noted and used this trait in an attempt to lure him into their trap by singing, “Come hither, Odysseus, glory of the Achaeans…” (Homer 12.192-193). The importance of this phrase reveals that Odysseus desires to be regarded as the most glorious of …show more content…
Odysseus also exhibits this characteristic, but he can also be considered an autodidactic because he learns from his mistakes and is a quick-thinker. However, even such a desirable characteristic is twisted by the Sirens when they sing, “He journeys on delighted and knows more than ever” (Homer 12.196-197). Putting emphasis on this phrase reveals that Odysseus has a temptation to become as knowledgeable as possible and to become an even exceptional quick-thinker. Odysseus’ knowledge and quick-thinking attributes are exemplified when he tricked Polyphemus when he said, “They call me Noman--... all my friends too.” (9.364-365). Odysseus’ quick-thinking ability allowed him to devise a scheme ahead of time if Polyphemus were to call out that someone is attacking him, which happened. Odysseus’ seems to yearn to have more knowledge, because with an increased amount of knowledge he will be able to successfully pull off even more clever tricks, as the noman trick, and create more thoughtful battle strategies, as the infamous Trojan