Homer's The Odyssey is an epic poem, composed approximately 700 B.C.. The Odyssey takes us on a journey with Odysseus, the classic epic hero. Odysseus posseses strength, courage, fortitude, and various physical skills; but what distinguishes him is his intellectual prowess. Odysseus sets the standard for the epic hero and uses his acumen to accomplish his mission in the book.

Strength, courage, fortitude, and physical skill are attributed to Odysseus in various instances throughout the poem. Odysseus appropriates strength in the battle with the Suitors and by holding onto a fig tree in trying to defeat Charybdus (12;522). Odysseus displays fortitude when keeps himself from eating the cattle at the island of Helios. Fortitude is also manifested in Odysseus when he resists the pleasures of Circe. The physical skills of Odysseus are displayed in many instances such as the discus competition with the Phaecians (7;24), his ability to string a...