Overall, Odysseus is viewed as a proficient leader due to his ability to rescue his men on numerous occasions, such as the encounter with Polyphemus on an island. He devised a clever strategy to liberate most of his trapped comrades from the cave. While on the Cicones Island, although he did not actively urge his men to depart and experienced a lack of respect, resulting in the loss of 36 men, he justly divided the spoils among all crew members. On Lotus-eater Island, Odysseus demonstrated even better leadership skills as none of his men were lost.
In addition, Odysseus displayed superior tactics by sending only three men to investigate the Island. However, when they consumed the lotus flowers that induced a forgetful trance, Odysseus himself physically compelled them to depart. Nonetheless, upon arriving at the final island, Odysseus and his 12 best men—although it posed some risk—encountered a cave brimming with sheep, milk, and various other provisions. With their hunger and thirst satiated, Odysseus’s comrades desired to depart, while Odysseus himself wished to remain and ascertain the cave’s owner, hopeful that this individual would demonstrate xenia.
Unfortunately, two of Odysseus’s men were captured by Polythemus the Cyclops. However, Odysseus quickly came up with a clever plan to escape from the Cyclops. Yet, in his haste to leave, he almost endangered his ship by boldly announcing, “I am Odysseus!” This declaration angered Polythemus who threw a huge rock at them but narrowly missed hitting Odysseus’s boat. Despite this incident, I strongly believe that Odysseus exhibits qualities of an admirable leader.
