Brian for muscles? Or muscles instead of brains? Which would you choose, mind or muscles? The larger-than-life hero in the Odyssey, Odysseus, is often subjected to this question by scholars, gods and goddesses, and even himself. While there are many examples of his physical feats, they are far surpassed by the use of his wits. Odysseus uses the power of his mind over brawn in the Odyssey and that is what makes him such a great hero" Finally, Homer's listeners may have been particularly fascinated by another homecoming story - this one about a hero somewhat unusual, best known for his brains over his brawn.(Introduction 742) After twenty years spent abroad, Odysseus returns home to find his home invaded by suitors who continually pursue his wife Penelope. So Odysseus plans with the goddess of wisdom, Athena, to deceive every suitor, maidservant and even his own wife. I will tell you all the troubles you are destined to suffer in your well-built house; but you must necessarily bear everything and tell no one between all the men and women you have returned from your wanderings, but you must endure much pain in silence, standing and facing men in their violence (Odyssey 13. 306-310) Let Eumaus the swineherd participate in the plan, two men he trusts and his son Telemachus, as he will need help when the fighting breaks out. With the help of the goddess he transforms into an old beggar, deceiving the suitors and putting his plan into action. Telemachus also decides to deceive the suitors into thinking that one of them will marry Penelope when he tells Eurymachus;Eurymachus, there is no more hope of my father returning home. I no longer believe in any message, even if there were one, nor do I pay attention to any prophecy, that... middle of the paper... cyclops. Polyphemus, irritated by the arrogant king, begins throwing rocks at the ship. Odysseus calms down, Polyphemus then calls upon his father, Poseidon, to curse him. Without Odysseus' guidance and ingenuity, he and his men would never have escaped from the island of the Cyclops. All these examples from the Odyssey are all demonstrations of Odysseus' mental and physical power. he killed the Cyclopes, Circe, Calypso and all the suitors to take back his kingdom of Ithaca. While many Greek heroes are known for their extraordinary physical feats, such as Hercules or Perseus, Odysseus is known for using his mind rather than muscles and skill. Although Odysseus has both of these traits, he chooses to use his wits rather than strength. Works Cited "The Introduction to the Odyssey." Shorewood School District. 2013. Web. 1 May 2014.