In Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, the recurring theme of intelligence is important because through intelligence, Odysseus is able to use wit and intelligence. cunning to satisfy his needs and desires, as well as defeat opponents bigger and stronger than him. Through the stories of Odysseus' suffering during the Trojan War and his difficulties returning home, Homer describes intelligence as an effective application of strength used to gain an advantage over his adversaries. Odysseus is depicted as an intellectual hero, who focuses on the brain and sophrosune, rather than as the typical martial hero, such as Achilles in the Iliad, who focuses on muscles and emotion-provoked action. the skill in using cunning and wit is in Book 3 when Nestor explains that "no one [in the Trojan War] could hope to rival Odysseus, not by sheer cunning [for] in every turn of strategy he excelled [ them] all" (3.134). Then later in book 4, Menelaus tells how Helen was trying to get them out of hiding to gain glory for Troy, but Odysseus knew it was a trick and "restrained [him and Diomedes]...and saved [them] all " (4.318-322). Another example of his intelligence is shown when Odysseus "scar[ed] his own body with mortifying blows, throwing dirty rags on his black like any slave" (4.274) to disguise himself as a beggar so he can hide his true identity. These descriptions help characterize Odysseus as a hero who excels in his ability to actively use his brain over his emotional instincts, use intelligence to deceive others, and think about the future. This contrasts with Achilles, in the Iliad, because he allows his emotions to impede his ability to act rationally in situations such as when Achilles rages... middle of paper... tions rather than logic, in contrast to Odysseus who is a intellectual hero who uses wit and cunning as an effective application of strength used to gain an advantage over opponents. Overall, Odysseus possesses martial strength as shown in his ability to stab and blind Polyphemus, but what is practiced and used most is his ability to think clearly and act deceptively. Odysseus' intelligence and wit separate him from "typical" Greek heroes because exemplifying the virtues of sophrosune, Odysseus wisely contemplates his decisions, relying on astute foresight rather than emotional impulse, like Achilles. Works Cited Homer. The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books, 1990. Print.Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fagles. The Norton Anthology of Western Literature. Ed. Sarah Lawall. Volume 1. 8th edition. New York: W. W. Norton, 2006. Print.