Throughout his journey home to Ithaca, Ulysses comes across as someone with a thirst for knowledge. His curiosity makes him venture into strange lands, so he sometimes puts himself and his crew in danger. When his need for glory overrides his responsibility as a leader, it seems like it is his fault that his men die. For example, on the island of Cyclops, he decides to stay back and enjoy the hospitality of the owner of the cave. His decision proves fatal for some of his men:
He answer'd with his deed: his bloody hand
Snatch'd two, unhappy! of my martial band;
And dash'd like dogs against the stony floor:
The pavement swims with brains and mingled gore.
Torn limb from limb, he spreads his horrid feast,
And fierce devours it like a mountain beast:
He sucks the marrow, and the blood he drains,
Nor entrails, flesh, nor solid bone remains.
When passing between Scylla and Charybdis, he knows he will lose six of his men to Scylla. He chooses to lose a few men rather than pursue the glory of defeating Scylla. This wise move ensures the safety of his other men:
Oh, if thy vessel plough the direful waves,
When seas retreating roar within her caves,
Ye perish all! though he who rules the main
Lends his strong aid, his aid he lends in vain.
Ah, shun the horrid gulf! by Scylla fly.
'Tis better six to lose, than all to die.'