Answer:
The Trojan Horse and the blinding of Polyphemus are two of the strongest examples of Odysseus' strategic thinking in The Odyssey. These examples showcase Odysseus' creativity, intelligence, and bravery, and they have become iconic moments in Western literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
- The Trojan Horse: --- One of the most famous and celebrated examples of Odysseus' strategic thinking is the Trojan Horse. In this story, Odysseus and the Greek army were besieging the city of Troy, but the Trojans had proved to be very resilient and difficult to defeat. Odysseus then came up with a clever plan: he built a giant wooden horse, which was hollow inside, and hid some Greek soldiers inside it. The rest of the Greek army pretended to sail away, leaving the horse behind as a gift to the Trojans. The Trojans, thinking that the Greeks had given up and left, brought the horse inside the city walls as a trophy. However, at night, the Greek soldiers inside the horse came out and opened the gates of the city, allowing the rest of the Greek army to enter and conquer Troy.
This is a strong example of Odysseus' strategic thinking because it shows that he was able to come up with a plan that was both innovative and unexpected. He was able to anticipate the Trojans' response to the horse, and he was able to use that response to his advantage. This plan ultimately led to the Greeks' victory in the Trojan War, and it has been celebrated as one of the greatest military tactics of all time.
- The Blinding of Polyphemus --- Another strong example of Odysseus' strategic thinking is his blinding of Polyphemus, the Cyclops. In this story, Odysseus and his men were trapped inside Polyphemus' cave, and the giant Cyclops was devouring his crew one by one. Odysseus then came up with a plan to blind the Cyclops: he offered him some strong wine, and when Polyphemus was dru nk, Odysseus and his men drove a sharp stick into his eye, blinding him. They then escaped the cave by clinging to the bellies of the sheep that the Cyclops released in the morning.
This is a strong example of Odysseus' strategic thinking because it shows that he was able to think on his feet and come up with a plan in a desperate situation. He was able to use his knowledge of the Cyclops' habits and weaknesses to his advantage, and he was able to come up with a plan that allowed him and his men to escape. This plan also shows Odysseus' bravery and resourcefulness in the face of danger.