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Read the beginning of Odysseus’s next adventure. When this story begins, Circe has just finished giving Odysseus advice.

As Circe spoke, Dawn mounted her golden throne,

and on the first rays Circe left me, taking

her way like a great goddess up the island.

I made straight for the ship, roused up the men

to get aboard and cast off at the stern. 5

They scrambled to their places by the rowlocks

and all in line dipped oars in the grey sea.

But soon an off-shore breeze blew to our liking –

a canvas-bellying breeze, a lusty shipmate

sent by the singing nymph with sunbright

hair.10

So we made fast the braces, and we rested,

letting the wind and steersman work the ship.

–The Odyssey,
Homer

To begin planning your writing, identify the heroic traits that are present in this passage. Check all that apply.

Odysseus is on a long journey.
Odysseus is a powerful speaker.
Odysseus is the leader of his crew.
Odysseus is helped by a supernatural power.
Odysseus is a strong warrior.

1 answer

In the passage from "The Odyssey," the following heroic traits of Odysseus are present:

  1. Odysseus is on a long journey.
  2. Odysseus is the leader of his crew.
  3. Odysseus is helped by a supernatural power.

While Odysseus is often portrayed as a powerful speaker and a strong warrior throughout the epic, these specific traits are not directly highlighted in the provided passage. However, his leadership is evident in how he rouses his men to get aboard the ship and take action. The advice and assistance from Circe also indicate the influence of supernatural powers in Odysseus's journey.