The Odyssey Theme of Lies and Deceit

Disguise is often a tool of the gods in the Odyssey, used to manipulate human events and test the character of mortals. But more importantly, Odysseus himself is famous for his cunning. From the Trojan horse to the clever blinding of the Cyclops, Odysseus survives and succeeds for his ability to dissemble and fool. Deception, then, is not always a negative notion in the Odyssey, but rather can be a means to more positive ends.

1. For what purposes is deception used in the Odyssey? Are these mainly benevolent or malevolent?
2. Odysseus’s cunning certainly gets him out of some tight spots, but does it ever work against him?
3. Which sex – male or female – is most associated with cunning and trickery? Which characters exemplify this? Which characters buck this trend?

Odysseus’s cunning is overrated since much of his cleverness comes through Athene’s inspiration or advice.

Although Odysseus receives invaluable help and protection from Athene, his genius is his own; most of the time, he is the one to find his own way out of trouble.