Who Odysseus is
Odysseus is a patient speaker and planner among the Greeks besieging Troy. His part in the poem shows how words and judgement matter alongside strength in battle.
When Agamemnon tests the army by suggesting a return home, the soldiers rush towards their ships. Odysseus drives them back to the assembly, using both his words and his staff.
What Odysseus wants
Odysseus tries to bring Achilles back to the Greek cause after his quarrel with Agamemnon. He presents Agamemnon's offer of gifts and reminds Achilles of his father's advice to restrain his pride.
His speech meets a refusal, as Achilles questions whether honour can ever outweigh a life. The exchange places Odysseus' patient persuasion beside an anger that gifts cannot easily settle.
Odysseus and the others in the story
Odysseus visits Achilles with Phoenix, Achilles' old tutor, and Ajax, another Greek warrior. Achilles welcomes the visitors as friends and shares a meal before they begin their appeal.
Odysseus also works with Diomedes, joining him on a night raid towards the Trojan camp. Their partnership shows another side of his role, where planning serves dangerous action rather than public speech.
Questions
Who is Odysseus in The Iliad?
Odysseus is Ithaca's king, a Greek leader known for clever planning and patient speech.
Why does Odysseus visit Achilles?
He goes to persuade Achilles to fight again, carrying Agamemnon's offer of gifts with Phoenix and Ajax.
Does Odysseus fight as well as speak?
Yes, he takes part in the fighting and joins Diomedes on a night raid.