Ten years of war, ten years of homecoming, and a mass murder: Odysseus is antiquity's most famous hero. But is he truly a hero?

For ten years, Odysseus fought in the Trojan War, and for another ten, he navigated treacherous seas to return home. His epic journey, filled with trials and a notorious massacre, has cemented his status as antiquity's most celebrated hero. Yet, the question lingers: does Odysseus truly deserve the title of 'hero'?

Odysseus's approach to challenges is marked not by physical might but by sharp intellect and a remarkable capacity for adaptation. He strategizes, plans, and adjusts his tactics, embodying a new kind of leadership that resonates with a changing world. Historian Raimund Schulz dedicates a fascinating book to this complex figure, exploring the nuances of his character and actions.

The narrative delves into a critical episode: Odysseus's encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus. Despite being in a seemingly safe haven, Odysseus's adventurous spirit and curiosity lead him and his men to explore an island inhabited by monstrous, one-eyed giants. His decision to confront Polyphemus, rather than continue his journey home, sets in motion a chain of events marked by cunning, violence, and the loss of several men, forcing a reconsideration of his heroic image.

“

He was not created like humans who eat bread, but rather looked like the wooded peak of high mountains.