In Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, the recurring theme of intelligence is important because through intelligence, Odysseus is able to use wit and cunning to fulfill his needs and desires, as well as defeat opponents larger and stronger than him. Through the stories of Odysseus's suffering throughout the Trojan War and his struggles to return home, Homer describes intelligence as the effective application of force used to gain advantage over one's adversaries. Odysseus is depicted as an intellectual hero, who focuses on the brain and the sophrosune, rather than the typical martial hero, such as Achilles in the Iliad, who focuses on the muscles and action caused by emotion . skill in the use of cunning and wit is in book 3 when Nestor explains that "no one [in the Trojan War] could hope to rival Odysseus, not by sheer cunning [for] at every strategy, he surpassed them all” (3.134). Then later in Book 4, Menelaus recounts how Helen was trying to lure them out of hiding to gain glory for Troy, but Odysseus knew it was a trap and "overpowered [him and Diomedes]...and saved them all". (4.318-322). Another example of his intelligence is shown when Odysseus "scarred his own body with mortifying blows, throwing filthy rags on his black like any slave" (4.274) to disguise himself as a beggar so he could hide his true identity . These descriptions help characterize Odysseus as a hero who excels in his ability to actively use his brain over his emotional instincts, use his intelligence to deceive others, and think ahead. This contrasts with Achilles, in the Iliad, as he allows his emotions to hinder his ability to act rationally in situations such as when Achilles rages...... middle of paper .... ..tions rather than logic, as opposed to Odysseus who is an intellectual hero who uses wit and cunning as an effective application of force used to gain advantage over his adversaries. Overall, Odysseus possesses martial strength as shown by his ability to stab and blind Polyphemus, but what is practical and used more is his ability to think clearly and act deceptively. Odysseus's intelligence and wit separate him from "typical" Greek heroes because in exemplifying the virtues of sophrosune, Odysseus considers his decisions wisely, relying on cunning foresight rather than emotional impulse, like Achilles . The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books, 1990. Print.Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fagles. The Norton Anthology of Western Literature. Ed. Sarah Lawall. Volume 1. 8th ed. New York: WW Norton, 2006. Print.