For example, he ordered the men to return to the ship and he tied them to the seats. Odysseus knew that if he did not lead, then he and his men would remain with the Lotus Eaters forever. Odysseus believes in sacrifice and he would do anything to protect his men, which is what a hero always does. The author explains in book 12: "They approach the island of the beautiful mermaids, and Odysseus, according to Circe's instructions, plugs his men's ears with beeswax and makes them tie it up to the ship's mast. » “He alone hears their song, promising to reveal the future. » This fact proves that Odysseus would protect his men from the seductive sirens, but he would hear it alone. Odysseus knew his men would not resist the seductive sirens. Not only does Odysseus make sacrifices, but he demonstrates good leadership. Odysseus did his best in books 19 and 20 to keep his identity a secret from Penelope, his wife, because his goal was to win over the suitors with the help of his son, Telemachus. He wanted to face Penelope when he solved all his problems in his house. Odysseus wanted to show Penelope when he was ready and he was also sort of testing Penelope's loyalty. He's still a hero because he's not sure he can trust Penelope and he knows he has to protect his home from suitors.