The Odyssey Odysseus Quotes

Odysseus

Quote 22

(Odysseus:) 'Leave blows alone, do not press me too hard, or you may make me angry so that, old as I am, I may give you a bloody chest and mouth. Then I could have peace, and still more of it tomorrow, for I do not think you will make your way back here a second time to the house of Odysseus, son of Laertes.' (18.20-24)

Even when he's disguised as a beggar, Odysseus can't help showing off his pride in his house and his name. It's a good thing he managed to keep his disguise on—and maybe more evidence that he's changed.

Odysseus > Demodokos

Quote 23

(Odysseus, to Demodokos): ‘Come to another part of the story, sing us the wooden horse, which Epeios made with Athene helping, the stratagem great Odysseus filled once with men and brought it to the upper city, and it was these men who sacked Ilion.’ (8.492-495)

Odysseus uses his "disguise" to relive old memories and emotions. Notice, too, that he wants Demodokos to hurry up and get to the part of the story involving trickery!

Odysseus

Quote 24

(Odysseus, in his tale:) ‘“Nobody is my name. My father and mother call me Nobody, as do all the others who are my companions.”’ (9.366-367)

Odysseus’s trick is the original "Who’s on First?"