Ulysses is the Roman name for Odysseus, the Greek hero of Homer’s Iliad and the central figure of the Odyssey. In the Iliad, he is a prominent Achaean commander, known for his cunning, eloquence, and strategic mind, though the poem focuses more on the wrath of Achilles than on Odysseus’s own adventures.
Who Is Ulysses in Greek Mythology?
Ulysses (Odysseus) was the king of Ithaca, son of Laertes and Anticleia, and husband of Penelope, with whom he had a son, Telemachus. He was one of the most influential Greek leaders in the Trojan War, not because of his brute strength (which was considerable) but because of his intelligence, craftiness, and persuasive speech. His defining trait was metis, a Greek word for cunning wisdom, which set him apart from heroes like Achilles or Ajax, who relied on physical prowess.
In the mythological tradition, Odysseus was a grandson of the god Hermes on his mother’s side (in some accounts), which may explain his talent for trickery and negotiation. He was also one of the suitors of Helen before her marriage to Menelaus, and it was he who advised her father Tyndareus to make all suitors swear an oath to defend the chosen husband. That oath later bound the Greeks to join the Trojan War.
Odysseus’s Role in the Iliad
In the Iliad, Odysseus appears in several key episodes. He is one of the ambassadors sent to Achilles in Book 9, trying to persuade him to return to battle with offers of gifts and honor. His speech is a masterclass in rhetoric, appealing to Achilles’s sense of duty and glory, though it ultimately fails. He also leads his own contingent of ships and men, and he is a trusted advisor to Agamemnon.
One of his most notable contributions is the idea for the Trojan Horse, though that event is not actually described in the Iliad (which ends with Hector’s funeral). The horse is recounted in later epics, such as Virgil’s Aeneid and the lost Little Iliad. In the Iliad itself, Odysseus is also shown as a fierce warrior: he fights in the battle scenes, kills several Trojans, and is wounded in the side during a skirmish, but he continues to fight.
Ulysses vs. Odysseus: Why Two Names?
The name Ulysses is the Latinized form of Odysseus. The Romans, who admired Greek culture, adopted many Greek myths and gave the heroes Latin names. Odysseus became Ulixes or Ulysses in Latin, and later English literature, especially from the Renaissance onward, often used Ulysses. For example, Shakespeare’s play Troilus and Cressida features Ulysses as a shrewd strategist, and James Joyce’s novel Ulysses is a modern retelling of the Odyssey set in Dublin. In modern academic and mythological contexts, Odysseus is the standard name, but Ulysses remains common in popular culture and older translations.
The Odyssey: The Sequel That Defines Ulysses
While the Iliad focuses on the war, the Odyssey (also attributed to Homer) tells of Odysseus’s ten-year journey home after the fall of Troy. This epic is where his cunning truly shines: he blinds the Cyclops Polyphemus, outwits the witch Circe, resists the Sirens’ song, and passes between Scylla and Charybdis. He also descends to the Underworld to consult the prophet Tiresias. His adventures are a mix of fantasy and moral lessons, and they have inspired countless retellings.
In the Odyssey, he is also a tragic figure, longing for home while being detained by the nymph Calypso for seven years. When he finally returns to Ithaca, he must disguise himself as a beggar to reclaim his palace from the suitors who have been courting his wife Penelope. His reunion with Penelope, after she tests him with the secret of their marriage bed, is one of the most moving moments in Western literature.
Key Traits and Myths Associated with Ulysses
- Metis (Cunning): Odysseus is the archetype of the clever hero, using tricks and lies to survive, unlike the straightforward strength of Achilles.
- Eloquence: He is a master speaker, able to sway crowds and negotiate, as seen in his embassy to Achilles.
- Endurance: His journey home is a test of physical and mental endurance, facing monsters, gods, and temptations.
- Disguise and Deception: He frequently uses disguises, such as the beggar in Ithaca, and lies about his identity to achieve his goals.
- Divine Favor and Enmity: Athena favors him throughout the Odyssey, while Poseidon, angered by the blinding of his son Polyphemus, prolongs his voyage.
Common Misconceptions About Ulysses
One common misconception is that Ulysses is a separate character from Odysseus. They are the same figure, just different names from different languages. Another is that the Iliad tells the full story of the Trojan War, including the Trojan Horse. In fact, the Iliad covers only a few weeks in the tenth year of the war, ending with Hector’s funeral, and does not include the horse. The horse is described in later works, such as Virgil’s Aeneid (Book 2) and the Odyssey (where Odysseus himself recounts it). Also, some people think Odysseus was a purely heroic figure, but he is morally complex: he lies, cheats, and even considers murder for his own benefit, which makes him more realistic than many other heroes.
Ulysses in Later Literature and Art
Ulysses has had a massive influence on Western art and literature. In Dante’s Inferno, he is condemned to the eighth circle of Hell for his cunning and for leading his men on a reckless voyage beyond the Pillars of Hercules. In Tennyson’s poem “Ulysses,” he is an old king who yearns for one last adventure, symbolizing the restless human spirit. In modern times, the Coen brothers’ film O Brother, Where Art Thou? is loosely based on the Odyssey, with the protagonist named Ulysses Everett McGill. These retellings show how the character has been reinterpreted to fit different cultural contexts, from medieval Christian morality to Victorian ambition to American folk comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ulysses the same as Odysseus?
Yes, Ulysses is the Latin name for the Greek hero Odysseus. The Romans used “Ulixes” or “Ulysses,” and English adopted that form. In modern scholarship, Odysseus is preferred, but both names refer to the same character.
Did Ulysses appear in the Iliad?
Yes, Odysseus appears in the Iliad as a prominent Greek commander. He is part of the embassy to Achilles, fights in battle, and gives wise counsel to Agamemnon. He is not the central hero, but he is a key supporting character.
What is the Trojan Horse and is it in the Iliad?
The Trojan Horse is a giant wooden horse used by the Greeks to sneak into Troy. It is not described in the Iliad, which ends with Hector’s funeral. The story appears in later works, including the Odyssey (where Odysseus tells it) and Virgil’s Aeneid.
Why is Odysseus called “the man of many wiles”?
Homer repeatedly uses the epithet “polytropos” (many-turned) or “polymetis” (much-counseling) for Odysseus, which is often translated as “man of many wiles.” It refers to his ability to adapt, deceive, and find creative solutions to problems, a trait that contrasts with the straightforward heroism of Achilles.
What happened to Ulysses after the Trojan War?
After the war, Odysseus spent ten years trying to return home to Ithaca, facing monsters, storms, and divine wrath. He finally returned alone, disguised as a beggar, and killed the suitors who had taken over his palace. He then reunited with his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus, though some later myths say he eventually died in a strange way, killed by his own son with a spear tipped with a stingray spine.
Is Ulysses a god or a mortal?
Odysseus is a mortal, though he is favored by the goddess Athena and is a descendant of Hermes on his mother’s side in some accounts. He is a hero, not a god, and his mortality is central to his struggles and his eventual death.
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