... is always wholly complimentary (Cook, Book I, l.128 "stout-hearted Odysseus", Book III, l.98 "noble Odysseus", Book IV, l. 270 "stout-minded Odysseus"). As with most heroes of epic poetry, the usual character traits are highlighted in Odysseus (strength, nobility, a skill with words, cunning, etc.) yet most important of all is the theme of kleos (Greek for 'good reputation', a heroes reward for the hardships they have had to face) - "the hero's quest for immortal kleos is one of the oldest motifs of Greek epic and commonplace amongst all oral epic poetry¹" - and Odysseus is no exception. Indeed, though kleos is an important paradigm of both Odysseus and Telemachus' quests in the poem, "both embark on their respective journeys for quite different reasons. Whilst Telemachus has to leave Ithica to establish his identity, Odysseus must return there to do so (thereby reclaiming the throne and restoring order to both ...

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