One theme that has been expressed quite often in The Odyssey is the theme of intellect versus strength. Often times Homer depicts a character lacking in one but greatly endowed with the other. This is true in real life as well. Often times failure can occur due to a heavy reliance on one or the other and not a equal reliance on both.
             In the Odyssey there are several examples of the theme of intellect versus strength. In book eight Odysseus' looks are insulted by Broadsea, a Phaeacian who is partaking in the games held by king Alcinous. Odysseus is quick to counter with a long and downright cruel retort.
             "So, the gods don't hand out all their gifts at once, not build and brains and flowing speech to all. One man may fail to impress us with his looks but a god can crown his words with beauty, charm, and men look on with delight when he speaks out. Never faltering , filled with winning self-control, he shines forth at assembly grounds and people gaze at him like a god when he walks through the streets. Another man may look like a deathless one on high but there's not a bit of grace to crown his words. Not even a god could improve those lovely looks of yours but the mind inside is worthless." Through this quote Homer expresses the concept that often times people think to highly of there outer appearance and give no thought to what lies within in themselves.
             There is yet another example of this theme in book 8 as well. After the games have ended Alcinous summons the bard Demodocus to sing for those gathered at his palace. The bard sings of how the crippled god Hephaestus managed to trap his adulterous wife, Aphrodite, and her lover Ares, the god of war. The other gods gather round to see how crippled Hephaestus has managed to capture the two adulterers. As they stand and look on at the work of the Hephaestus they begin to laugh and joke to each other. "A bad day for the adulterer. Slow outstrips the Swift", says one god. "The Cri...