Odysseus and Oedipus
The literal meaning of the name Odysseus is to cause pain and heartache. Odysseus lives up to his name by causing pain to Penelope. The name Odysseus also means crafty. Odysseus displays this trait by outwitting the Cyclopes and by winning the battle of Troy. The word Oedipus stands for “swollen foot”. Oedipus has his feet bound together as a child, which causes this illness. Oedipus is also the man who “knows” and can decipher the prophecy of the oracle and the riddle of the Sphinx. ... Oedipus and Odysseus both posses heroic qualities. ... The arrogance of Odysseus proves to be one of his downfalls. Upon stabbing the Cyclopes in the eye he yelled out that the “great Odysseus” had wounded him. Poseidon punished Odysseus because of this insolence. Oedipus was also very aware of his heroic stature. Outside the palace doors, Oedipus greeted the citizens of Thebes by saying, “I would not have you speak through messengers, and therefore I have come myself to hear you – I, Oedipus, who bear the famous name. ... Arrogance results in the doom of both Oedipus and Odysseus.