Why was odysseus considered an epic hero?

Odysseus demonstrated god-like qualities in The Odyssey through his intelligence and ability to inspire his men.

In one instance, he tricked the Cyclops Polyphemus by telling him his name was “nobody” and then disguising his men as sheep so that Polyphemus would unwittingly let them out of his cave.

He is able to keep his men together for most of the story by earning their loyalty and devotion. Even in the face of dangers such as Scylla and Circe, the men stick with Odysseus.

Finally, at the end of the story, he tricks the suitors by doing what no other man can do: string his famous bow. In so doing, he has given himself the weapon with which to defeat the suitors and taken them by surprise.