Introduction Odysseus is known all over the world as one of the most outstanding models of leadership anthemed in the literature of the ancient world. This hero represents an idealistic vision of state Homer. In the following paper, Odysseus’ character shown by Homer in his immortal “The Odyssey” along with his ethics will be compared to an image of an idealistic ruler shown in Hollywood movies. Comparing and contrasting the two eidolons it becomes evident that differences between them are significant; however, evaluating these two portrays of leadership a conclusion can be still made that there exist numerous parallels between them which shows that the concept of ideal leadership does not change with the duration of time. Main body The ancient hero Odysseus can be mentioned among the most famous rulers elegized in ancient literature. He possesses a row of the most important qualities which makes it possible for him to be a great example for the ruler of any existing state. Odysseus is shown as a good-looking and strong man of middle age. This man is full of practical wisdom who knows when to act, and how particularly to do this in order to attain his goals in the best way possible. Odysseus is a real hero brave and courageous enough to do his best for the well-being of his close ones and his citizens. The king is not only wise and intelligent; he is also cunning as he knows well how to organize the things around him in a way that helps solve urgent problems in the best way. He knows how to destroy his enemies to the extent when they will be crushed forever never to rise to act their terrible things again. He is also a wise economist knowing how to use his recourses in the most efficient way no matter how limited they are. More than this, Odysseus is also a man of incredible power having not many competitors able to be well-deserved corrivals for him. One more important and valued point about Odysseus is the fact that he is an exemplary family man loyal to his wife despite all the temptations and the other possible obstacles threatening their marriage happiness. All of this makes Odysseus a perfect image of the best ruler of all ages affecting people’s imagination even nowadays. For this reason, it is no wonder that the image of an idealized ruler shown in popular culture nowadays has so many parallels with Odysseus. Modern-day culture has created its own portray of a perfect leader often shown in different pieces of modern art. Of course, the most “convenient” so to say a piece of modern art where humanity may learn about this image is film-making art. Numerous movies especially those produced in the genre of fantasy depict an ideal leader able to save humanity from different threats of global scale coming from the most varied sources such as natural disasters, epidemics, and even other civilizations. In these films, the image of the ruler greatly resembles the image of Odysseus. We usually see such a ruler as a handsome man of middle age full of energy and vigor which he incessantly uses until he solves the problem his people face. This man is intelligent and wise enough to develop the most complicated strategies and make the most important decisions as urgent as it is important for any particular situation. This man is known for his virtues as he is noble and kind. He is shown as an exemplar