I think that cunning and prudence are the most essential skills in Homer’s world. Those who possess these skills, as Odysseus does, are able to achieve most of their goals. Homer shows the importance of these attributes through the hero Odysseus. Through cunning, which is Odysseus’ great strength, he is able to overcome many obstacles, such as monsters. For instance, when he was trapped in Polyphemos’ cave he wisely planned how to make him drunk, and then how to blind him, in order to escape his cave with his men. Throughout the whole book, Homer shows many evidence that Odysseus’ intelligence helps him make smart decisions on his long way back home. Odysseus is renowned for many good deeds, and at the end that was the most important for Ancient Greeks.
I agree with the skills you brought up. It is necessary for Odysseus to be a quick thinker so he can navigate is way out a different situations. He plans ahead and his reputation grants him valuable assistance from the gods.