Polites was a loyal and trusted companion of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey. He is typically portrayed as a wise and gentle member of Odysseus's crew, known for his good judgment and persuasive speech.
In Book 10 of the Odyssey, Polites is chosen by Odysseus as one of the men to explore the island of Circe, the enchantress. He is specifically selected due to his trustworthiness and ability to assess situations carefully. When the group reaches Circe's house, Polites is the only one who urges caution and suspects a trap. However, his warnings are ignored, and the other men, led by Eurylochus, enter the house and are subsequently transformed into swine.
Polites escapes being turned into a pig and relays the disastrous news back to Odysseus, prompting Odysseus to seek the aid of Hermes to overcome Circe's magic and rescue his men. While a relatively minor character, Polites represents the ideal qualities of a good crew member: loyalty, intelligence, and prudence. His brief appearance highlights the dangers faced by Odysseus and his men and underscores the importance of heeding wise counsel.