Odysseus As A Hero In Homer's Odyssey

In my eyes a hero is a person who shows courage, is humble, does not give up, and is someone everybody can relate to. The protagonist in “The Odyssey” by Homer, Odysseus is a hero because although he is emotional throughout the book and lets his emotions take over his actions, he displays immense courage and perseveres through his journey and hardships.

Epic heroes are featured in literature throughout history. Most notably, the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer is about Odysseus, an epic hero. He is the king of Ithaca who goes to fight in the Trojan War. After 20 years, Odysseus finally returns home, although through many obstacles. Once in Ithaca, Odysseus kills the suitors who plague his wife, along with all other disloyal subjects. He fits the definition of an epic hero, which is an admirable character who displays courage while working towards a noble cause. More specifically, Odysseus is an epic hero because he makes complex and important decisions, has supernatural help, and is associated with beautiful women.

“I am Laerte’s son, Odysseus./Men hold me/formidable for guile in peace and war” (Homer 488). It is evident that the author of the famous epic poem intended to portray the voyager, Odysseus, as a valiant and compassionate person. However, one may believe that he is a foolish man who delayed his own journey home. In the epic The Odyssey by Homer, the main character, Odysseus, is a hero because he always tries to keep his thoughts on home, he keeps his crew focused on the next task, and he is intelligent to win the gods’ favor. Odysseus is a hero because he never loses sight of his homeland during his tedious travels.

“Now shrugging off his rags the wiliest fighter of the islands leapt and stood on the broad door still, his own bow in his hand” (Homer 557). In epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus is a hero because he makes a clever decisions by gaining a close connection with Circe, he is cautious for he built his bed out of an olive tree, protecting his family from imposters, and he is cunning, for he allows his men to successfully escape Polyphemus’ cave.

Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and the main character in homer’s The Odyssey, was gone for twenty years before finally returning to his family and his homeland. He struggled through many hardships and lost many loyal companions. The King of Ithaca would not have made it home without the assistance of the Greek gods. Despite all of the help and advice that Odysseus receives from the gods, he is a very brave man because his courage and daring in the cave of the Cyclops, his inability to give up and abandon his men on Circe’s island, and his flawless following of the gods instructions are acts of bravery that is uncommon in most men.

The Odyssey by Homer, is a epic based off the actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes of a greek by the name of Odysseus. Throughout the story, Odysseus’ travels take him to new places on new adventures with no insight on what could happen next. Odysseus refers to himself, and is referred to a number of times, as a hero. Throughout the time of book 9 to book 12, there are many scenes throughout the story that portray the qualities Odysseus possesses that lead him to be given the heroic title. On the contrary, there are numerous occasions where Odysseus does things that might not be expected of someone seen as heroic. One of the first things that stood out to me starting in book 9, was Odysseus’ pride for his native land and where he comes from. Here, Odysseus states, “Nothing is sweeter than your own country” (Book 9, Line 37). This quotes shows how Odysseus is prideful of his home, Ithaca, and believes it to be the “sweetest sight” (Book 9, Line 31). Another scene that represents Odysseus’ heroic qualities is when Odysseus and his crew were being held by the cyclops, Polyphemus, and he comes up with an escape plan. During this, Odysseus states, “And I bade my comrades cast lots among them, which of them should have the hardihood with me to lift the stake and grind it into his eye when sweetsleep should come upon him.” (Book 9, Lines 328-329). To me, this portrays Odysseus as a quick thinker and a problem solver. In this situation, the problem was that him and

Homer is known as an influential author and writer that has created many famous pieces of literature. In his book, The Odyssey, he uses his skills to not only keep the reader on the edge of their seat, but to help us educate ourselves about the meaning of a true hero, he incorporates life lessons one of them being, that an individual does not have to be perfect in order to be praised or loved, he presents this to us several times throughout the book in order to convey the importance of loyalty, and compassion. There are many questions regarding his writing and many people inquire about how he captures the essence of a true ‘epic hero’ in his literature.

After Odysseus reveals his identity, he takes revenge of the wooers and severely punished anyone that was associated during the occasion. He was justified with his actions when he struck back. His punishments were brutal but neccasary. He gave the wooers what they deserved.

Heroes are everywhere, no matter how small their heroic actions may be. However, what is a hero? A hero is someone who helps others without regard to themselves. A person like Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird, who put Tom Robinson in front of his own reputation, and was called a “black lover” in the racist community for doing the right thing. In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus has done this more than once on his journey home, however he also has been selfish. Odysseus is a man who has been both heroic, like when he rescued his men from Circe, but he has also done unheroic actions, like when he didn’t tell his men about the dangerous bag of wind.

Superman has super strength, The Flash has super speed, and Spiderman has his webs. All of our favorite superheroes have aquired supernatural talents, but is that the only ability that defines a hero? In Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, the readers learn that one doesn’t need to be chosen or to have superhuman abilities to become a hero. After winning the Trojan War, Odysseus and his crew voyage through the Mediterranean and encounter countless challenges along the way in order to return home to their city Ithaca. Despite the countless challenges that the gods present Odysseus with during his journey, his tenacity and wit lead him to achieve heroism through his own free will.

Their odyssey includes years of sailing the open sea, as well as encounters with numerous dangerous monsters. Though the trip home is already going to be long and exhausting, Odysseus makes it even worse for himself and his men by leading them along several unnecessary detours. For example, Odysseus makes a mistake that adds extra time to his journey when he disrupts the life of an angry cyclops on his island. Out of curiosity, and not caring to measure the consequences, Odysseus leads his men into the cave of the beastly cyclops, Polyphemus. The cyclops traps the men in his cave, so Odysseus tricks Polyphemus into sleeping, which gives Odysseus the opportunity to blind him.

In the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus goes through many challenges on his way home from Troy; he is fated with hardships as a consequence of blinding Poseidon's son. Some say that he is a true hero by being able to conquer his difficulties and make it back to Ithaka after 20 years away however, he may only have made it home due to the help of Athena. Odysseus would not be the “hero” he is depicted as without Athena because without her goddess abilities he does not demonstrate motivation, humility, or virtuosity. He never helps further himself within his own journey making his success more a victory for Athena. First, Odysseus is not self motivated and does not attempt to further his journey home.

home, he did not suspect his wife to kill him. Through this grievance, Agamemnon warns Odysseus of what may await him in Ithaca and reminds him that no man is above the spite of others; more specifically, Agamemnon warns Odysseus of the possibility that his wife may plot against him in his absence. “‘Say not a word,’ he answered, ‘in death’s favour; I would rather be a paid servant in a poor man’s house and be above ground than king among kings of the dead’” (157). Achilles, the best of the Achaeans, expresses his regret to Odysseus; he wishes that he had chosen a long and peaceful life without glory rather than one of immortal greatness in the battlefield. Odysseus must confront that the war is truly over. No longer does any past heroism matter

Most people’s favorite Marvel hero is Spider-Man. To people spiderman is brave, He takes on hard battles and fights crime. But everyone always thinks about today's heroes, What about the Heroes that aren't alive anymore? Do you ever think about them? Odysseus was a brave hero in 1200 BC. Odysseus took a journey due to the Trojan war and fought numerous people and monsters to stay alive. Odysseus went through hard times and battles just as Spider-Man does. Odysseus loses many crew members on his journey back home. In Homers Odyssey, Odysseus proves to be an epic hero due to his bravery, knowledge, dedication.

Homer's epic tale The Odyssey is a story of the triumphs and downfalls that are in store for one warrior's long pillage home.  Odysseus, the hero from the Trojan wars, has led his people of Ithaca and other Achaean soldiers to victory and now wishes to return home to his wife and family of Ithaca.  Through his twenty year journey Odysseus is often tested not only of his physical strength, but his wits as well.  The many accomplishments he achieved earned him great status and recognition throughout ancient Greece.  The mistakes he made caused the deaths of many men.  Consequently, we as readers are able to see the many personas that Odysseus carries with him.