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Essay On Homer's Odyssey: The Exemplary Hero

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The Exemplary Hero of Odysseus
“The Odyssey” is an epic that describes the journey of its main character Odysseus, who displays many exceptional qualities. Homer, who fabricated the fictional wanderings of Odysseus, is well known for his skilled incorporation of moral standards in his characters. Odysseus exhibits many of these principles in his actions. Ma’at, an ancient Egyptian concept of ethical values such as truth, balance, order, law, morality, and justice, is comparable to Homer’s moralistic Odysseus. Many of these virtues can be identified in Odysseus at times as he reveals them throughout his journey, specifically with his humility, exceptional patience, and eminent courage.
Although Odysseus does unveil much pride throughout his adventures, he also shows that he consists of some humility. Odysseus understood that he was basically powerless to the gods, and he was not opposed to calling on them for assistance when needed. “Saying no more, she tipped her golden wand upon the man, making his cloak pure white, and the knit tunic fresh around him. Lithe and young she made him, ruddy with the sun, his jawline clean, the beard no longer gray upon his chin. And she withdrew when she had done (p).” This quote of Homer tells of the goddess Athena assisting Odysseus when he needs help …show more content…

Odysseus could be considered prideful at times; however, he often shows his humility, especially with godly intervention. He also manifests his patience as he enduringly decides to wait for the perfect moment to act rather than to function off of his impulse. The most notable virtue of the heroic Odysseus is definitely his courage; he operates without fear in many situations including conflict with the gods, people, or other creatures. Homer’s “The Odyssey” is a one of the greatest literary works in history as it shows readers what outstanding and virtuous qualities can be found within complete and heroic men such as

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