Odysseus; Hero or Fraud? When most people think of a hero, they’d think of someone such as their father, or perhaps a fictional character, namely Superman. Although they may seem to be heroes, what is the true definition of a hero? Could it unequivocally be merely the matter of an opinion? The Odyssey is one of two epic poems written by the Greek poet Homer. This epic poem is divided into 24 parts including, “Sailing From Troy”, “The Cyclops”, and “The Sirens”. These stories follow the main character Odysseus, and his crew, on their journey back home after the Trojan War. Throughout these stories many acts of heroism are displayed. Heroism consists of many things although primarily consisting of, being courageous, putting others before yourself, …show more content…
The text states, “No god. Why take me as a god? No, no. I am that father whom your boyhood lacked and suffered pain for lack of. I am here” (Homer 774). In this quote Odysseus is not portaging himself as a god even though Athena made him appear rich and golden. He is admitting that he has missed out on his son’s life. Odysseus chooses fatherhood over the life of a god. This quote supports my argument because it portrays Odysseus in a state of remorse. It implies the humble realization overcoming Odysseus that no matter what he wishes to return to his family and be a father once more. In addition, Odysseus’ vulnerability displays how heroic he is. The author has written, “Now flashed arrow from twanging bow clean as a whistle through every socket ring, and grazed not one…” (Homer 782). In this quote came Odysseus finally arrived back home but his wife couldn’t recognize him. He tried to show his wife how he persevered through his expedition home in order to reunite with her and their son. This final quote is an epitome of my ongoing argument by conveying the devotion Odysseus has towards his family. He’d do anything to be with his family again after twenty long years without
The Odyssey, a Greek epic written by Homer has many characters that could be considered heroes, but none as greatly debated on whether he should be called a hero as Odysseus. Odysseus is a hero due to the fact that he wants to protect the ones he loves, shows courage through his actions and words, and as a leader is able to inspire others to have courage. Odysseus’s family
I believe Odysseus is not a hero because he let many people die. He also didn't save his men from the Cyclops “He couldn't save his people.” I personally think that he didn’t try to save them at all. Odysseus did not save his people in time. According to Homer, “ While he fought only to save his life, to bring his shipmates home.
Prior to this moment, Odysseus’ wellbeing is made a
This shows that Odysseus works hard at making it home because his main love and focus is his family back home even if it means passing up one of the biggest offers of his
This is also the last reason why Odysseus is not a hero. He does not have a good heart like a great hero would have. After years of being gone and leaving his wife at her own will, many men were asking for the hand of Penelope. But Penelope set up a test for all of them, and if they were able to overcome the task they would be the great man to marry her. Of course the challenge wasn’t easy though, they had to pull the string of the bow of Odysseus and shoot the arrow through 12 small loops.
Although Odysseus is the main character of this epic poem, he should not be viewed as a hero and sometimes is indeed presented otherwise; failing his crew many times, disrespecting Poseidon, showing his stubbornness, selfishness with his pride, all extend his return home. Odysseus wants to go back a lot, but while he is on his journey he rarely asks or takes his crew’s opinions on the occurring situation. His confidence is also a big obstacle for a fast return home. The angered god Poseidon is tormenting him while he sails, but Odysseus is not even thinking about apologising and once again shows too much pride in himself. There are very few traits of a good leader which Odysseus possesses, and they aren't the most important ones.
In the epic story the Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus is returning from the Trojan war, and on his way home he finds many obstacles ahead of him. Odysseus is the ruler of Ithaca and he is trying to return home to his land. Many creatures try and stop him from achieving his goal of returning home, but he and his crew have to push through and get home. Odysseus portrays bravery and courage leading his crew through these tough challenges. Odysseus heroically leads his crew and himself through dangerous obstacles, but also foolishly endangers them during the journey home.
Odysseus has grown from the man he was before, as now he finds comfort and safety in obeying the gods when in the past he did not consider their wishes. Odysseus has only returned due to Athena and he has recognized that and his compliance is founded in his appreciation and respect for her. Odysseus is now a hero due to the obedience he now has to the gods, founded in a sense of humility. Through Odysseus’ experiences on his journey, he learns the value of obedience and dangers of arrogance and ultimately, become a hero through the lessons learned.
In the epic poem the Odyssey by Homer, the main character Odysseus is a hero because he is selfless, strong, smart. After a careful reading of The Odyssey by Homer it is clear that Odysseus
A hero is someone who is revered for his or her exceptional achievements and bravery. Anyone who puts themselves before others not for recognition or an award, but because it is the right thing to do, is a true hero. In "The Odyssey," written by Homer is an epic poem about a man named Odysseus and his crewmates competing against the power of the gods to return to their homeland, Ithaca. Throughout his journey, he loses almost all of his men, but Odysseus finally arrives home, concluding his prolonged twenty-year voyage. Odysseus must battle the suitors that have taken his wife Penelope, and may soon kill his son Telemachus.
Here, Odysseus tells Athena that she is all he has left and through her immortal powers, she is the only god still on his side who can help him in his time of need. Therefore, through Athena’s encouraging words, she is able to make Odysseus feel uplifted and more useful, especially as Odysseus is, at this point, very hopeless and miserably
Odysseus is an epic hero because of his bravery and confidence during every obstacle throughout his journey In Part 1 whie Odysseus is about to come across cyclops cave, he says “I brought along and victuals in a bag, for in my bones I knew some towering brute would be upon so soon- all outward power, a wild man, ignorant of civility. “ Odysseus is showing his bravery of not being petrified of what he might come across, like the cyclops. Odysseus has no intention of harming them, but he is not sure what their intention is. This example is important because not only does it show confidence in himself, he also shows confidence in his men. In Part 2 Odysseus also shows his confidence in his men in part 2 where Eurylochus says, “Are you flesh and blood, Odysseus, to endure more than a man can?
In this important exchange between Odysseus and his mother,
Odyssey Essay It’s been said, “To erase the line between man and machine is to ensure the line between men and gods.” The Odyssey is an epic poem written in the 8th century by Homer, a Greek poet. There are multiple references to mythological gods and goddesses that appear in a man’s person’s daily life. It was believed that the mighty gods descended down from Mount Olympus to help a believer’s tasks.