Character Analysis Of Odysseus As A Hero In The Odyssey, By Homer

What qualities should an individual have to be considered a hero? Some may say that a hero is an exceptional warrior whereas other may argue that a hero is an individual who uses clever tricks and pure wit to defeat his enemies. In the epic poem, The Odyssey, by Homer, there are many heroes who display qualities such as bravery, loyalty, and courage that make them a heroic individual. However, it can be said that there is no character who is more of a hero than Odysseus is for numerous reasons. Odysseus has displayed outstanding achievements, persistence, wisdom, and all other characteristics mentioned above which make him the ultimate hero in the poem. Odysseus proves himself to be a true hero because he is able to overcome challenges and

Odysseus cannot be proclaimed a hero because of his tragic and fatal flaw. Odysseus is guilty of hubris, or his excessive pride. One of the most prominent examples is after he defeats the Cyclops. Odysseus had done an excellent job of concealing his identity to the Cyclops throughout the book, yet he reveals his identity in the end. “I called back with another burst of anger, ‘Cyclops – if any man on the face of the earth should ask you who blinded you, shamed you so – say Odysseus, raider of cities, he gouged out your eye!” (IX 558-561) Right before they depart from the island, Odysseus shouts out the above statements. This is most certainly foolish and a clear mistake on his part. This is because as a result of his hubris, he further intensifies his punishment from the Gods. It is clear that Odysseus wants to be known for taking down the mighty Cyclops and feels an overbearing amount of pride from accomplishing such a task. Furthermore, Odysseus attaches a title to his own name as the “raider of cities.” Clearly, this is only one event that occurred yet he is so eager to boast about his achievements that others could not do previously. Thus, Odysseus digs his own grave in the sense that he made his journey harder and more difficult by revealing his identity as a consequence of his hubris. The Cyclops tips off to his father Poseidon, “If I really am your son and you claim to be my father – come, grant that Odysseus, raider of cities… never reaches home.” (IX 587-590) Poseidon responds to the prayers of his son, the Cyclops, and contributes to the trouble that Zeus already has brewing for Odysseus and his crew. Odysseus also is not a hero because he lacks the leadership skills necessary to efficiently return to Ithaca. This is because Odysseus fails to command authority and his crewmen do not follow his orders. Circe warned