Examples Of Heroism In The Odyssey

The Heroism of a Flawed Man Heroes come in many different forms and many different actions. They are judged and praised as a hero for their great acts. However is it possible that who some call heroic may also have flaws? In Homer's epic poem, “The Odyssey” the character Odysseus seeks to sail back to his home after 20 years of travel, through many heroic battles he finally makes it home. Odysseus is perceived as a hero but with many devious flaws. This raises the question: do all heroes have to be perfect? Heroism can be described as a very courageous deed, an outstanding achievement or nobleness. Odysseus shows heroism throughout the entire epic poem. More specifically when he saves his people of Ithaca from Suitors. The Suitors are a

The author Homer may have given Odysseus these inadequacies to show that even the most heroic perceived people can have flaws. For example, though Odysseus loved his wife and claimed to be a family man, it cannot be disputed that he cheated on her many times. In the Poem it tells how Odysseus cheated on his wife Penelope with the Goddess Calypso. He said, “But in my heart I never gave consent” this still is no excuse for being unfaithful. Also another example of Odysseus’s flaws would be when he threatened the Cyclops and started a fight with them. In the text it states, “It was our luck to come here, here we stand beholden for your help, or any gifts you give-as custom is to honor strangers. We would entreat you, great Sir, have a care for the gods’ courtesy; Zeus will avenge the offending guest.” In this statement it tells how if the Cyclops didn’t greet and assist Odysseus that the Gods would harm them. This can be seen as a malicious threat and it clearly offended the Cyclops because he later attacked. So now this “legendary hero” had clearly mistreated innocent Cyclops and become unfaithful to his wife that he loved. This demonstrates the statement that not all “Heros” are the perfect people some are made to believe. However a few bad deeds can still be overshadowed by the greater acts a man