Examples Of Heroism In The Odyssey

Odysseus’s Non Heroic Acts

Modern day society defines a hero through their impact as an influential figure and how he or she redefines society’s fundamentals. The epic poem, The Odyssey by Homer, portrays Odysseus as a false hero. Divine heroism is described as selfless acts of duty in order to benefit an individual's comrades. Over the years, the standard of achieving heroism has become harder to attain because of the increased responsibility put onto people to bring about the greater good. Despite Odyesseus’s brave acts as a general, he would be unable to meet the requirements of a modern day hero due to his ineffective leadership.

Odysseus’s acts of brutality embodies his ineffective

These acts of brutality interpret Odysseus’s weakened morals and how he does not represent the honorable values of Ithaca. The first glimpse of Odysseus is introduced through his son Telemachus, who has only heard of his father through courageous stories. The longing for Odysseus at home has become stronger through his loved ones, although Odysseus’s brutal behavior is changing his inner representation. Ithaca’s citizens unknowingly still have a broad idea of Odysseus’s heroic ways and pass down great deals of tales that praise Odysseus immensely. Through this quote “If only that Odysseus sported with these suitors, a blood wedding, a quick death would take the lot” (Homer 1. 308) Odysseus is conveyed as having a considerable amount of strength, but his actions in the trials and tribulations between him and the gods exposes Odysseus as being more violent and not as mentally

Self-indulgence defies the traits of human ethics and how heros should accommodate a sense of welfare for every human being. While away from Ithaca, Odysseus has not been able to hold onto his true customs of putting his comrades and all of mankind before himself. When Odysseus and his men reached the Aeaean island, unlike other leaders, weakened Odysseus intentionally plans on avoiding danger by sending his men out to be exposed to the uncertainty of their survival. It states, “but soon enough this seemed the better plan: I’d go back to shore and the swift ship first, feed the men, then send them out for scouting” (Homer 10. 168). Because he is sending out his men, he is sacrificing them before himself which shows he is not a brave hero. Self-centered acts of duty can also be depicted when Circe tells Odysseus of the extensive obstructions that may lie ahead. Selfishness takes over Odysseus when Circe tells him of the Siren’s song. A representation of this is when he instructs his men to “bound me hand and foot in the tight ship - erect at the mast-block, lashed by ropes to the mast” (Homer 12. 194). Odysseus commanded his men to block their own ears and to not listen to the Siren’s song, while he proposed to be tyed up to the mast so he can endure their admirable music. It is said that “until he has heard the honeyed voices pouring from their lips, and