Examples Of Odysseus As An Epic Hero

In Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, the protagonist, Odysseus, portrays himself as formidable for guile in peace and war. His statement accurately portrays himself due to him often deceiving his enemies through his intelligent strategies in both times of calm, and conflict. Not only that but Odysseus is also seen as an epic hero. He displays strength, strategy, and fierce intelligence. Not only does he display qualities of an epic hero in times of conflict, but he also does in times of peace. Odysseus’ cunning intelligence is seen in a time of conflict when he and his men are in the Land of the Cyclopes and are tasked with the job of escaping the one-eyed giant, Polyphemus. Given the intense circumstances they are under, it is Odysseus’ job, as a leader, to lead his men to escape. Being the shrewd character he is, Odysseus plots to sedate Polyphemus with wine. He

One example is when he turns into a shriveled beggar by Athena, which allows him to see the state of his homeland, Ithaca, during his absence. Odysseus now can gather insightful information on Ithaca, as well as his son and wife, Telemachus and Penelope. His home is being invaded by suitors who all believe they are destined to be with Penelope. In the text it says, “Then Lord Odysseus / reappeared-and his son was thunderstruck” (72-73). This shows extreme determination by Odysseus, which is another quality of an epic hero. Odysseus reaches his goal of arriving home, and he must get his wife back while getting rid of the suitors who have taken over. Furthermore, another quality of an epic hero which Odysseus exhibits is confidence. One particular scene from the poem writes,“ ‘So much for that. Your clean-cut game is over. / Now watch me hit a target that no man has hit before…’ ” (324-325). Odysseus is visibly confident in his ability to outsmart the suitors, which is an extraordinary trait for an epic hero to