Examples Of Odysseus Being A Hero

Odysseus: a Controversial Hero Odysseus is timelessly known to be one of the most renowned epic heroes–yet individuals still question if he truly deserves this title. He encountered mythical creatures, unimaginable obstacles, uninhabitable conditions, and was still able to endure and return to Ithaca undefeated. However, his lucid mistakes initiate doubt of his true abilities. Odysseus’ desire to be well known as a hero occasionally overpowers his own common sense, leading him to dangerous situations that could have otherwise been avoided. Nonetheless, his fame is hardly diminished by these mistakes, as Odysseus always comes back to battle stronger than ever before. Throughout The Odyssey, Homer strategically portrayed Odysseus as a remarkable

Remarkably, Odysseus never forgot to listen to the Gods and morals. When he was told something, it stuck with him, and he would use it to help guide him in his everyday life. Despite the fact that Odysseus was confident in all his skills, he practiced great caution and preciseness in order to correctly fulfill his prophecy, as told to him by Tiresias. Odysseus narrated, “I came to this wild place, directed by Athena, so that we may lay plans to kill our enemies” (Homer 1080-1082).” Even though Odysseus has finally returned to Ithaca, he knows what needs to be done and he invites his son, Telemachus, to assist him. This is also seen consistently throughout The Odyssey, as Odysseus always listens to the Gods and tries to do what will benefit him and his men the most significantly. For instance, when Athena told him he had to reveal his true identity in Ithaca, he did everything in his power to prepare for his fate in a way that would give him the most control. Equally notable, when Odysseus was informed that he must listen to the siren song and resist being compelled, he instructed his men and

A plethora of descriptions evince his potential maleficence. In support, “There is no way in which Oddyseus’ behavior throughout the Odyssey can be accounted for as heroic on terms of the Iliad” (Odysseus and the Genus ‘Hero’). While Odysseus may be considered a wonderful hero in the Odyssey, his leading skills are miniscule compared to other epic heroes. Other epics, such as the Iliad, exhibit more proficient examples of powerful leaders. In spite of the fact that he is considered one of the greatest epic heroes of all time, his character is still very flawed and does not always make the most advantageous choices. It is evident that instead of dying victorious or fighting in dangerous battles, he would instead choose the option of risking the lives of his men or finding unrealistic solutions. While some may consider this admirable, others would argue that he is timid and desperately tries to avoid conflict. To illustrate, “‘Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye’” (Homer 459). After Odysseus had successfully wounded and escaped Polyphemus, in that moment, he succumbed and was controlled by his ego and desire, just for the purpose of a good reputation. Without considering anything, Odysseus told Polyphemus his name and exactly what he did, in hopes that when others heard the word, they would believe he was