Odysseus, the Overrated Hero
An epic hero is defined as someone who is “the main character of an epic poem that tells the story of a grand quest in which they use their extraordinary or superhuman abilities to achieve great things” (dictionary.com). Although The Odyssey is an epic poem and Odysseus goes on a grand quest using superhuman abilities, divine intervention made all of this possible. All throughout Odysseus’ expedition in The Odyssey, by Homer, Odysseus goes on a voyage similar to the steps of the hero’s journey, but it ultimately prevents Odysseus from living as a true epic hero because of his profusion of hubris, him completely relying on the help the gods generously give him, and his selfishness to others.
Although Odysseus’ confidence
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When (beggar) Odysseus gets challenged by Irus to a boxing match, Athena gives Odysseus extra strength and height to help him dominate his fight. Odysseus, the underdog, won his fight by a landslide from, “[coming] through with a hook below the ear, pounding Irus’ neck, smashing the bones inside…” (Homer 109-112). There was no reason for Odysseus to fight Irus that would have gained him something. Without the gods, Odysseus probably wouldn’t even be alive long enough to retake his throne. Odysseus only disguised himself to get revenge on the suitors by murdering them all to regain complete control over his kingdom. The only reason he survived his odyssey and returned back to his palace in the first place is because of Athena and the other gods. Odysseus can’t find a way to stay out of trouble and maintain his current disguise without the major help from the gods. The only reason Odysseus made his homecoming at the end of The Odyssey is mostly a result of the generosity of the gods, but Odysseus can’t even recognize that. He took all the credit and believed he was this strong person who went on a long odyssey and found his way home by