“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Joseph Campbell
In the epic poem, The Odyssey, by Homer, readers follow Odysseus through his delayed and unusual journey. By the Greek standards Odysseus may have been considered an ideal hero. However, nowadays standards follow Joseph Campbell’s quote. Odysseus also made some unjustifiable mistakes. These mistakes reveal a self centered and ungiving person. Even though Odysseus is brave, smart and intelligent, he has contradictory flaws that shows him as not the ideal hero. Odysseus was a brave and intelligent man. During the Trojan war, Odysseus was the one who came up with the idea to get the Greeks into the walls of Troy. He suggested to construct a wooden horse to hold Achaeans soldiers in. At night, the soldiers sneaked in the Trojan horse through the gates. The next
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His actions are not justified. He approaches the island to find some food to feed his men. However, he also wanted to see this Cyclops named Polyphemus, who everyone was talking about. Instead of just walking in and asking, he barges in and tries to steal the food. However, Odysseus wanted to see the Cyclops’ face so he decides to go into his home. Polyphemus, saw him and started arguing with him. Odysseus decides the following day to stab Polyphemus’ eye out so the Cyclops can't see him leave. Before Odysseus leaves, he yells to Polyphemos, “If ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell them Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye.” Poseidon learned of this injustice to his son and cursed Odysseus on his further travels. Odysseus could have skipped Polyphemos and instead looked for another source of food. He should have never told Polyphemus his real name so he would not have to wander for two more years. He instead reveals his prideful selfish side and consequently prolongs the