Odysseus: A True Hero

By definition, a hero is “a person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal.” (www.dictionary.com) In the modern world, the majority of people perceive a hero as a person who has superpowers and save the world while wearing capes and tight suits. Even so, regardless of how people visualize a hero, without some characteristics such as bravery and self-sacrificed, no one would fully agree that that person is a hero. In the Christian perspective, being a hero is more than just being courageous and selfless. A biblical hero is an individual who would obediently follow God’s will without fear, would sacrifice himself to accomplish God’s plan, and would do

In book IX of Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus had accomplished many extraordinary achievements such as victorious battles against Troy and his strategic plan to blind the Cyclops to free his companions, which made many readers viewed him as a hero. Despite of his accomplishments, God was never part of his intention. He proudly shouted that if any man inquire who blinded the Cyclops, then tell him that “Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye” (line 528). Odysseus took pride in his accomplishment because he trusted that it is his own action and decision that lead to the successful result. In contrast, a biblical hero is someone who do everything with the intention that His plan will be done. Besides David, Paul is another example of a biblical hero. Paul traveled everywhere to spread the Gospel to everyone. He had wrote many books such as Romans and Acts, and many people admired him for his contributions to spread the Word of God. Yet, Paul did not do these things to gain fame. Prior to his contributions, he was already famous. What he had done later in his life was never about him; it was all about God, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17) A biblical hero is someone who follows God’s will and fights for the glory of His Name; God is the center of the hero’s intention, not