Heroic Qualities Of Odysseus As A Hero In Homer's Odyssey

The famous American president Calvin Coolidge once stated, “Heroism is not only in the man, but in the occasion.” In other words, a person may have heroic qualities but is not necessarily a hero, since the true indication of heroism in an individual is shown by his or her behaviors in different situations. In Odyssey by Homer, the protagonist Odysseus uses his godlike charm and cunning to return to his homeland, despite the fact that the mighty god Poseidon wishes that he never returns. Though Odysseus is developed as a character with heroic qualities, his use of said qualities within certain situations cause him to be portrayed as an antihero, as shown through his lack of control, self-centered actions, and excessive bloodshed. Many times

Odysseus puts himself and his crew in grave danger while losing control over his narcissistic personality. Though a hero can spread his or her name through his actions, the mindset of a hero is to put oneself in harm’s way, not to put others in harm in order to spread oneself’s ego.

Moreover, Odysseus does not have a solid grasp over his crew, as demonstrated when they open Aeolus’ winds. His crewmen state, “This guy gets everything wherever he goes...while we...are coming home empty-handed” (10.45-49). The discontent is apparent in his company, who feel a sense of inequality because Odysseus obtains all of the precious gifts from their escapades. If Odysseus is a true hero, he would have a strong grasp over his crew, making sure that they are loyal to him and have a leader to follow. However, in this case, the crew expresses uncertainty of why they are helping Odysseus, since they do not receive any compensation for their actions. Odysseus’ lack of control over his crew demonstrates how he puts his own possessions in greater priority than the well-being and comfort of those that he works with, not an action that a hero would take. Finally, Odysseus does not hesitate to engage in a fight when ired. While disguised as a beggar, he quickly quarrels with the actual town beggar, later escalating to a real brawl. Odysseus states: “Old man though I am, I just might haul off and bust you in the mouth.”