Heroic Qualities Of Odysseus

Not the Hero We Deserve, But the Hero We Need

A hero is often characterized as someone who is admired or idealized for their noble qualities and achievements. Heroes have been found throughout history as many warriors, powerful leaders, and role models. Many share the same qualities. A good example of these qualities were present in the late Martin Luther King Jr, a courageous and intelligent man who led blacks in a surge for rights throughout the middle of the 20th century. Another example, a Greek demigod, king, and warrior by the name of Odysseus possessed a highly intellectual mind, allowing him to lead his men out of difficult situations. The courage of the son of Laertes allows him to make difficult, necessary, and beneficial decisions,

Throughout the tales and books of the epic poem, The Odyssey, written by Homer, Odysseus exemplifies a variety of traits that embody the characteristics of a hero. During the tales of Odysseus, The son of Laertes, and Greek king Odysseus uses his intellectual skills in order to aid himself and others. On their way home from the conclusion of the Trojan war

The leadership and the ability to influence others around him, filling them with pride and hope, supports Odysseus’ heroic properties. Seeking their homeland after the encounter in the underworld, Odysseus and his men receive directions for their trip home from Circe, the now friendly goddess. She warns them, telling the soldiers of the dangers along their trip, the first being the Sirens. As the hazard is quickly approaching, Odysseus takes matters into his own hands, assisting his men in blocking the seductive sounds of the sirens from the men. He recalls the situation, “ I stopped the ears of my comrades one by one” (Homer 276). By applying beeswax to his men 's ears, Odysseus saves them from the Sirens’ calls and their urge to dive to their doom. From there, his encouragement and assistance successfully delivers his men and himself through the sea of Sirens. Another example of his leadership takes place in Odysseus’s castle in Ithaca, when he attempts to reclaim his Queen and castle in a deadly battle. Prior to the bloody battle, Odysseus’s wife, Penelope, has been constantly harassed throughout the absence of her husband by the obnoxious suitors. Hoping to win over her heart and royalty, the men have crowded the halls of her home. Upon Odysseus’s long awaited return home to Ithaca, the powerful warrior is enraged due to the suitors mistreating of his home and his family. As a result, he gathers a small army and leads the push to destroy the threat. During the