How Does Odysseus Show Courage

Every Hero Takes Their Fall A wooden horse accepted through the gates of the noble city of Troy marked the start of one of the fiercest battles in Greek civilization. Envision living through the infamous Trojan War, raging for years, only to end with countless lives lost, as well as devastating results. Being put through these painful conditions, along with numerous other challenges on his way back home, is exactly what the hero in this tale was forced to endure. Narrating this captivating story, a revolutionary Greek poet by the name of Homer describes the journey that a valued king took in hopes of finally reaching home. The famous epic poem entitled The Odyssey conveys a vital part of the main character's (Odysseus’) life as he makes his

A sea storm that terrifies most does not distract Odysseus from his key goal. Even through dire circumstances, Odysseus is able to show courage, knowing this trait will end up saving the lives of many. While possessing this important characteristic, a good leader must also be able to back up this bravery by being loyal. When Odysseus finally reaches his home in Ithaca, Athena takes it upon herself to help him take revenge on the intruders that have overwhelmed the king’s home. She disguises him as an old beggar, and instructs him by saying, “‘And to no one- no man, no woman, not a soul- reveal that you are the wanderer home at last. in silence you must bear a world of pain, subject yourself to the cruel abuse of men’” (Homer 13.350-353). As thrilled as he was to have finally reached his homeland, the warrior had to remain true to this horrid disguise. He later came across a faithful swineherd and his very own son, who openly expressed their sorrow and longing for the king’s return. An esteemed hero shows faith and trust in situations where most people

A myriad of obstacles continuously obscure his path, and on occasion, he becomes the very root of these problems himself. One of the qualities that disturbed the peace in his journey was his sense of excessive pride. When the men anchor in the Cyclops’ homeland, they soon encounter the bloodthirsty Polyphemus and narrowly escape their deaths. Whilst he and his men are on the verge of being killed by a man-eating creature, Odysseus digs himself a deeper hole by jeering, “‘...if any man on the face of the earth should ask you who blinded you...say Odysseus, raider of cities... Laertes’ son who makes his home in Ithaca!’” (Homer 9.558-562). He is aware of the risks he is taking by giving in to his impulsive thoughts, putting the entire crew’s lives in danger. Upon hearing Odyssyeus’ commentary, the monster is able to piece together his identity and invokes his all-mighty father (the sea god Poseidon). The Cyclops curses Odysseus and his crew, ultimately changing the fate of their entire journey to take a turn for the worst. Furthermore, over the next years of their lives at sea, Odysseus’ arrogance ends up leading to the downfall of many, in a situation that was simply avoidable. Moreover, he takes it upon himself to be unfaithful to his loving wife, Penelope. While enduring these trials and