Sacrifice In Homer's The Odyssey

Heroism is sometimes an essential part of humanity, though those who possess it are rare. How can we have heros if every individual is capable of exceptional leadership and skill? The story The Odyssey, written by Homer and translated by Robert Fitzgerald, is a tale of wandering for a character named Odysseus. Throughout his journey he begins to understand the meaning of sacrifice, learn the characteristics of wisdom, and truly discover what it means to be relentlessly determined. He often comes face to face with the wrath of Greek Gods, but always discovers a way in which he can return home as well as protect his beloved crewmates. Any reader should be able to take away the lessons being taught, as well as received, by a brave leader like

A logistical hero is one that can use his enemies weaknesses against them, understand the best plan of attack that would be most practical, and seemingly solve the impossible. When a terrible and ghastly cyclops traps the entirety of their crew in his cave as he threatens to eat all of Odysseus’ men, nerve remains. Odysseus is able to trick the rugged monster into drunkenness. “Cyclops, try some wine. Here’s liquor to wash down your scraps of men. Taste it, and see the kind of drink we carry under our planks” (296 Pg. 961). As a result, his men stay alive and by keeping the cyclops alive they are able to escape. Otherwise, the door would have become to heavy and they would remain trapped. Another illustration of this can be seen as they come face to face with Scylla and Charybdis, he says, “Friends, have we never been in danger before this? More fearsome, is it now, than when the Cyclops penned us in his cave? What power he had! Did I not keep my nerve, and use my wits to find a way out for us?” (765, Pg.979). It can be seen here that Odysseus holds confidence in every situation, which grants him the ability to plan accordingly with every obstacle. Despite inevitable mistakes, in the long run, Odysseus is a man of integrity and intelligence. His ability to solve any issue is what differentiates him from the

Odysseus possess all of these qualities, but what makes Odysseus worthy of this title is his traits of genuine concern and leadership in addition to these characteristics. What is dedication when someone lacks the ability to care for those around them while working towards their goal? What is intelligence if you lack to leadership to guide others towards something better? Odysseus had grown up a king for the entirety of his life and developed this expertise from a young age. Though this only is the result of his position as king because of most of his time had been dedicated towards leading and he has been taught to prioritize other’s over himself. In most cases, to be a hero you must be willing to give up a life as yours to a life of others. To solve problems others cannot and to never hesitate when discouraged, is what makes a true