Odysseus; Hero or Fraud? When most people think of a hero, they’d think of someone such as their father, or perhaps a fictional character, namely Superman. Although they may seem to be heroes, what is the true definition of a hero? Could it unequivocally be merely the matter of an opinion? The Odyssey is one of two epic poems written by the Greek poet Homer. This epic poem is divided into 24 parts including, “Sailing From Troy”, “The Cyclops”, and “The Sirens”. These stories follow the main character Odysseus, and his crew, on their journey back home after the Trojan War. Throughout these stories many acts of heroism are displayed. Heroism consists of many things although primarily consisting of, being courageous, putting others before yourself, …show more content…
The text states, “No god. Why take me as a god? No, no. I am that father whom your boyhood lacked and suffered pain for lack of. I am here” (Homer 774). In this quote Odysseus is not portaging himself as a god even though Athena made him appear rich and golden. He is admitting that he has missed out on his son’s life. Odysseus chooses fatherhood over the life of a god. This quote supports my argument because it portrays Odysseus in a state of remorse. It implies the humble realization overcoming Odysseus that no matter what he wishes to return to his family and be a father once more. In addition, Odysseus’ vulnerability displays how heroic he is. The author has written, “Now flashed arrow from twanging bow clean as a whistle through every socket ring, and grazed not one…” (Homer 782). In this quote came Odysseus finally arrived back home but his wife couldn’t recognize him. He tried to show his wife how he persevered through his expedition home in order to reunite with her and their son. This final quote is an epitome of my ongoing argument by conveying the devotion Odysseus has towards his family. He’d do anything to be with his family again after twenty long years without