What traits do you think epic heroes have? Maybe they are leaders, or they are brave, or noble. In The Odyssey a fable by Homer a common argument is whether or not the main character Odysseus is a hero or not. An epic hero by definition is someone who is a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. Odysseus is an epic hero because he is brave, was affected by grand events and admired by many.
Odysseus is an epic hero because he was truly admired by most. As stated previously an epic hero is an individual who is admired by many, as Odysseus is. In the text Mentes, an old friend of Odysseus, tells Telemachus about his father. Mentes states “ Your father had no equal for cunning and few of strength or skill in battle” (Hinds, book 1 pg. 8). Mentes was boastful about Odysseus' abilities and praised his work although Odysseus wasn't around. Mentes still spoke fondly of him to his child. Taken from the definition of an epic hero Odysseus shows that he fits the categories. Odysseus was also respected by those who have passed. When Odyeseus visited the underworld he was praised there as well. In The Odyssey Tiresias declared “So, Great Odysseus”(Hinds, Book 11 pg. 129). Tiresias
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Odysseus shows bravery especially when he faced the cyclops. “You asked my name and I'll gladly tell it I am called Nobody” (Hinds, Book 9 pg. 101). Odyessus displaying his bravery and standing up to the cyclops is what saved him and his men from the cyclops. He was brave even in hopeless situations where everyone had given up hope. “They groaned, but I quickly divided them into two hands, one led by myself , the other by my captain, Eurylochus” (Hinds, Book 10 pg.119). When his men were stranded and had to live off the land Odysseus took charge as a brave leader, and took initiative. His ego was large but that molded him into the hero he