What differentiates a hero and a leader…is there a difference? In the Odyssey, the main character Odysseus resembles both qualities of the distinct concepts. Throughout the story, his heroism and leadership show themselves in different ways. A leader is one who brings many together to accomplish great things. A hero may be on their own to accomplish great things. Heroes overcome barriers and problems while leaders search for opportunity and adventure when problems face not for one, but for all. A hero is often celebrated for their bravery while a leader may be judged on their ability to make positive decisions and bring positive results. So no, the leader and hero Odysseus portray the distinct overlap of the qualities. As a hero, Odysseus plays the role perfectly. I say this because he is resourceful, fearless, and dashing from fighting off suitors in his own home to fighting giant monsters such as the Cyclops and Sirens. A hero is a person of nobility and courage. A hero performs to serve others in need. Odysseus portrays this when he saved his men from the Sirens in Book 12. The Sirens are creatures who lure sailors to death singing enchanting songs. Odysseus knew about this danger and ordered his men to plug their ears with beeswax “Plug your oarsmen’s ears with beeswax kneaded …show more content…
A leader reveals selflessness, passion, and motivation to followers. In Odyseuses case, it is his crew. A leader is a good influence who does the right thing. Odysseus demonstrates a leader in Book 9 when he led his men through the Cyclops Polyphemus's cave. He and his men were frightened although he remained calm and came up with a plan to outsmart the Cyclops saving not only himself but his men and working together to make it out. A leader communicates with others and their members. Throughout all of the dangerous situations, he communicates with his crew to lead them to safety and