Qualities Of Odysseus As An Epic Hero In The Odyssey By Homer

Christopher Reeve, actor, best known for his role as Superman once said, “ A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” The Odyssey, written by Homer is an epic poem following a Greek hero named Odysseus on his adventure home after winning the Trojan War. The poem spans over 10 years. The war took 10 so Odysseus has not seen his wife or son for 20 years. Odysseus shows many qualities of being an epic hero throughout the story. He was born a noble birth, he battles supernatural foes, and has superhuman capabilities. Odysseus has the quality of a noble birth. When Odysseus is talking to the king of Phaecia he tells him, “ I am Laertes son, Odysseus. Men hold me formidable for guile for in peace and war.” Odysseus’ father was the king of Ithaca, so when he passed away it is Odysseus’ job to take over as king. If Odysseus was not born then the Greeks probably would have lost the Trojan War too because it was his idea for the wooden horse. Along with being born a noble birth,

After Odysseus has thrown the flaming spear in to Polyphemus’ eye, the other cyclops living there hear Polyphemus screaming and they ask what is wrong, Polyphemus screams, “ Nohbdy, Nohbdy’s tricked me, Nohbdy’s ruined me!” The other cyclops of course think that nothing happens and they go on with their day. Odysseus throws the spear so he can blind Polyphemus and hopefully get away. If Odysseus had not told him that his name was “Nohbdy” then the other cyclops living there would have been ready to kill Odysseus, but because he is smart, he thinks of this right away. But, because Odysseus is so arrogant, he ends up telling Polyphemus his real name, so Polyphemus prays to his father, Poseidon, Odysseus becomes cursed because of his actions. Along with battling supernatural enemies, Odysseus shows he has superhuman