Odysseus Is A Hero Essay

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The tale of the Greek hero Odysseus, is one filled of tragedy and eventually redemption. In The Odyssey of Homer, the main character Odysseus is viewed as a hero by his own people, but also by the Phaeacian people in the novel. After telling his stories of his trials with his crew, Odysseus gains the respect and admiration of the Phaeacian people. Odysseus is first prompted to tell his tales at a festival hosted by the king of the Phaeacian people. He begins to gain the admiration beforehand; however, because he shows his great skill in an athletic challenge, of a stone throwing competition, as the text states, “Even a blind man, friend, would be able to distinguish your mark by feeling for it since it is not mingled with the common lot, but far before…No one of the …show more content…
195-98). The previous passage from the text shows the great respect that the Phaiakians have for Odysseus, and are the first step of how they see him as a hero. The passage is also able to show the great athletic skill that Odysseus possesses that impresses the Phaeacian people mightily. Odysseus is also seen as a hero by the king Alkinoss, after Odysseus reveals his identity to the king. The queen of the Phaeacian people, Arete, can be quoted in the text saying, “Phaiakians, what do you think now of this man before for beauty and stature, and for the mind well balanced within him” (Odyssey XI. 335-7). This quote shows the admiration that the queen has for Odysseus, after he tells his stories of his journeys. The queen and king are impressed with Odysseus’s heroism and skill, which lead them to admire him. One can conclude that what you need to be a Greek hero, from the text of The Odyssey of Homer, is that one needs to possess certain skills, that are both physical and intellectual. Also, a quote from Alkinoss, shows what a

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The Embodiment of Imperfection and Triumph, Odysseus of Ithaca Even the first recorded hero in all history was not perfect. In fact, the most prominent hero in The Odyssey, Odysseus, portrays some far from perfect qualities. The fact that he is imperfect is what makes Odysseus the greatest hero; he portrays the human characteristic of imperfection, but at the same time continues to pursue his goals, gaining identity in the process. Every action has an equal reaction, similarly, the choices a person…

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to Adventure is when the hero is called to an adventure by an external event or messenger. The hero may accept the call willingly or reluctantly. In the Odyssey call to adventure began with the Trojan War. When the Trojans attack the Greeks, Odysseus must travel to Troy to lead the armies in battle. Refusal of the Call: When the hero hears to the call to adventure, the may hesitate, reluctant to leave the comfort and tasks of their everyday existence. Generally the hero may do this because they’re…

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