The Odysseus: A True Hero

Words: 915

Pages: 4

Open Document

Odysseus is known as a hero to many, but is he really a hero? Homer has written down the exciting adventures of Odysseus in his book, “The Odyssey”. In this book, he is known as a great war general and as a great leader and strategist. He is also known for his determination, when he tried to return back to Ithaka even though it had been 20 years after when he had left. Even though he is characterized as a great soldier, there are many downsides to his traits. Some of these downsides are that he takes unnecessary risks, he lacks leadership skills, and he was untruthful at one point. If he overcame these downsides, he could’ve made it home to Ithaka faster, but instead he was ignorant enough to delay his journey home. When the war at Troy began, Odysseus brought many ships with him, but when he returned, he came back with no ships. His incompetent thinking was the cause of the …show more content…
In the end, he got all of his men killed and it seemed like he was only trying to get home for himself, putting everything and everyone else after him. On the other hand, he did save most of his men from Polyphemus’s cave by stabbing him in the eye, but he sacrificed some of his men in order to do this. The majority of the problems in “The Odyssey” were caused by Odysseus and his thinking which caused all of his men’s lives. All in all, Odysseus does not have the traits of a hero. The deaths of Odysseus’ men were caused by his unnecessary risk taking, his lack of leadership skills, and his untruthfulness to his men. Although many people may look up to him as a hero, Odysseus is not the hero that you actually think he is. People falsely think of Odysseus as a hero because they think of him saving his men from Polyphemus and Circe, but that isn’t the case. As a result, he sacrificed almost all of his men to Polyphemus and

Odysseus: A True Hero

told to describe a hero, they often respond with: “heros wear capes”, “they can fly”, or “they are super strong”. There is more to a hero than just their physical appearance. A hero is someone who is self sacrificing, persevering, sets an example and never acts immature and self centered. Heros are self sacrificing and persevering. A heroic figure needs to put others before themselves, and they have to be able to put there life in risk for the well being of others. Also, when a hero has a goal to accomplish…

Words 604 - Pages 3

Odysseus As A True Hero In Homer's Odyssey

In Homer’s epic The Odyssey, a hero is defined by extraordinary abilities that they possess throughout seemingly impossible situations. Odysseus is repeatedly in what appears to be knowing situations, and not only does he overcome them, but helps his family, his men, and himself. It is his loyalty to his friends, bravery, and clever strategies that allow him to be recognized as the true hero, and restore peace in Ithaca making his broken family whole again. Odysseus puts aside his personal needs…

Words 624 - Pages 3

Odysseus As A True Hero In Homer's Odyssey

In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus goes through many challenges on his way home from Troy. He is fated with hardships his way home from war as a consequence of the blinding of Poseidon's son. He is away for 20 years until, with the help of Athena, he arrives home. Some say that he is a true hero by being able to come above and conquer his difficulties and make it back to Ithaka, his home. Odysseus would not be the “hero” he is depicted as without Athena though. Athena helps him all along the way allowing…

Words 863 - Pages 4

Examples Of The Hero's Journey In The Odyssey

of a True Hero A true hero is someone who is larger than life. They inspire others with their courage and fortitude, but they are not perfect. They have human flaws and make mistakes. Odysseus is one such hero. He is cunning and often wins renown for his guile and courage. However, Odysseus often makes terrible decisions that cost him years of hardship and the lives of those around him. The path of Odysseus as he travels home is a perfect example of the Hero’s Journey monomyth. A true hero must…

Words 1221 - Pages 5

Odysseus Heroic Qualities

Odysseus, The Hero of Ithaca Not all heros are perfect. Despite this, Odysseus shows he is a true hero. Throughout The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus shows heroic qualities which include his concern for his crew and his compassion for his family. Odysseus is a hero because he cares about his crew. On the Island of the Lotus Eaters, he drags the crewmates entranced back to the ship. Dragging his crewmates back to the ship shows Odysseus is willing to go through hardships to save his crewmates. If Odysseus…

Words 332 - Pages 2

Odysseus: A Hero In Homer's The Odyssey

these traits a hero has, Odysseus simply doesn’t have. In The Odyssey there are a lot of moments when Odysseus has a chance to show his true character traits. In most of these moments, Odysseus tries to get himself out first, then the rest of his crew. In The Odyssey, written by Homer, Odysseus should not be considered a hero. This should be the case because on numerous occasions he gets his men killed due to his pride in himself or his concern for his own safety over his men’s. Odysseus pride gets…

Words 902 - Pages 4

Ody Arch Essay

archetype is essentially known as a universal term than can define a person for their personal traits. Archetypes are more than just a definition though; these symbols truly define how a person lives their life on a daily basis. The term will only have true meaning, however, when one truly understands their inner self. An archetype is typically broken down into three definitions: stereotype, epitome, and a literary term. The first term, stereotype, is one known to most. It is implicated when an individual…

Words 1532 - Pages 7

The Odyssey Essay

mother of a true hero remembers her swon who died recently from making the ultimate sacrifice. 28-year-old Lyle Francis Eagletail's body was found after he risked his life in an effort to save 6-year-old Garrett Martin Wallace, who fell in the Big Sioux River a week prior. Eagletail is being called the "biggest hero" for his sacrifice. In the poem, The Odyssey, the story is told of a greek hero named Odysseus who left his home of Ithaca to fight the Trojans. On his voyage home, Odysseus encounters…

Words 1023 - Pages 5

Essay about Odyssey: Hero and Odysseus

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…

Words 1995 - Pages 8

Examples Of Odysseus Being A Hero

What makes someone a hero? There are certain qualities that make someone a hero; for instance, being brave, courageous, taking initiative, and putting others before yourself. Odysseus from “The Odyssey” is considered to be a hero because he left his home of Ithaca fight victoriously in the Trojan war. After fighting in the 10-year war, Odysseus and his men make an extremely long 10-year journey home facing many challenges along the way. However, the way he handles these challenges and the pridefulness…

Words 478 - Pages 2