An Example Of An Epic Hero In Homer's Odyssey

Words: 699

Pages: 3

Open Document

Epic Hero. What really is an epic hero? Is it a hero that is well, epic? Technically. The definition of an epic hero is “a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events.” (www.dictionary.com) Now, knowing this we can conclude that an epic hero isn’t just a regular “hero” we find out of the streets of Chicago. Like the man who returned that womens purse when she forgot it on the subway. An epic hero is a different type of hero, who is inspired by different events that happened in his/her life. How is Odysseus from the Odyssey considered an epic hero? Odysseus is an epic hero because he is guided by different gods, accomplishes challenges that other people can’t, he is intelligent and a courageous hero; he proves this to us by showing us how he overcame different challenges and was able to be guided through his journey home.

One example from the Odyssey that proves to us that …show more content…
I will tell you. But you must give me a guest-gift as you’ve promised. Nobody-that’s my name. Nobody- so my mother and father call me, all my friends.” (Homer 223) This shows that Odysseus was able to trick the cyclops into thinking his name was nobody. Which shows us that Odysseus also pursues another trait of an epic hero - Intelligent. Where a hero’s mind is his greatest weapon. Another example of an epic hero that Odysseus demonstrates to us is when he shows glory. Also known as kleos. He shows kleos when he talks to Alcinous. He reveals himself to Alcinous, demonstrating kleos by saying “I am Odysseus, son of Laertes, known to the world for every kind of craft—my fame has reached the skies. Sunny Ithaca is my home.” (Homer 212) This shows us that Odysseus has kleos, by saying that he is famous and known by all. Which is another epic hero

O Brother Where Art Thou And Odysseus Comparison

Jessica Wilkins World Literature 2332 Rattan October 29,2014 The similarities between The Odyssey and its Hollywood twin, O Brother Where Art Thou are many, reflecting the lasting effects of the great epic of the hero. By adding a modern twist on the tales of Odysseus and his men in this comparative mythology, the film reveals how ancient heroes and their epic stories of adventure and hardship are still able to entertain in the modern era. While many of the main aspects of the film, such as setting…

Words 439 - Pages 2

How Does Odysseus Show His Endurance

Odysseus' journey in the “Odyssey” because he spent 10 years at war and 20 years away from home in total. The story “The Odyssey” was created by Homer where he talks about the adventures that Odysseus went through and the hardships he faced on his way back home to Ithaca. The way Odysseus shows his endurance is by all the mythical gods who were trying to make his journey back home difficult. Homer’s style is more detailed and he uses grammar from the time period of the odyssey because he uses personification…

Words 389 - Pages 2

How Is Odysseus A Hero

Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey, follows Odysseus, a heroic figure whose journey shows the essence of heroism. Homer’s Odyssey has been recognized as one of the oldest works in Western literature, and it has influenced many works following it. More often than not, a story needs a hero, and Odysseus is considered one of the first. The qualities he possesses aid him in overcoming numerous challenges, navigating dangerous waters, and ultimately succeeding in his mission. Throughout the epic poem, Odysseus…

Words 462 - Pages 2

Odysseus: The Tragic Hero Of Homer's Odyssey

about an epic adventurer whose heroism, bravery, and wittiness lead him to the ending we all knew they deserved. However, one of the first heroes that heroes nowadays go by in terms of story, is the egotistical, selfish, and cunning Odysseus. Odysseus, although selfish, was brave and ventured all around the world in search of his home after he fought and won the Trojan War. The Odyssey was one of the first hero’s journey plot lines ever made and recorded, and so we get to see how Homer’s rendition…

Words 909 - Pages 4

The Odyssey Essay

“The Odyssey” Sawyer McGuire 9/12/14 1st Heroes are not gods; they aren’t The God. They are pseudo-humans who have to struggle with normal problems, with some extraordinary things thrown in there. In Homer’s “The Odyssey”, Odysseus, the hero, proves he is an epic hero through his struggles with human, natural, and superhuman adversaries. Odysseus proves that he is an epic hero through his battles with human adversaries. An instance of this…

Words 433 - Pages 2

Odysseus As The Modern Hero In Homer's The Odyssey

Oftentimes, when the word “hero” is mentioned or thought of, the attributes of strength, bravery, and superhuman powers automatically come to mind. However, this concept of a hero is old. In modern days, the definition of a hero has changed from a superhuman figure, to a person who possesses the traits of selflessness and forgiveness. In Homer's well known epic, The Odyssey, he portrays the out of date idea of an epic hero as a figure who was helped or harmed by the gods and contains superhuman strength…

Words 589 - Pages 3

Odysseus Is Not A Hero Essay

different characteristics of a hero. A hero is not just someone who has overcome a huge struggle in their life, but someone who goes to extraordinary measures to do so. I believe that a hero should be someone that people can not only relate to, but also look up to as well. They should be a person that is kind, honest, loyal, and selfless. However, there are some people that are regarded as heroes, but should not be called heroes at all. In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, the main character Odysseus…

Words 807 - Pages 4

Odysseus: A Hero In Homer's The Odyssey

The Odyssey by Homer is about perseverance and tenacity for love. This epic poem reveals that a hero is one who remains faithful and calm while enduring and overcoming obstacles, which eventually creates a stronger and better person. While some believe Odysseus falls short of being a hero due to his weaknesses, his bravery and commanding aura overpower any insufficiency he may portray as a character. Odysseus is a character who demonstrates bravery through Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey. Accordingly…

Words 667 - Pages 3

Odysseus Hero

qualities a “perfect” person would have in their society– but these heroes were still human. One such Greek hero is Odysseus, the king of Ithaca who fought in the Trojan war for a decade and, as stated in the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, was away from his family for a total of 20 years. Odysseus is the hero of the story, yet some claim that he does not deserve the title of “hero.” In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus demonstrates Greek values through his intelligence, strength, and belief in the gods; even…

Words 1119 - Pages 5

In What Ways Is the Telemachy Important to the Odyssey as a Whole Essays

In what ways is the Telemachy important to the Odyssey as a whole? What would the poem lose if these first four books were removed? Homer’s the Odyssey is the epic tale of Odysseus’ return home from the battle of Troy, yet we do not truly get to the hero in action until after we are drawn through the story of his son life in the absence of his father in Ithaka. In the first four books, we see how Telemachos, Odysseus’ son, matures and through his eyes Homer shows us the unrest and troubles of…

Words 1543 - Pages 7