How Is Odysseus A Hero

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Odysseus, the main protagonist of the epic poem “The Odyssey,” is shown to go through a perilous journey back to his home, Ithaka. In many publications, protagonists are often brave and courageous heroes that show countless admirable traits. However, Odysseus is remarkably the opposite. Although fans of Odysseus may actually argue and over exaggerate that he is an extremely admirable hero, he demonstrates multiple instances in the epic poem proving himself as an immoral and weak hero. The first instance I have to prove my opinion, is the fact he would have died by now without the divine help from gods, goddesses, and people he met on his journey. We see Hermes say in “The Odyssey,” “ ‘But I can tell you what to do/to come unchanged from Kirke’s power/and …show more content…
Finally, my last point is that he simply has excessive pride, also called hubris. Although it is normal for humans, even heroes, to have pride, Odysseus has an excessive amount of pride. For example, Odysseus said, “ ‘Kyklops,/if ever a mortal man inquire/how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him/Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye:/Laertes’s son, whose home’s on Ithaka!’ ” (Fitzgerald, Book 9. Lines 548-552). Right after this line, the Kyklops curses at him, which is granted by Zeus. If he hadn’t said those unnecessary words which only boosted his ego and just stayed humble of his achievement, he wouldn’t have had a ten year voyage home from Poseidon’s vengeance for the Kyklops. My second example was when Odysseus decided to hear the Siren. Evidence is stated as, “... I alone should listen to their song.” (Fitzgerald, Book 12. Lines 193-194. Here, he only allows himself to listen to the song, which is extremely unnecessary. Listening to the Sirens’ song only puts him and his shipmates’ lives at

How Is Odysseus A Hero

According to Joseph Cambell, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than himself.”. In The Odyssey, Odysseus tries to get home after winning the Trojan war, only to get multiple displeasing obstacles in his way. But he fights through each and every one of these obstacles with his thinking. Along the way he shows his physical strength and strategy and great thinking before his actions. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus shows he is a hero because he is intellectually stronger…

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How Is Odysseus A Hero

According to George Patterson Jr, “The real hero is the man who fights even though he is scared”. In the Odyssey, Odysseus tries to get back home to Ithica but encounters many setbacks. Along the way, he sails and fights. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus shows he is a hero because of how he thinks of getting past the Cyclops and helps save his men as best as he can. Odysseus is a hero when he saves his men from the Cyclops and has to think through tough times without being crippled under pressure…

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How Is Odysseus A Hero

Jr., “The real hero is the man who fights when he’s scared” In the Odyssey, Odysseus tries to return to his homeland but faces many challenges since he is overconfident. Along the way, many people help him but also punish him. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus shows how he is not a hero but is arrogant and cocky. He’s not a hero because he never knows when to stop talking. When they were leaving the cave to the Cyclopes, he kept talking and insulting the gods. Odysseus is not a hero, because he is…

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How Is Odysseus A Hero

According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer”. In The Odyssey, Odysseus tries to get home to his wife and son, but he goes through so many challenges in his attempt to get home. Along the way Odysseus goes through life threatening challenges and could have died while trying to get home but in the end he is able to get home to his wife and son.Odysseus shows he is not a hero because, yes he is physically stronger, intellectually…

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How Is Odysseus A Hero

heroes: in our virtues, in our homes, in our lives.” In the Odyssey, Odysseus tries to return home after a long journey to Asia Minor. Along his way home, he encounters many problems that cause unwanted circumstances. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus shows he’s a hero because he’s intelligent, physically strong, and undertakes impossible tasks. Odysseus shows he’s a hero by his intelligence. Upon arriving at his home, Odysseus notices/overhears a competition about the archery contest. Whoever wins…

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How Is Odysseus A Hero

Odysseus shows the traits of heroism through his smartness and courage, and so does Rainsford. While some may say that they aren't heroic because of the times where their judgment was wrong, but the numerous times of intelligence and bravery throughout their journey tells us he is a hero. And Odysseus has a whole song written about him and his journey called “holding out for a hero”, so that also adds to why I think Odysseus is a hero. First, one of the heroic acts Odysseus did was his escape from…

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How Is Odysseus A Hero

According to Gerad Way, “Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary. In the Odyssey, Odysseus tries to go home, but he encounters many hardships. Along the way, Odysseus shows he s a hero because he returns to Ithaca, outsmarts the Cyclops, and can shoot a bow through 9 axes perfectly. Odysseus shows he is a hero when he outsmarts the Cyclops. Odysseus and his men ended up on Cylops Island. They get trapped in the Cylops' cave and want to leave, but they can't. So they get the…

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How Is Odysseus A Hero

What qualifies as a hero? There are many opinions on this question, but I would like to think that a hero is someone that is courageous, admired, a person who goes on many adventures and most importantly there has to be a villain or different obstacles to defeat and get through. Like Odysseus the wise man and his journey all the way home for 10 long years. Courage is an important quality a hero needs. A hero needs to be someone who doesn't fear or run away. In the Odyssey, Odysseus is a very courageous…

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How Is Odysseus A Hero

Odysseus has always been seen as a great hero. Some may say he is the ideal hero. He overcomes extreme dangers and comes out alive after wandering for ten years while facing dangerous tasks. Odysseus is seen as a hero because people only see the task he’s done and not the after effect. Odysseus isn’t a hero or at least personally, I do not think so. Odysseus may have come off a strong warrior, a thinking man and a great leader, but he was too obsessed with himself and caught up in the thought of…

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How Is Odysseus A Hero

Odysseus, the legendary king of Ithaca and the central figure of Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey," is often celebrated as a great hero in literature and mythology. Throughout history, he has been held up as a paragon of bravery, intelligence, and resilience. From his cunning escape from the Cyclops Polyphemus to his enduring journey back to Ithaca, Odysseus embodies the timeless qualities of heroism, making a lasting impression on audiences across cultures and generations. One of Odysseus's most…

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