How Is Odysseus A Hero

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James Ellis states, “We can all be 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, the queen will marry whoever does because she knows Odysseus is the only one who can do it. Odysseus shoots a bow and the, “twanging bow clean as a whistle through every socket ring, and grazed not one” (Book 21, lines 125-130). …show more content…
Thus, Penelope knows she will marry the “beggar”, Odysseus. Odysseus shows he’s a hero by taking on tasks that have impossible outcomes. Upon arriving at the island where the Cyclops reside, Odysseus and his men discuss what he’s going to do. Odysseus goes on to tell his men, “I’ll make the crossing in my own ship, with my own company, and find out what the mainland natives are—for they may be wild, savage, and lawless” (Book 9, lines 70-75). The evidence just mentioned shows his courage to undertake dangers even at risk. This highlights the idea of his bravery and the leadership he shows to his men. Some argue that Odysseus is not a hero because he’s shown in the story that he’s not intelligent. Odysseus does the criminal act of sacrificing his men to Scylla that, “takes, from every ship, one man for every gullet.” (Book 12, lines 55-60) This isn’t a valid argument because his men have claimed in the past to stay loyal to him no matter what