Odysseus Epic Hero

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Have you ever thought about what truly makes a person a hero? Is it their selflessness, physical strength or intelligence, or perhaps even morality and perseverance? Whatever your ideas are, there is no debate on whether or not Odysseus is an epic hero. In the Odyssey, Odysseus works to return to his homeland of Ithaca, but is stalled by the wrath of gods and monsters. On his journey home, he faces challenges that are seen as hopeless cases, but he manages to overcome everything in his path. Odysseus is an epic hero for the feats he has accomplished. He ranks above most mortal men in terms of intellect, spiritual strength, and problem-solving.

Odysseus showcases his hero-like qualities when he manages to outsmart the Cyclops Polyphemus by giving him a false name. When the Cyclops asks his name, he says “My name is Nohbdy. Mother, father, and friends, everyone calls me Nohbdy.” (9.275) By telling Polyphemus that his name was Nohbody, which sounds an awful lot like nobody when said aloud, he has managed to make any call for help useless. Most people in his situation would have likely panicked and not been able to come up with a proper response, and yet, Odysseus had quick enough wit to not only come up with a name, but also made sure that it would work in the Cyclops’s favor. …show more content…
It states that, after the arrow struck the target, “Then Zeus thundered overhead, one loud crack for a sign.” (21. 115) You see, most mortals can only dream of gaining a god’s attention, much less have Zeus himself approve of their actions. Meanwhile, Odysseus managed to gain his approval without even meaning to, an impressive feat, to say the least. To achieve such an achievement would require one to grow close to the gods in terms of spirit and by proving themselves worthy of their

Odysseus Epic Hero

Odysseus: An Epic Hero There are many different types of heroes in literature. One example of a hero is an epic hero. An epic hero is a loyal and brave warrior who goes on a quest or a journey taking the values of his society with him. Furthermore, an epic hero also has some negative traits, including arrogance. One epic hero in particular plays a role in The Odyssey by Homer. This epic hero is Odysseus. Odysseus is an example of an epic hero. First of all, Odysseus is an epic hero because…

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Odysseus Is An Epic Hero

Imagine the voice brightens up your eyes, then leading you to your death. In the Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus experiences this along with many other challenges. Odysseus, a Trojan hero who has been away from home for the past ten years; starts his journey back home. Odysseus’ leadership skills, resourcefulness, and his compassion serve him through many challenges which further prove he is an epic hero.…

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Odysseus Epic Hero

protagonist of a story is flawed or valiant. When Odysseus of Ithaca finally goes home, the readers see him change from a flawed human to an epic hero. When Lord Odysseus, King of Ithaca, crosses the sea to Troy for battle and war, only his newborn and wife are in mind to keep him alive. After he creates the Trojan Horse and helps Greece win the war with Athena by his side, he and his hundreds of men travel from mythical island to mythical island. In the epic poem The Odyssey written by Homer, the readers…

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The Odysseus Is An Epic Hero

The Odyssey by Homer is an epic about Odysseus , a classic epic hero , who is unable to get home for almost 20 years , until he learns that he needs god . Through his great strength , I can infer that Odysseus is an epic hero because he fought for over 10 years . He was brave , & he blinded the guard at the gate . I also can infer that Odysseus vast travels because he had to travel to go to war . He had to travel back home . He was lost , so he had to travel to eventually get lost . He traveled…

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Odysseus An Epic Hero

“A hero is somebody who voluntarily walks into the unknown.”(Tom Hanks) Odysseus is a hero because he protects and fights for his country, he ventures on a long and perilous journey, and then he battles the natural and supernatural. Even though he might be an epic hero he may not seem like one because he doesn’t keep things in moderation but goes to the extreme. That is what most people consider a tragic flaw because it brings him grief but they also brought him fame and glory. Odysseus struggled…

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Odysseus: An Epic Hero

Odysseus proves himself to be an epic hero in many ways such as that he was cunning to act as if his ship has been destroyed. This makes him cunning because if he told the Cyclops where his ship was then he would most likely destroy it. This makes Odysseus cunning or cleaver because he knew he could not tell the Cyclops were his ship was, so he though fast and he was smart to do so.…

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How Is Odysseus An Epic Hero

Monica Mulligan Odysseus is an epic hero because he undertakes tasks no one else dare attempts, and because he takes a long journey and barely makes it home alive. In Homer’s, The Odyssey, we are introduced to Odysseus, the, main character. Napoleon once said, “True heroism consists in being superior to the ills of life, in whatever shape they may challenge us to combat”. Napoleons quote is relative to the odyssey because Odysseus overcame any challenge that stood in his way so that he could get…

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The Controversy Of Odysseus As An Epic Hero

One of the most viewed epic hero's still is being argued on upon if he truly is an epic hero or a selfish man who who does things only for himself. In recent years people have begun to doubt if Odysseus is truly an epic hero an epic hero. Odysseus is a very controversial, some see him as a strong man some see him as a selfish man. Odysseus is an epic hero he has an amazing strength, he is a strong leader and has the ability to sympathize and care for his men. No man possesses the sheer body strength…

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Odysseus Is An Epic Hero Essay

Odyssey, Odysseus tells King Alcinous in his court that he is as “formidable for guile in peace and war”. This means that he is intimidating and clever in times of war and peace. Odysseus characterizes himself and tells the king of the qualities that make him an epic hero. An epic hero is defined as a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. In the beginning of the epic poem, Homer opens up the story by giving a short summary of Odysseus. Within…

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Who Is Odysseus An Epic Hero

“Could I forget that kingly man Odysseus? There is no mortal half so wise; no mortal gave so much to the lords of the open sky” (Book 1, lines 84-86.) In the epic poem “The Odyssey” by Homer, the main character, Odysseus is an epic hero. This is proven true because of the many qualities which he exhibits such as being a great leader, going on a fantastic voyage, and having help from a Greek God. Homer brings the audience along on an epic journey of Odysseus finding his family and finding himself…

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