Odysseus Is A Hero Essay

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The tale of the Greek hero Odysseus, is one filled of tragedy and eventually redemption. In The Odyssey of Homer, the main character Odysseus is viewed as a hero by his own people, but also by the Phaeacian people in the novel. After telling his stories of his trials with his crew, Odysseus gains the respect and admiration of the Phaeacian people. Odysseus is first prompted to tell his tales at a festival hosted by the king of the Phaeacian people. He begins to gain the admiration beforehand; however, because he shows his great skill in an athletic challenge, of a stone throwing competition, as the text states, “Even a blind man, friend, would be able to distinguish your mark by feeling for it since it is not mingled with the common lot, but far before…No one of the …show more content…
195-98). The previous passage from the text shows the great respect that the Phaiakians have for Odysseus, and are the first step of how they see him as a hero. The passage is also able to show the great athletic skill that Odysseus possesses that impresses the Phaeacian people mightily. Odysseus is also seen as a hero by the king Alkinoss, after Odysseus reveals his identity to the king. The queen of the Phaeacian people, Arete, can be quoted in the text saying, “Phaiakians, what do you think now of this man before for beauty and stature, and for the mind well balanced within him” (Odyssey XI. 335-7). This quote shows the admiration that the queen has for Odysseus, after he tells his stories of his journeys. The queen and king are impressed with Odysseus’s heroism and skill, which lead them to admire him. One can conclude that what you need to be a Greek hero, from the text of The Odyssey of Homer, is that one needs to possess certain skills, that are both physical and intellectual. Also, a quote from Alkinoss, shows what a

Odysseus Is Not A Hero Essay

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, should not be…

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Essay On Odysseus Is A Hero

Is Odysseus A Hero? Most people around the world know of Greek Mythology. Most importantly, they know the story of Odysseus, “the hero,” and his long journey returning home after the Battle of Troy. Throughout this prolonged trip, he faced many challenges and was forced to make tough choices. But were they the right choices? Odysseus returned home after putting his men in unnecessary dangers that resulted in them all dying, he slaughtered even more lives on purpose after he arrived to his household…

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Odysseus Is A Hero Essay

by stabbing it in the eye? That is exactly what Odysseus in order for his men and him to escape the Cyclops cave. In the book The Odyssey by Homer, the main character Odysseus goes on a very long journey, ten years to be exact. A variety of people have a conflict about Odysseus being a hero or not. Odysseus is a hero. Although others have argued that Odysseus is not a hero, with closer examination shows that he is a hero. He has traits are like a hero, he did what was most fitting for his men and lastly…

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Nathaniel Mc Intyre Period 3 11/5/14 Odyssueus the Man Odysseus yearns for his Ithaca. The great hero of the Trojan war knew he wanted to see his land, feel his soil.Odysseus though being a thinking man he was still but a man that was emotionally and physically torn due to the missing of his beloved kingdom, his son he has never set eyes upon, and the lack of embracing the true love his wife. Telemachus, His son causes great disappointment. Without a father, his son strives to grow and mature…

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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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Odysseus Being A Hero Essay

First of all, Odysseus is not considered a hero because he is selfish. When observing modern day heroes, it is evident that they do not think about themselves when doing the right thing. Heroes put others first and thinks about themselves last; and do not consider the dangers they place themselves in. In our society today we view selfishness as a unfavorable trait for a hero to have; our world today isn’t the same as it was before, and we need people who would help the poor, the hungry, or just…

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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…

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Odyssey: Odysseus and Hero Maps Essay

to Adventure is when the hero is called to an adventure by an external event or messenger. The hero may accept the call willingly or reluctantly. In the Odyssey call to adventure began with the Trojan War. When the Trojans attack the Greeks, Odysseus must travel to Troy to lead the armies in battle. Refusal of the Call: When the hero hears to the call to adventure, the may hesitate, reluctant to leave the comfort and tasks of their everyday existence. Generally the hero may do this because they’re…

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How Are Odysseus And Telemachus Alike

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Why Odysseus Is A Hero

Do you think odysseus is a hero? I think he is, and there are many reasons for why i think this. For one, Odysseus defeated the all mighty Troy and left it in ruins for the safety of his homeland, Ithica. Odysseus also fought a cyclopes and a sea monster to get his men home safe, even though he failed to get them back to Ithica, he tried. Odysseus survived many attakes on his life from a god , just so he could return to Ithica. Even a god could not stop him returning home to his family and kingdom…

Words 578 - Pages 3