The Role Of Heroism In The Odyssey

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Eyes searching and scanning, I looked out the window, waiting for the airplane to land. Gone for eleven months my mother was about to return. Return from her deployment in Afghanistan. People called her a hero. Thanked her for what she did for her country.
A big discussion per BBC is weather being a veteran in the military makes you a hero. The question is, does serving your country automatically make you a hero or is more effort required. This can be a difficult question. The term a heroism is a term that has been used for centuries. Heroism is the act of being a hero. Webster Dictionary defines a hero as a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability. That definition is flawed. Heroes may have great strength and ability and may end up being …show more content…
All the way back in ancient Greece the tale of the Odyssey tells of a great hero Odysseus who spend 10 years trying to get back home. While traveling, Odysseus came upon the cave of the one-eyed monster, Polyphemus. They were going through his cave when he was not there. One of his men suggested that they take the cheese and goats and run back to their ship but Odysseus replied “Ah, how sound that was! Yet I refused. I wished to see the cave man, what he had to offer- no pretty sight, it turned out, for my friends” (Ln. 171). Afterwards Polyphemus traps them in his cave and eats at least four of the men before they escape. Odysseus shows a great lack of thinking when he dooms his men. Odysseus’s sailors pleaded with him to leave but he said no wanting to meet Polyphemus. Odysseus than remarks almost second hand how it did not turn out well for his friends. How it must have hurt to be friends with Odysseus. A hero is supposed to be selfless making sacrifices for other people. Odysseus cannot put his own interests aside for the wellbeing of his men. Instead he refuses to leave and his loyal sailors pay the

The Role Of Heroism In The Odyssey

been. To be considered a hero, one must have met many requirements. It included accounts on fitness, morals, values, character and treatment of the gods. Greek mythology repeatedly told stories of their ideal heroes. However, Homer, composer of The Odyssey, does not use his epic poem to model this image. As you follow Odysseus on his ten-year journey home succeeding the Trojan War, his disposition is truly revealed. On the outside, his accomplishments make him appear to be a perfect hero. However, after…

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Examples Of Heroism In The Odyssey

Odysseus is known for his bravery, cunning, and strategic thinking. He displays heroism through his epic adventures, such as his role in the Trojan War and his journey back home to Ithaca. Odysseus faces numerous challenges and overcomes them with his intelligence and resourcefulness.On the other hand, Penelope's heroism lies in her unwavering loyalty, strength, and resilience. While Odysseus is away, she remains faithful to him and fends off suitors who try to take advantage of his absence. Penelope's…

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Odysseus As A Hero In Beowulf And Homer's Odyssey

A hero is in every shape and form, which lies throughout many stories and or movies. A hero can be someone very important “Beowulf” and “Odyssey” we see these characters acting and doing what a hero is to their people and the things they have gone throughout their stories to the people. A hero, is brave; courageous but more importantly shows intelligence. When we refer to someone as a hero it means that they aren’t afraid to step up and perceive to be in the wrong, regardless of the situation they…

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Odysseus: A Hero In Homer's The Odyssey

humans have always had heroes. Whether they be fictional heroes or human heroes. Some of these traits a hero has, Odysseus simply doesn’t have. In The Odyssey there are a lot of moments when Odysseus has a chance to show his true character traits. In most of these moments, Odysseus tries to get himself out first, then the rest of his crew. In The Odyssey, written by Homer, Odysseus should not be considered a hero. This should be the case because on numerous occasions he gets his men killed due to his…

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Odysseus As A Hero Research Paper

hero. The Odyssey is a thrilling narrative featuring a heroic protagonist, Odysseus, who faces numerous challenges on his perilous venture home. Throughout the course of his journey, Odysseus demonstrates attributes that define him as a hero. He is continuously faced with supernatural beings, unpredictable gods, and daunting challenges. Yet, through his bravery, nobility, and strategic mind, he rises to the occasion time and time again, earning the title of an Epic Hero. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus…

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Loyalty Drive

Final Essay: Bravery, Intelligence, and Loyalty Drive “The Odyssey” Homer’s The Odyssey is an epic tale of action, tragedy, and justice. After fighting in Troy, the main character, Ulysses, embarks on a ten-year-long journey to return home and exact revenge on the suitors who have ravaged his kingdom. He faces many hardships but eventually succeeds in his quest, thanks to his courage, cunningness, and devotion to his cause. This paper will outline the most important virtues, justify their relevance…

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The Struggle In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the story centers around the hero, Gilgamesh. At first, it seems as if the tyrant king plays the role of the bad guy. He terrorized the towns people and conquered all in his path. He was undefeatable because he was blessed by the gods and partly divine. A troubled hero is quite common in modern culture and media. For example, the superhero known as…

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Odyssey Hero's Journey

for any one person. If he did not defeat Imhotep, seven billion lives would be lost, including that of his newfound love, Evy. These possible fatalities creates an absurd amount of stress. Rick being able to thrive under pressure reveals his great heroism. The relationship status of Odysseus’ wife is little to worry about, compared to the possible extinction of the human race. The best leaders thrive under pressure, and saving the world easily qualifies O’ Connell as a great leader. With added stress…

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The Aeneid Essay

Josh B. May 3, 2012 English 231 Essay 2: The Aeneid One character that I will examine from this epic is Dido. Dido initially seems like this well put together queen who has been hurt by the sudden murder of her husband. For one thing, when we first meet Dido, she is already a widow. This distinguishes her by giving her a meaningful past that continues to influence her in the present. As a result of the murder of her husband Sychaeus, Dido has had to flee from Tyre, her home, to North Africa…

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greek notes Essay

- Homer and the Homeric Greece • Iliad and Odyssey first epic poems passed down • Iliad=Epic poem about the Trojan War but really about Achilles is like the war hero (Paris=prince of Troy) • Trojan War=Paris kidnaps Helen, wife of King of Sparta. Agamemnon Helens brother in law gets very mad and attacks troy with Achilles who was a great warrior • Odyssey=Epic romance about Odysseus journeys-virtue is a better policy than vice • Iliad and odyssey both describe social conditions of the Dark Age…

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