The Odyssey – What Is a Hero

Ashley literary productions and Composition 1 8 March 2010 The Odyssey by Homer What is a hero? 1 who holds a proud countenance or obtains a strong build? Different cultures and ethnicities may have their witness, unmatched definition of a hero. Although the Greeks believed that such a principled individual is someone that people look up to, and a title such as this plundernot be bestowed upon the ordinary. In Homers The Odyssey, it is Odysseus who possesses the true natureistics of a hero wisdom, obedience and showing moral improve manpowert.Homer describes Odysseus as an intelligent individual this statement is proven incident when in the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus, Odysseuss world-class thought was to kill the giant. Instead of acting upon his first thoughts Odysseus takes the time to use his word and realize that Polyphemus is the only way out of the cave. Odysseus qualifyings wine to Polyphemus who then asks his providers name, Odysseus wittily replies with Nohbod y mother, father, and friends, everyone calls me Nohbody (Homer Lines 360-361). Even as he spoke, he reeled and tumbled backward, his great head lolling to one side and sleep took him akin any creature (Lines 360-366). Odysseus and his men blind Polyphemus while sleeping which results in the giant yelling to his brothers that, Nohbody, Nohbodys tricked me. Nohbodys ruined me and no one came to his aide (Line 443). In this example, Odysseus shows his intelligence, a trait one can venture that the Greeks admired, by lying to Polyphemus to save the lives of his men.Also, after 2 eturning home to Ithaca to find many suitors plead for his wifes hand in marriage, Odysseus disguises himself as a mendicant to avoid attention. The seemingly beggar at first glance enters the home of Odysseus to witness the emotional destruction of his wife genus Penelope. Odysseus is disguised until the pass possible moment when he eventually reports himself after completing the task to win Penelopes h and in marriage. Odysseus is a marvel character whose characteristics allow readers to infer that the Greeks held the trait f intelligence in respect for a hero. During 720 BC, when The Odyssey was first published, the book explained that Odysseus preferred not to go to war, especially a war fought for an unfaithful woman. The Greeks showed no signs of disloyalty as a respectable trait for any man or woman, therefore when Odysseus is described as a faithful man, he is immediately categorized as a hero. To an extent Odysseuss bravery can be substantiated by Athenas constant support, and overly proving his loyalty to the Greek matinee idols during his twenty years away from home.Locked away on the goddess Calypsos island, Odysseus, despite the attraction he feels toward the nymph goddess, stayed as faithful as possible to his Penelope proving his devoted jockey for her. Calypso had offered him immortality and a life bound her, but with his one goal in mind, (to return home) Odysse us declines the offer proving his loyal character. Along with the promised loyalty to his wife, Odysseus was equally faithful to his men. When in the face of danger, his men looked to Odysseus for help and guidance knowing that he will come to their aide.An example of this mutual relationship is when Odysseus and his followers landed on the island of Aeaea, where they backuped to replenish their strength. His men were divided in half and Odysseus and his half of followers stayed behind when the rest of his men journeyed through the island to investigate. After finding the palace of the goddess Circe the men were 3 welcomed into the palace by the goddess herself. One man, Eurylochus, sensed danger and stayed hidden outside while the others ate and drank the pleasures provided by Circe.The win was drugged, causing the men to forget all memories of their home. After drugging the men, Circe used her twisted magic and transformed the men into swine. Eurylochus pronto returned to Odyss eus and explained the evil doings of Circe. Odysseus traveled to the house of the goddess alone, where she invited him in and gave him the same drugged wine. With the help of the Messenger God Hermes, Odysseus managed to escape the magic of Circe and threatened her with his sword into changing his men back.Taking responsibility for his mens lives and sacrificing his own instead of running away from the danger is proof of his loyal character. Odysseuss principle attribute is loyalty which the Greeks believe, is in belonging to a high-flown figure. Everyone deserves a second chance learning from your mistakes provides evidence of your up(p) character. Throughout The Odyssey one may make comments about the numerous faults they find in Odysseuss character such as his love of glory, and his abiding arrogance.However, nearing the end of the tale Odysseus does not immediately react violently upon the dreadful sight of the many suitors destroying the heart of his Penelope. Instead of acti ng quickly, Odysseus patiently waits until the right time to reveal his identity and surprise the suitors with their own death. Learning and improving your reputation are the qualities one can infer from the epic that were greatly admired by the Greeks as a heroic trait. During the period where heroes were described as intelligent, loyal, and dedicated, Odysseus is described as a model warrior in Homers Odyssey and a true heroic being.With his intelligence Odysseus saves the lives of his devoted followers when a desperate situation calls for hero. His loyalty provides reassurance to his wife 4 Penelope and his men that he will soon return home. Odysseus shows his improving character by learning from his early(prenominal) mistakes to improve the future. These traits are just a few traits that the Greeks, during Homers time period, held in the highest dissemble for a hero. 5 Works Cited Homer. The Odyssey. New York Ballantine Books, 1973