Essay On The Character Of Odysseus In Homer's Odyssey

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Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus exemplified the key traits needed to be an epic hero. The poem depicts Odysseus as an extremely strong man; at one point, he even defeats the towering cyclops Polyphemus. His ingenuity in creating the trojan horse unearths his slightly latent intelligence. Along with strength and cunning, Odysseus a strong sense of selflessness. He bared a trepid ten year journey and longed for his child and wife. Unfortunately, all of Odysseus’s traits are tarnished by his infidelity, ruthless behavior, and the massacre of men. Though he was, without a doubt, heroic, his lovely wife is the true, unsung heroine of the Odyssey. Penelope, the wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus, not only exemplified the key heroic trait of strength, but did so in a new and unique way. Though there is no indication of her possessing momentous physical vigor, she used mental tenacity to remain poised as the leader of Ithaca for a long period of time without guidance or consolation from her spouse. Furthermore, she stood steadfast in her fidelity for her husband despite the overwhelming number of suitors trying to court her. The intense courage that Penelope had should immediately put her in the same realm as heroes like Odysseus and Perseus; however, due to the unfortunate …show more content…

Penelope more than satisfied the requirements to become an epic heroine; she was mentally robust, brighter and more clever than Odysseus himself, and genuinely altruistic. Greece’s prejudice towards women sadly shadowed her sacrifice and shorted her on the praises she deserved. Odysseus did unspeakable things on his quest to becoming an epic hero and despite this, he received centuries of unprecedented glory. Penelope matched his level of sacrifice and talent, yet did so without cheating or murder. Penelope is an unacknowledged heroine of Greek mythology; and far surpassed Odysseus in

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