An Ancient Hero

Everyone has his own definition of a hero. Some imagine the classic comic book character: a figure dressed in brightly colored tights and a flapping cape, always engaged in an adventure of some sort. Others think up images of big, burly men and women who save lives every day serving as firefighters, policemen, and the like. Even intellectuals and inventors, from Voltaire to Edison, are viewed as some of society’s “greats”. These descriptions may seem very different when grouped together, but in reality they have plenty in common. Each individual noted is clever, dedicated, courageous, and respected. These qualities they possess truly identify them as heroes. But where did we get this universal definition? Looking back through thousands of years of the history, it is surprisingly easy to pinpoint a documented source. Odysseus Laertiadês, one of the first protagonists in literature, has been without a doubt inspiring readers to become the best they can be ever since his story was recorded. This is why throughout Homer’s “Odyssey”, the main character’s cleverness, dedication, courage, and respect other characters have for him not only help to define him as a heroic figure in literature but also remind us of the real heroes of today, making what seems an outdated tale all the more relevant in both present and future societies.

Thanks to Homer, one of the traits a hero should possess is cleverness. This single word covers a spectrum of qualities, including intelligence, good sense, and experience. Odysseus especially displays the latter in a quote found on page 112, in Book IX. Narrating his journey home, he tells of his encounter with Polyphemos, a Cyclopian with terrible intentions. When asked a personal question by Polyphemos, Ody...

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...ds cannot be bewitched, she came to a conclusion on page 127, in Book X, saying “Surely you are Odysseus, the man who is never at a loss!” The fact that these characters had not met prior to this situation and that Circê’s first guess was none other than Odysseus shows just how well-known he is, proving him a hero even further.

With a complete set of evidence making Homer’s character clearly heroic, it’s time again to think about the heroes of today. Though citizens in our community are very different than the people of Odysseus’ time, we are all defined in the same way: by how we act and how those actions are perceived by others. By being clever, courageous, dedicated, and respected anyone can become exceptionally great. Heroes do not have to be strange illusions or distant fantasies anymore; they are all around us, constantly changing our lives for the better.