Odysseus: A True Hero

Similarly, the epic poem, The Odyssey, by Homer tells the story of Odysseus’s long journey back home while he deals with many adversities along the way. However, he is able to fight over those obstacles by using his intelligence, great leadership and faithfulness. As a result, he is able to return back to Ithaca. Those traits are evidence for his capability of being a true hero. In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus is proven to be a hero with intelligence, leadership and faithfulness, and thus reveal the possible theme that says: what makes a man a hero is his selfless actions for the sake of others, to make the impossible become possible itself.” Odysseus’ heroism is shown through his intelligence.

Even though Beowulf is quite the hero, he is also illustrated as being extremely prideful. During the Anglo-Saxon period, character traits that were most common for a hero is a rather egoistical and boastful which Beowulf has. He is more interested in his honor as a hero that he is even willing to take on any task without a real fear of death. The poem explores his heroism in two separate phases, the younger Beowulf and the older one, and through three different, but increasingly difficult conflicts with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. These time periods in his life, correlated with two contrasting standards of integrity.

So then, if you are sincerely telling me to eat and drink, set them free, so my eyes can again behold my eager companions.” He also shows his concern about his men when he travels all the way back to Kirke’s island just to bury Elpenor because he was in pain in the Underworld. He again proves his might as a strong combatant and leader when he defeats all of the suitors and regains his wives hand in marriage. Odysseus is a truly great leader who repeatedly demo... ... middle of paper ... ...one. He also stays faithful to his son, who has never seen him before. He returns home and sees him for the first time.

At the beginning they are inexperienced, ordinary people who go on their adventures, and face their fears and weaknesses, but they develop greatly throughout these journeys. After comprehending what true heroism is and following it only then will they become heroes even though each of them has different traits. In the epic poem The Odyssey, by Homer, Odysseus gains the title of hero during his journey back to Ithaka, from Troy, by proving to be one. It is through his characteristics and experiences that he becomes the well developed man at the end of the book. In truth, because of his confidence, loyalty, and difficult struggles, Odysseus becomes a genuine hero to the people he defended.

As old age approaches, Beowulf’s desire for fame diminishes, but he continues to test his strength and fulfill his adventurous personality. In Beowulf’s youth and early adulthood he is an outstanding and fearless warrior, characterized by his desire for glory and triumphs. Despite losing his swimming match against Breca, he admits his defeat and recovers even more eager to become a hero. Beowulf’s win over Grendel and the defeat of Grendel’s atrocious mother verifies his reputation for bravery and grants him the title of ‘hero’ he’s strived for. While his cockiness boosts his self-confidence in battle, some of Beowulf’s peers find it to be a flaw rather than an asset.

Odysseus' wit, wisdom and courage make him a true hero, yet Homer’s novel indicates that wit overrules all. Throughout his journey home, his wit contributed the greatest to his survival and escape. Whether it be from the Cyclops or killing the Suitors when he came back to Ithica, Orysseus used his wits and cunning to his greatest advantage. Through all the obstacles Odysseus faced on his journey, he used his wits to prove himself by coming up with solutions to reach his goal and reuniting himself with his family and kingdom. The Odyssey is wonderful story as it shows that a true hero isn’t just costumes, good looks and galore, but much more on the inside.

In Homer’s The Odyssey, many happenings interfere with Odysseus’ journey to return home to his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus. Self-determination is a strong characteristic that Odysseus portrays in The Odyssey. The three traits that Odysseus portrays as evidence of his self-determination are: endurance, perseverance, and courage. Odysseus, like most humans, has his doubts of confidence, but seems to overcome them. Out of this great tragedy, he has become a greater man to regain his kingdom and live a long life.

Athena, the god of wisdom, chose to aid in Odysseus’ journey because of his abilities to quickly think of a clever plan that succeeds in saving not only himself but his crew every time. Odysseus is the most famous of the ancient Greek heroes, and for very good reasons. Odysseus is both strong and extremely clever and is able to continuously use his brains to manipulate others into falling for every plot he concocts. The comparative incompetence of the other characters in The Odyssey served very well to highlight his true greatness, allowing him to be remembered for so many years and for many more to come.

He also goes through a personal transformation, gaining a new view of himself and learns his place to the gods. Odysseus proves himself as a hero by being a good leader, overcoming his challenges, and living by the Greek standard of life. Odysseus is able to lead his men through hell and back and motivate them in the gloomiest of situations, proving him as a true leader. Odysseus is very encouraging in his journey, guiding and motivating his men in their moment of need. He cheers them on as they approach Skylla and encourages them with his words; “Heads up lads!

However, many argue whether Odysseus truly earns the title of “hero.” There is evidence for both sides of this argument. Because of his cleverness, his undying bravery and his ability to learn from past mistakes, Odysseus proves himself a hero. Odysseus’s clever and cunning skills allow him to make it back to Ithaka after a demanding expedition. He creates well thought-out plans to destroy obstacles in his path. When Odysseus and his men are trapped in the dwelling of Polyphemos, the Kyklops, he devises a plan to escape, knowing full well that utilizing his brains over the giant’s brawn will be the only way to make it out alive.