Odysseus: A True Modern Hero

Also Beowulf shows great leadership in many ways by taking risks, and never fearing death. Beowulf 's first act of leadership in the poem is when he offers to fight Grendel unarmed. This is an example of leadership because he is standing up above everyone else, when all the other men are scared to. While all the other men are fearful and worried about Grendel attacking, Beowulf is able to fearlessly lie down to await the arrival of Grendel. “So Beowulf’s followers rode, mourning their beloved leader, crying that no better king had ever lived, no prince so mild, no man so open to his people, so deserving of praise.” (66) Beowulf is willing to risk his life for stranger.

Fearing the worst, Odysseus concocts an idea that will save them all. He is intelligent enough to know they cannot simply kill him as he explains, “If I killed him we perished there as well, ... ... middle of paper ... ...rished and he was left alone. He was loyal to his crew and never gave up on them, even after they defied him. When Odysseus returns to Ithaca he sees his son Telemachus for the first time since he was just an infant. Telemachus says to his father, “All my life your fame as a fighting man has echoed in my ears - your skill with weapons and the tricks of war…” (Homer 926-928) This shows us that Odysseus has a reputation as a hero, and while his son grew up he heard how heroic his father was.

Odysseus is a brave and courageous leader, saving his men many times over. Only when they did not listen to him were they killed. He also uses his wits to overcome nearly impossible odds and challenges, both physical and mental. Odysseus also changes mentally as the journey continues. He acts as an archetype of how a Greek man should live by.

He was blessed by the many gifts his mother gave him, including the gift of “invulnerability” and equipment made by the god Hephaestus (The History Channel, 2014). His father was also a great warrior who couldn’t be beaten even when ambushed by many men (Osborn) All of these gifts made him formidable in battle, thus making his troops respect him as a warrior. His strength made it easier for him to become a hero; the people of Greece admired this aspect of him. Achilles was not afraid to battle since he believed that glory was righteous (That’s Greece, N.D.). His bravery made him seem even more heroic to his comrades.

The Greeks find themselves trapped in the cave of Poseidon’s son. As they are plotting their escape the Polyphenos asks Odysseus his name. Thinking fast, Odysseus tells him “’ my name is Nohbdy: mother, father and friends, /everyone calls me Nohbdy”’ (IX, 397-398). With this clever response Odysseus is able to fool the monster and conduct the safe escape of his crew. Odysseus further proves his quick wit when he is faced with the challenge of convincing his wife that it is truly him who has arrived home after all these years.

Unlike most kings his takeover of the kingdom did not come from heredity directly but because of the people's choice, and for the people he continues to fight for, even until death. Because of his bravery, his leadership, and his commitment this encouraged the movement from hero to a king. Each king through out the story was known for their good works among the people and all of the battles that they have accomplished. "So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.

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.

Because Theseus is strong, noble, humble, and intelligent, he can be considered a true hero. Theseus shows true heroism when he courageously offers to save his town, trusts others and his strengths, and remains humble throughout his life. Theseus shows courage when he offers to go to the Minotaur’s cave which makes him a true hero. When the Athenians ask for youths to go to the cave of the Minotaur, Theseus immediately volunteers, and the Athenians admire his nobility and courage for this act (Hamilton 212). Theseus knows for a fact that the Minotaur has killed many people in the past, and there is a large possibility that it could slaughter him too.

A hero accepts who he is as an individual, but strives to change himself for the better. In the epic poem, The Odyssey, by Homer, the main character Odysseus is a valiant king who embarks on a life-changing voyage. While traveling from Troy back to his home in Ithaka, King Odysseus overcomes daunting obstacles, and in doing so discovers his place in the world. Odysseus is truly a heroic figure because he demonstrates courage, improves his character, and wins the support of the gods. Odysseus is a hero because he acts courageously while facing the many challenges he encounters.

Beowulf is honored after Grendel and his mother’s defeat for his morality and willingness to help the king with his problem. He put aside the life he had at home and gave up everything so they were protected. Upon his return, everyone was praising him and lifting up the wondrous works and all that’d he’d done to protect them. Because of his respectable actions, Beowulf was rewarded for his true heroism. He becomes king over his people and ruled for the next fifty years.