Odysseus Is A Hero Essay

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Over the years, well known superheroes are superman, batman, spider man, etc. They all share similar traits that make them who they are such as strength, integrity, and valor. Odysseus, an ancient Greek hero, is no exception to these great heroes and deciding whether or not he is a hero is very controversial. In Homer’s, the Odyssey, Odysseus' trial to get home is filled with obstacles and accomplishments that require specific traits as a leader. Through his epic journey, Odysseus’ wits and protectiveness overshadow the foolish actions portrayed in this story. Odysseus encounters numerous drawbacks that involve strategic thinking. Even though lying is frowned upon in Greek culture, Odysseus comes face to face with Polyphemus, the main cyclops, …show more content…

Odysseus shows pride in what he does and isn't scared to express it which is shown in the following: ‘Cyclops, if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes’ son, whose home’s on Ithaca!’ (457-460, 1062) Escaping once and for all, there was nothing else Odysseus needed to do. Instead, being foolish, he reveals his name and home to the cyclops which puts him at risk. Simply leaving the island in peace would’ve been a much wiser decision. Nevertheless, this flaw adds to the fact that Odysseus is an ideal hero considering he is a human, and every human has weaknesses. Looking back, people will come to believe that Odysseus shows various traits of guidance and leadership which makes him an epic hero so far. On his twenty-year journey, he conquers many barriers no other man could. Being a hero doesn’t have to mean having superpowers and an audience but simply showing the characteristics that Odysseus expresses. Coming to a conclusion, he has grown as a hero throughout the story as a guarding and shrewd man even through times of

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