"Furthermore, we have not even to risk the adventure alone, for the heroes of all time here gone before us." (p.1 A Heroes Adventure). This quote from Joseph Campbell tells you the essence of a hero. Odysseus might be a hero in the book but Telemachus was the one who went through the real journey. Campbell defines a hero one as "who has found or done something beyond the normal range of achievement and experience. A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." (p.1 A Heroes Adventure) Now if you consider the fact that Odysseus was put in this series of predicaments but outside forces that would consider him a hero, wouldn't you? But, he did not believe in or accept those gods as power above beyond himself. Now if he does not believe as the gods as a higher power then he is not a hero because Campbell specifically states that "a hero is one who accomplishes something bigger than one's self." If Odysseus does not believe that the gods are a higher power, than he did not accomplish something above and beyond an abnormal adventure by defeating the spite of Poseidon. Campbell defines a hero by the type of adventure as well. "Well there are two types of deed. One is the physical deed, in which the hero performs a courageous act in battle or saves a life. The other kind is the spiritual deed, in which the hero learns to experience the supernormal range of human spiritual life and then comes back with a message." p.1(A Heroes Adventure) So this does say that Odysseus is a hero to some degree, but who is the real hero? Telemachus is the real hero. He went both through the physical journey searching for Odysseus and the spiritual journey. He went on the spiritual journey of becoming a man. Facing the hardships of keeping his mother safe from freeloaders and somewhat of keeping a kingdom in order until the return of his father. With juggled his period of adolescents, he showed that he had the strength not in his muscles because one on one he would get beaten badly, but in his heart to overcome his hardships to the best of his ability. Campbell yet again flat out says that Telemachus is a hero on page 129, "Odysseus' son Telemachus was told by Athena, "Go find your father."That father quest is a major hero adventure for young people.
According to google.com a hero is someone who “is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievments, or noble equalities.” (google.com). For example, superman , superman is an all time american classic modern hero who is admired for his courage and for saving earth multiple times from super villains. Another example of a hero is Beowulf. Beowulf was created around 1000 AD and was known far and wide throughout the lands for his selflessness,bravery, and courage .
A hero is considered to be any man noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose;
In conclusion, Odysseus deserves to be called a hero because he displays courage, employs cunning, and contains humility instead of hubris. Odysseus is not always fearless, but he has the courage to fight off his fear and do what he has to do. Also, Odysseus’s cunning is able to get him out of tough situations by having him think on the spot. Lastly, Odysseus realizes his faults, one of them being that he didn’t think the gods were higher than him and that they have more power than him. Altogether, Odysseus’s journey has changed his life for the better and he is recognized as a true hero.
A main reason why Odysseus is not a hero is because he manipulated the truth and achieved his victories through lies. Achilles, the hero from the Iliad explains his thoughts on the matter, “I hate that man like the very Gates of Death / who says one thing but hides another in his heart” (Knox, 37). Bernard Knox who wrote the introduction to the Odyssey explains how Odysseus prides himself on his ability to cover and manipulate the truth. Bernard also says, “He will gladly employ deceit to win victory” (Knox, 38). A hero is a man of honor with a noble purpose and heart, but Odysseus has neither. The main characteristics of a hero are that they can do heroic things, but retain their nobility. If we sacrifice the truth for progress then we are no
...imes, the gods provide necessary tools. And most importantly, the Gods support Odysseus by helping him when he is stuck in a difficult situation.
Odysseus is the most reputable hero among the Achaeans in Ithaca. He is thus the
... (XI, 225-227). Odysseus’ self-centeredness caused emotional and physical harm to those he cares about, preventing his ability to become a hero.
First of all, Odysseus is deemed a hero in the eyes of the Achaians. His intelligent mind renders him a heroic figure among ...
A hero’s growth throughout his journey is defined by their level of accomplishment and readiness for new obstacles. Odysseus exemplifies all of the necessary characteristics of a hero by remodeling his person by developing emotionally, intellectually, mentally, and spiritually. His development allows him not only to better himself, but also the world around him by being self aware and competent. The epic poem displays Odysseus as a self righteous young man in the beginning of his story however, as the story progresses, he transforms into a self sacrificing hero with emotional, mental, intellectual, and spiritual aptitude.
A hero is someone who would sacrifice himself for others, someone who is selfless and caring. Odysseus from Homer’s, “The Odyssey” does not have these traits. Throughout the book, Odysseus displays many negative character traits that show he is not someone to be admired or treated like a hero. He is too proud, he does not listen, and he constantly puts his needs before that of his men.
...lusion, Odysseus makes ethical decisions to benefit others, overcomes adversity with vast amounts of courage, and illustrates humility by relinquishing his hubris to rightfully earn the title of hero. Whether Odysseus has to be unfaithful to his lover or saving lives by stuffing ears with wax, he never forgets that others’ lives are at stake and sparing them are of paramount importance. Also, the hero expresses a radiant sense of confidence that reflect in others whether physically, mentally, or spiritually. Finally, the hero abandons his bravado in order to find his role in the universe, under the power of the gods. Though he has made several mistakes in the past dealing with his cosmic hubris, he has apologized for his mistakes by showing piety in the gods that tower over him. Overall, Odysseus, through his many actions, has rightfully earned the title hero.
The majority of those who read The Odyssey consider the protagonist of the story, Odysseus, a hero. On many occasions, however, Odysseus makes decisions beneficial to himself alone. For example, when Odysseus and his men find themselves on Polyphemus's island, Odysseus's actions are self-centered and at the expense of his men. This can be said for most of Odysseus's actions in the story, as his main objective is to reach his home. Having his men by his side when he returns seems a trivial thing to him. Odysseus could be considered a hero, but many of his actions say otherwise. Due to the many unfaithful and self-centered decisions he makes in the story, Odysseus is not a hero.
The Odyssey is written in the third person omniscient perspective, perhaps the only voice capable of integrating Homer’s usage of the Gods and the supernatural. This perspective shifts as necessary to give the reader a full understanding of Odysseus’ journeys. In fact, without incorporating the supernatural forces, there would be no way of understanding why Odysseus is met with such inhospitality from certain Gods or constructing a majestic recount of the actions in the plot.
I looked up the definition of a hero, and according to the Merriam – Webster definition, a hero is; “a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent
Odysseus: a hero in every way. He is a real man, skilled in the sports, handy with a sword and spear, and a master of war strategy. Most of the challenges and adventures in his return voyage from Troy show us this even if we had no idea of his great heroic stature and accomplishments in the Trojan war. I found in my reading of the Odyssey that most of the trials the gods place upon him are readily faced with heroic means. These challenges are not