The Heroism of Odysseus

We do not only look for someone that is sure of his supernatural strength. People today look for a hero that gives them hope and that is admirable because he keeps on struggling to reach his goals. Today a hero must have suffered challenges that make him grow as a better human. Beowulf perfectly fulfills the characteristics of an epic hero because he fight... ... middle of paper ... ...s always talking about his qualities. In conclusion, although Beowulf possessed many heroic qualities he would not be considered a hero in today’s world.

Remaining calm and pushing through these challenges or tasks will reward you after you have overcome the feat. Frodo is an example in a fantasy mythological world that can also relate to humankind in the real world when it comes to dealing with tasks that relate to being a human. Frodo is looked upon as an archetype hero because he is the one that must defeat or ruin the plans of the Dark Lord. He has a task to do, just like we all do and despite it being forced upon him, he accepted the challenge. He is looked upon as the protagonist in the film while the Dark Lord is the antagonist.

Fictional heroes in literature are characters that embark on grueling, mind-altering journeys even though they receive no personal gain from these missions. Heroes overcome difficult challenges and resist temptations while also learning important life lessons and acquiring an enlightened perspective. The epic poem The Odyssey by Homer chronicles the great hero Odysseus’s return trip to Ithaka. His long and demanding voyage to his homeland leaves Odysseus a changed man. However, many argue whether Odysseus truly earns the title of “hero.” There is evidence for both sides of this argument.

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.

A definition is seldom absolute, and the fickle definition of hero is no exception. Some envision a hero as one who excels in battle and others admire champions of peace. Regardless of this personal understanding, however, all common and perfunctory thoughts surrounding the title, hero, are quickly unraveled when we examine the life of any mortal. While it would be impossible for anyone to perfectly satisfy the role of a hero, save the Savior, most of us have created certain standards within our minds that we strive and search for. Ernest Hemmingway in his short work, “The Sun Also Rises” presents to us a world accommodating a “Lost Generation” in which the central figure’s interactions with various men give us fragmented pictures of what it means to be a hero.

To this day he remains greatly admired as both a hero and an ordinary man who must deal with great adventures and retrieving the life he once had. For twenty years Odysseus overcame each obstacle the gods handed to him. He was always respectful to the gods, acknowledging their control of fate and realizing that he needed help if he was to ever get back to Ithaca and his beloved family. He showed keen observation, instinct, and caution. He is great at disguises, capable of concealing his feelings, and a fast, inventive liar: heroic qualities that got him through his adversities.

Essentially, he is making a journey to save his family and the country he rules, Ithaka. This epic poem begins in medas res and through this non-linear tale Homer’s audience receives the chance to watch the transformation of Odysseus as he evolves into a classic hero. When Odysseus begins his journey he is selfish and struggles with his overwhelming hubris. However, after successfully completing each step of the hero’s journey the reader begins to see a whole new character, and ultimately, a hero. Odysseus proves himself a hero by displaying to the audience sharp intellect, modest humility, and unyielding leadership.

This is part of the human desire to have a hero in society to solve everyone’s problems and to save the day from the crisis at hand. He was known for being the brave and courageous king because he would fight and go on quests with his knights and armies. The legend of King Arthur was written to show the human desire to have a hero in society who is noble, brave, and is a leader for children to aspire to be like. Many, who have studied King Arthur also believe, that with Arthur’s story, it provides us with some relief that we all have great hope and we all are fallen creatures. The legend of King Arthur was so popularly and well known, that many different cultures took the story and made it into their own.

Strength doesn’t have to be measured in muscle. In the epic “The Odyssey” by Homer we are introduced to a man by the name of Odysseus. “Run then, while I hold them off with arrows as long as the arrows last”. He is an epic hero. Odysseus is an epic hero because he shows the traits of other heroes throughout history, make difficult choices in sticky situations, and has extreme amounts of cunning and wit.

A person chooses someone to be his or her hero because they see admirable characteristics in that person. Whether it is someone from the past or someone from today a hero will always be someone that a person looks up to. A hero is a person that someone finds helpful when they are in a dreadful situation. Although the idea of what makes a hero has changed overtime, the concept that everyone needs a hero is still around and will stay around.