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“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism” (Hamilton, 45). A Hero’s Journey is never an easy one, but what defines a Hero? The best way to define a hero is by looking at literary examples such as the Odyssey or the Illiad. Focusing on the first work mentioned I will discuss the heroic qualities of Odysseus from the epic; The Odyssey. In this poem, his acts of valor are always seen as a triumph, after all, he actively represents the characteristics of what a Homeric hero is supposed to look like. Values such as struggle, loss, prosperity, and joy also make Odysseus vulnerable. What can be concluded from this? After struggle and loss can Odysseus be qualified as a hero? Abandoning his family for his own selfish gain of adventure? Throughout this tale the hero has to overcome an abundance of tasks and challenges in order to achieve this ultimate goal of reaching his family, but will he go back in search of adventure? In this essay, I am going to discuss and prove the qualities that make Odysseus a Homeric hero.
Firstly, the most obvious question asked is whether Odysseus, the hero of this lyric, encompasses the quintessential qualities of a Greek hero. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a hero as “a person admired for achievements and noble qualities”. Odysseus is definitely one of, the most paramount heroes in the ancient Greek world. He’s an ideal hero because he displays acts of heroism and bravery. On top of that, he’s also a part of both the spiritual and in physical worlds. In the physical approach, he overcomes extreme challenges and comes out on top. He triumphs in his journey and if he wouldn’t be one of the greatest heroes he would not be able to accomplish these treacherous adventures. In the spiritual sense, Odysseus reflects heroic qualities because he remains devoted to his wife even though he has been voyaging away from his household for nearly twenty years. The only thing that keeps him alive throughout this entire journey? His love for his beautiful wife and loving son. In addition, his cleverness gives him the title of an epic hero since it attracts a lot of attention. This is due to his impeccable skill in the art of language. His loyalty, courage, and intellectual agility are how Odysseus manages to get out of almost every scenario. Odysseus’ curiosity gets Odysseus into multiple challenges and dangers, yet he superbly expresses his strength and cunningness which have both helped him and the sailors escape danger. His arrogance pulls him back, but it’s the devout loyalty that drives him forward on his long and treacherous journey. Odysseus describes himself as “formidable for guile in peace and war”. He knows that he is a dangerous competitor, there are even times that his trickery has caused both harmony and violence. No matter what Odysseus faces, he always clearly demonstrates the main characteristics of an epic hero. In this instance, trickery is one of the key three factors explored.
Secondly, Odysseus’s quick thinking, and his intellectual ability, mixed with his expressiveness in speech, has gotten him and his crew out of an abundance of difficult situations. One instance, was when Odysseus and his men were trapped in the Polyphemos’s cave, a cyclops who will destroy anyone in its path. After landing there Odysseus’ physical strength didn’t matter. It was only because of the sneaky cunningness that he was able to escape the ugly beast. Although Odysseus’s curiosity was what got him into that scenario in the first place, it was his ability in a speech that got him out. He manages to win over Polyphemos in the story with a few well-spoken words and an offering: “‘Kyklops, try some wine. Taste it and see the kind of drink we carried under our planks. I meant it as an offering if you would help us home. But you are mad, a bloody monster!” (Homer 155)
Odysseus manipulates the Cyclops’ sentiments by attracting him with wine. The Cyclops, evidently pleased with this gesture, gives in to his arrogance and takes the wine. Odysseus’s assurance was the first step towards his success with the Cyclops. A second example of his intelligence is tricking Telemakhos and the servants to pretend there was a wedding going on. Otherwise, there would have been suspicion but he knew that if there were live people inside he could fool them. Odysseus predicted that if someone would find out about the suitors’ death, he would not be able to escape to his father’s house. Odysseus said,
“Here is our best maneuver, as I see it: bathe, you three, and put fresh clothing on, order the women to adorn themselves, and let our admirable harper choose a tune for dancing, some lighthearted air, and strum it. These deaths must not be cried about the town till we can slip away to our own woods. We’ll see what weapon, then, Zeus puts into our hands” (Homer 433).
Behind all of this action lies Odysseus’ loyalty to his family. He returns back home to Ithaka and Penelope. His loyalty to his family was what kept him going through difficult situations. This quality of devotion makes Odysseus qualify. Nothing is more accountable to an epic hero than honor and pride, and his obligations to his family. Odysseus regularly shows situations in which his loyalty is more important than anything. Such is the case when Odysseus’s men fell prey to the Lotus Eaters. Alluding to the quality of devotion, it was his endurance that makes him a true hero.
Lastly, Odysseus’s long wait finally paid off as he was able to avenge the suitors. His intelligence was why he intermingled with the suitors. He had to calmly wait until the time to strike was right, and thus begin the bloodshed. Although Odysseus’s trickery causes him complications and discords, his intelligence also brings him unity and harmony, which fully reflects his father’s gratefulness when he returns. He tells his father: “now I shall go to our estate with its many orchards, to see my noble father who has grieved for me constantly.” (Homer-355) When he finally arrives he tells him that he is alive and had great success in his adventure managing to get vengeance by killing all the suitors. His father overwhelmed with joy expresses his most sincere gratitude for the return of his son. Odysseus’s intelligence has served him well in multiple situations since he was able to cause wars and combats, and was also able to bring joy and peace.
Finally, Odysseus completely demonstrates the qualities of a Homeric hero. Whether it’s his strength, intelligence, or cunningness, they all serve him well in trying to get out of certain situations. While his love for adventure didn’t hold him back his heroic qualities are clearly depicted throughout this epic. His loyalty, shown multiple times throughout the whole story, and his desperate desire to see his family again is what finally motivated him to journey back. Without all these qualities: loyalty, cunningness, bravery, and honor Odysseus would not be considered a hero. However, because Odysseus superbly displays these heroic qualities in his daily life he is and will always be considered one of the many Greek heroes.
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