As Debi Mazar said, “A hero is somebody who is selfless, who is generous in spirit, who just tries to give back as much as possible and help people. A hero to me is someone who saves people and who really deeply cares.” Homer, in the epic poem The Odyssey, explains Odysseus’s actions on his journey home, to where he defeats the suitors that dwell in his house, using his worldly possessions and trying to court his wife. Homer develops his explanation through Odysseus’s narration of his journey of fighting against a Cyclops, angering a deathless god, escaping a land of giants, and being trapped by a powerful goddess among other fated incidents. The author’s purpose is to show how Odysseus overcomes the life-risking situations on his journey …show more content…
home.The author writes in a passive tone to allow readers to decide for themselves if Odysseus is a hero or not. Even though Odysseus shows heroic qualities within his journey, he is rather too hubris and wrapped up in his own problems, he shows a cavalier attitude towards his adversaries, and has rather questionable morals. Odysseus is a overly prideful, hubris character. He is many a time too wrapped up in his own problems. Heroes should be able to take a step back and not only think of themselves in times of hardship.As he is talking before Queen Arete and King Alcinous, he weeps of his own struggles while begging for help.“But as for myself, grant me a rapid convoy home to my own native land. How far away I’ve been from all my loved ones--how long I have suffered!” (Homer, 13). He doesn’t mention the countless men he has lost or the fact that he was the one who brought this fate upon himself. He does this again when he tells of his journey.“You’re set on probing the bitter pains I’ve borne, so I’m to weep and grieve, it seems, still more,” (Homer,15). He mustn't continually drone about his troubles. He has been kept from his home for a long time, but that could have been avoided if it wasn’t for his excessive pride. What set his treacherous trait was Odysseus’s blinding and taunting of Polyphemus. “Cyclops--if any man on the face of the earth should ask you who blinded you, shamed you so--say Odysseus, raider of cities, he gouged out your eye,” (Homer, 2).. That angers Polyphemus and he prays to his father to see vengeance on Odysseus. In the end, his pride was his downfall, and sent him and his shipmates on a catastrophic journey. His pride and grief of his own problems caused him to sometimes push the lives of his shipmates aside. Odysseus seems like he really cares about the ones who help him on his voyage home, but he tends to put himself before them.“Here the rest of my rolling squadron steered, right into the gaping cove and moored tightly,a milk-white calm spreads all around the place.
But I alone anchored my black ship outside, well clear of the harbor’s jaws...they speared the crew like fish...but while they killed them off in the harbour depths I pulled the sword from beside my ship and I hacked away at the ropes that moored my blue-prowed ship of war and shouted rapid orders at my shipmate...but the rest went down en mass. Our squadron sank.” (Homer, 23). When they land on Laestrygonian land, Odysseus already has his own plans. He parks his ship in a way that would make it easier for him and the small crew on board with him to get away if needed. While the giants killed off his shipmates, Odysseus doesn’t help any of them . He escapes with the small crew he has. Odysseus sailed off leaving a huge portion of his crew to die. They later end up on Circe’s island, where his men get turned into swine and he makes a deal with Circe. Despite the fact that his comrades consistently begged him to go home, Odysseus stayed at Circe’s island for a year. “It’s time to help me home. My heart longs to be home, my comrades’ hearts as well. They wear me down, pleading with me whenever you’re away,” (Homer, 27). The intent of the trip was to go home, but his “stubborn spirit” caused them to remain there for …show more content…
so long. If he cared about how they felt, he would’ve have started the journey home again when they first asked, not when he himself felt like it. Based upon this, Odysseus’s way of doing things are questionable. Odysseus is a vengeful character whose morals and reason for doing things don’t always add up.
“Those men who court your wife and waste your goods? I have a feeling some will splatter your ample floors with all their blood and brains” (Homer, 40). Odysseus does eventually kill some of the suitors that tried to court his wife and use all his worldly possessions. It was rather a cruel punishment, considering the fact that they were unaware that he was even alive. He was not saving or helping anyone by mass murdering the suitors. Odysseus then takes to ridding of the woman servants that the suitors had. “When you have thoroughly cleansed the whole hall, take the women outside and run them through with your swords till they are dead...I shall not let these women die a clean death, for they have acted as sluts sleeping with evil suitors disrespecting my house,” (Homer, 53). Odysseus thinks that the character of women is defined by who they sleep with and therefore should be punished. The women servants haven’t done anything particularly wrong and Odysseus is allowing them to be killed out of spite. A hero wouldn’t let anyone die on
purpose. Many people may argue that Odysseus is a hero, because he truly cares about his men and is brave. “The heart inside me brooding on revenge: how could I pay him back?” (Homer, 20). “ He did blind the Cyclops for his men, because Polyphemus was going to eat them.He also tricked a goddess and made her turn his men back into humans.”Circe--’If you really want me to eat and drink set them free, all my beloved comrades--let me feast my eyes,” (Homer, 27). However, getting all of his men back to Ithaca wasn’t his end goal. He could of done more to save more of his men from the perils the journey brought upon them. He didn’t care about them on a genuine emotional level. They were just accessories that were helping him to get home, at least to an extent. (The part where he is talking to Circe about HE wants to go home. They are just his comrades or companions. Not people that also want to go home to and have stuck with him through his journey.), There were times where he wasn’t brave. Deep down Odysseus was scared that his wife had married someone else since he never returned. “Please, tell me about my wife...or has she made the best match she could and married again?” (Homer, 31). That’s one of the main reasons why he plots to kill the suitors. It’s not a brave act to kill people because you are scared of them taking everything you own and your loved ones. Odysseus is not a hero. He may have flaws, but heros genuinely care about those who help them along their journey. They don’t put their needs in problems ahead of themselves most of the time. Heros make decisions that are more morally ethical. Yes, Odysseus demonstrates heroic qualities like being brave and intelligent, more or less. Yet, some of these qualities a antagonist or villain can posses. Odysseus is neither of these, but being a hero comes down to your abilities and qualities, and how you use them.
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.
In Odysseus's mind he has very good reasons to kill the suitors. He decided to kill them when he found out that they wanted to marry his wife. The suitors has all assumed that he was dead, for 20 years. As a result they tried to marry his wife. Penelope also believed that he was still alive and she tried to delay any marriages. Odysseus's idea to kill them all is not very logical especially because while he was away on his 20 year expedition he cheated on his wife two times. Odysseus actions were very rash. The reader can see this when Eurymachus says, “Rash actions, many here,” (Homer 818). Eurymachus knows that Odysseus has made rash decision and he is trying to show him his ways and how it is bad. Later the reader reads that Odysseus doesn’t really see that and he is just excited to be reunited with his wife.
Opposed to that of common thought, superman is not the only type of character that fits the heroic persona. Although “superheroes” typically come to mind when one thinks of a hero, there are many other ordinary people capable of extraordinary things. A hero is a person who takes the initiative to set out on a journey of internal growth. During this symbolic journey, one truly finds himself and betters the lives of other mentally and physically. In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus takes the path of heroism, resulting in the reborn spirit of a selfless, modest hero. During the process, Odysseus is faced with many challenges that he must overcome in order to earn the noble title. Odysseus proves himself to be a well-deserving hero because he is intelligent with his decisions, he displays cleverness, and he rids himself of hubris.
The hero is the man who fights for what he loves. A hero is someone who rises above circumstance to take back what is his or hers. A hero is a man who was favored by the gods. All of these qualities and more can be found in both Odysseus and Telemachus. Odysseus and Telemachus both showed many manifestations of a hero throughout the Odyssey. It was a journey of change and growth for both men. Out of this journey they returned with much wisdom and personal gain. Odysseus and Telemachus have truly walked the path of the hero’s journey.
There are numerous heroes throughout “The Odyssey,” but none of them are as significant as Odysseus. “The Odyssey” is a narrative poem written by Homer (around 800 and 600 BCE) to show the numerous adventures and experiences Odysseus goes through. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus a prominent Greek epic hero is on a quest to return back to his home in Ithaca; to his wife Penelope, and his son Telemachus. Just like real life, not all heroes are picture-perfect; they all have imperfections. In this case, Odysseus is sometimes insolent, and discourteous; but he is still considered an epic hero because of the many heroic qualities he endures. Odysseus proves himself to be an outstanding hero in various ways such as showing loyalty, intelligence, bravery, strength, and courage which are all some of the most momentous qualities found in a hero. If a true hero can prove they are a true hero, makes them a true hero.
The definition of a hero is unique for every individual; however there are several regulations that majority of individuals can agree on. A hero must exhibit traits such as humility, kindness, and courage. Once the candidate expresses hubris, displays cruelty, or retreats from a formidable challenge, he cannot be considered a hero. Lastly, a hero candidate must overcome challenges that defy the odds. He must deliver a gift to society that benefits society as a whole; such gifts can be freedom, liberty, or hope. Odysseus in The Odyssey, by Homer, fulfilled these requirements and rightfully earned the title of a hero. Odysseus is well deserving of the title hero because he has put the needs of others before his own, shown signs of courage in the face of adversity, and displays humility by ridding himself of his hubris.
Before letting him leave the island, Circe tells Odysseus that he must face Scylla, a sea monster, and Charybdis, a whirlpool. Circe says, “Better by far to lose six men and keep you ship” (274). Odysseus is told beforehand that no ship could pass unscathed, but he chooses to not to tell his crew. He knowingly sacrifices his crewmembers’ lives and has no qualms about it, which shows his inner selfishness. He makes sure to protect his own life, but he sees his crew as disposable. Homer characterizes Odysseus this way in order to convey his views about humanity: humans are instinctively selfish. Odysseus also carelessley kills his remaining crew when he taunts the Cyclops. After hearing Odysseus’s name, Polyphemus prays to Poseidon and asks that Odysseus “never reaches home” but if he is destined to return, make sure he returns “a broken man—all shipmates lost, alone in a strangers ship” (228). If Odysseus had never told Polyphemus his name, he and his crew might have made it home more quickly and safely. Instead, his hubris causes an inescapable curse. Odysseus cannot bear the thought of forfeiting his fame, which leads to even more hardship on his quest to return home. Homer uses Odysseus to demonstrate the danger of egotistical
Odysseus is the hero in the Epic “The Odyssey” by Homer. He embodies many characteristics of a typical Epic hero, but he still strays from the norm in some ways, which makes him unique. He values Ithaca, his home, so much that he spends years getting back, struggling the whole way, and doing what it takes to protect his home.
...ily have the right to take all of these men’s lives. However, through hubris Odysseus feels righteous and powerful, enough to simply slaughter the suitors only moments after bragging.
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.
Odysseus portrays himself as anything but a hero throughout Homer’s The Odyssey. Odysseus goes through his life believing he is the best. He has no regard for anyone’s feelings but his own, and he believes nothing and no one can harm him, not even the gods. Odysseus feels he is always the leader and no one can tell him otherwise. Odysseus should not be considered a hero because he portrays himself as a selfish man that failed his crew, and is controlled by his hubris.
The main character of the Odyssey, Odysseus the King of Ithaca is given a complex personality to an extent where it is hard to identify whether he is a true hero or not. True heroism is only achieved when a person achieves certain qualities that portray heroism. Odysseus is not a hero based on the standards of merciful, selfless, and gentle because of his actions of sacrificing his men, killing the suitors and being ruthless throughout the Odyssey. Along with many others qualities these three are helpful and necessary in a hero. A hero must be willing to do service for others and put the needs of others safety and protection before his own. Odysseus does not even come close to matching these qualities because he is a person, who only serves of himself, and he sacrifices his allies to achieve his goals and often he takes action ruthlessly.
Kirke violates and then fulfills her duty of xenia in her initial and subsequent treatment of Odysseus and his men in many ways. When Odysseus’ men find their way up to Kirkes’ house they were quite puzzled as to why her wolves and mountain lions continue to lay there with only a flickering of the tail. But the men proceeded to walk up to the house anyway, where they stood at the door and listened to her sing, not knowing if she was a goddess or a lady they went on the greet her. When she lets the men into her house she prepared the men a meal of cheese, barley and wine which she had poisoned hoping they would lose all thought of their home land. But when her posion
Human Sacrifice and Pederasty are extremely dangerous rituals as they both literally open the gates of hell and effectively persuade the most powerful evil forces that exist outside of our dimension to enter into this world. The wizard or instigator serves as that passage for these Evil Spirits to enter into this world.
During this episode as noted, Odysseus only has two options of where he can sail after he passes the Sirens, either near Scylla or Charybdis. Scylla is described by Circe to have “twelve legs. . . and six long swaying necks, a hideous head on each, each head barbed with a triple row fangs” (The Odyssey 12. 99-102). If Odysseus sails near this monstrous creature “she shoots out her head, out of that terrifying pit. . . with each of her heads she snatches up a man from the dark-prowed craft and whisks him off” (12.104-111). On the other hand, Charybdis lives underwater and “gulps the dark water down” causing a whirlpool that is capable of sinking an entire ship; however, she only does this three times a day (12.115-116) So, to clarify, if Odysseus sails near Scylla he is guaranteed to lose six of his men; but, if he sails near Charybdis there is a possibility that all of his men will survive or all of them will die. This decision is the challenge Odysseus must overcome during this episode. Odysseus chooses to sacrifice and lose six of his men by sailing near Scylla instead of taking the risk of losing all his men by sailing near Charybdis, even though there was a possibility that they all could have survived if they sailed that direction. However, even though he lost some of his men he