Odysseus is difficult to identify as a hero because of his many vices. He spends five long years on the Island of Calypso and another five with Circe. He is confident and cunning,, Having superb and honorable characteristics establishes one a hero. Odysseus has these qualities and more. Evidence proves that, Odysseus has no reason to save his mens lives but for his own convenience. Of course, though, he never tells his loyal wife Penelope about his love affairs with Calypso and Circe. Odysseus clearly believes that he is above the rules that most people in society chose to, Odysseus tends to make rash decisions and often finds it impossible to control his impulses. No person is perfect, and challenging the ideas of who a hero is reveals the illusion of perfection. He never failed to remember his main goal was to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca.Odysseus was brave enough to conquer these many obstacles on his way home. Nobody wants a hero to lose so Homer gives him admirable traits so that readers find themselves rooting for him. The quintessential hero of the Iliad is Achilles, aristos achaion (the best of the Greeks), who is the most esteemed warrior in Homeric epic. He earns the respect of his men during the Trojan War by making good sound decisions and caring about the welfare of his men. A hero is a figure undertaking a quest (Odysseus). Odysseus again chooses to ignore the intelligent advice given by the gods, and finds out that hard way that Eurylochus was correct. Joseph Campbell once said, A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. True heroes are those who do something for others rather for themselves, Odysseus doesnt exactly show this trait in The Odyssey. Lets just say he stabbed Poseidons son, had his crew turned into pigs, faced a six-headed monster and whirlpool, and that is to say the least. WebODYSSEUS A hero of the Trojan War, whose fleet was blown off course in a storm on his return. The Greeks valued strength in battle, brutality, and vengeance as ideals that a hero should uphold. These are the hero archetype, the monster or villain archetype, and the hero's journey archetype. However, it is true that Odysseus was kept as Calypsos captive for Superman, for example, is considered a hero because despite not having any personal stakes in Earth as he is a superpowered alien he consistently tries to save the world and the people living in it. Odysseus feels he is always the leader and no one can tell him otherwise. WebOdysseus inherits many character traits that make a good hero, but the ones that truly outshine the rest are how Odysseus is very rational and has a very sharp intellect. First of all, Odysseus was very selfish during their journey back to Ithaca. The Odyssey depicts his ten-year nostos (homeward journey) after the Trojan War until he finally retakes his throne on Ithaca. Although people make mistakes does that mean that they cannot be a hero? Odysseus is not a hero because he was not a good leader. However, once again, Odysseus motivations are ultimately selfish: the, Moving away from Homer, another hero of ancient epic is Aeneas from Virgils, Academus Education is an online learning platform providing free Classics Education to students through summer schools, articles and digital think tanks. Also this shows that he cheated on his wife Penelope, he also never told her about it. The first reasons why Odysseus is a hero is because he risks his life for crew multiple times throughout the story. Although he earns the trust of his men while in Troy, he loses it on his perilous journey home. A hero to me is supposed to save lives. In The Odyssey, Odysseus allows all of his men His odyssey might be described as ones own life struggles. In conclusion, Odysseus throughout his actions proves to be not only veil but a villain. He comes home to Ithaca and immediately seeks revenge against the suitors who have been courting his wife Penelope and abusing xenia (the Greeks sacred concept of hospitality). He leads his men into trouble, kills the suitors and maidservants without mercy, and betrays loyal wife. In The Odyssey, Odysseus allows all of his men to be killed. Perhaps not. One of the many reasons I believe this is because he shows that he cares for his comrades. One form of selfishness Odysseys shows is adultery. He may have super hero qualities such as extreme strength and cleverness but he doesnt embody them the way one should. Odysseus thinks he is being heroic and manly, but he is actually placing his life and that of the crews in danger all because he wants to hear the song of the sirens. See if a hero transforms Odysseus could be considered a hero, but many of his actions say otherwise. Harried for years on end, after he plundered the stronghold on the proud height of Troy.(The Odyssey line 3). On the other hand, he does not seem much like a hero because he was unloyal by having affairs on Penelope. While he is not a modern hero, he is a compelling character in the Odyssey, and the reader roots for him to achieve his goal of returning to Ithaca. He has no regard for anyones feelings but his own, and he believes nothing and no one can harm him, not even the gods. thinks of himself as a hero. WebOdysseus is a villain because he is stubborn in Polytheisms cave, disrespectful to the gods, and is unfaithful to his wife. You can just put effort into it and try as hard as you can. Written about two thousand and seven hundred years earlier, the Odyssey is still influencing modern storytelling today. WebOdysseus is not a hero because he was not a good leader. When people think of a hero, they think of a tall, handsome, loyal, brave, and a type of man that could do no wrong. The superheroes we idealise today are heroes because of their selflessness and commitment to helping others rather than personal motivations. Odysseus is different from other heroes. The possession of the character trait, arrogance, does not help him in escaping, but rather puts him closer to danger. Even though Odysseus is a troublemaker, he has multiple great characteristics of a leader.      Is Odysseus, the main character of Homers The Odyssey, really an epic hero? Peter Simon. He may as well be on Americas most wanted list with all the trouble he was causing. On a website posted by teachers at Harker Heights High, an epic hero is someone who embodies the values of a particular society. In the book it states, She at once called to her husband Antiphates, who immediately began killing my men. Odysseus then cuts the cable from his own ship to save himself. He is on a quest for something of great value to him or his people. Throughout his journey, he loses almost all of his men, but Odysseus finally arrives home, concluding his prolonged twenty-year voyage. The Odyssey Project - Is Odysseus a Hero or a Villain? However, Odysseus displays certain characteristics that seem to only hold weight in an ancient definition of a hero. He is superhuman. In consequence he possibly endangers the rest of his crew from safely reaching home by endangering himself. This led me to wonder, what characteristics qualify or disqualify someone, In Homer's The Odyssey, he portrays Odysseus, the hero of the story, as clever and brave. Odysseus has no reason to save his mens lives but for his own convenience. Also this shows that he is mean because he yelled at the nurse to not tell anyone who he really is. Then Odysseus threatened her. Even though there is a large gap in space between Odysseus travels and the present, human nature and weakness still share the same obstacles. Another way in which Odysseus shows he is a villain is when he finally reunites with his wife Penelope and reacts with rage when she tests him. He plays with the lives of his men with no regard for the well-being or their families. Although he is brave and sometimes smart, so is a villain. Diverging from previous studies, Montiglio outlines the philosophers' Odysseus across the spectrum, from the Socratics to the Middle Platonists. The mighty Odysseus is many, many things but he is no hero in my eyes. These are the hero archetype, the monster or villain archetype, and the hero's journey archetype. WebEvidence proves that Odysseus is a villain, because he tries to convince that he was kept unwillingly by Calypso. If Odysseus took the cheese and left, his men would not have had to dealt with Polyphemus. Odysseus is not a hero because, he is foolish, lacks faithfulness and is consumed by his Hubris and selfishness. ro \hir- ()\ Noun a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic This shows that he is selfish. Art has always tried to mirror life but in the ever yet similarly famous tale Odyessus by Homer there is no question as to this myth's life mirroring image. The crew tries to get Odysseus to be quiet, but his ego gets in the way, and he tells Polyphemus his name; leading to Polyphemus cursing him and his men to make the journey home slow and painful. While he was extremely driven by one goal, getting back home to his family, he performed some not-so heroic deeds on his quest and once he arrived back in Ithaca. While Odysseus does demonstrate some qualities that are not heroic, he is still defined as a hero because of his better, more heroic qualities in which he is far superior in than any other man. Achilles, Odysseus, and Aeneas are undoubtedly heroes but they would all certainly feel out of place in a superhero movie of today! In Homers Heroes cannot be cross cultural, and Odysseus heroics do not transcend time and apply to the modern world. Odysseus knows how loyal his crew is to him so, if one of them was to untie him they could have all ended up dead. Odysseus was a legendary hero in Greek mythology. Odysseus is able to see who is loyal and who is not and take his revenge with the suitors never knowing who, Odysseus is also disloyal to his wife who stayed faithful to him despite the circumstances. Everytime he enters a new island, he does not start telling everyone that he is Odysseus, king of Ithaca. He has the qualities of being a hero in some situations but also has flaws which make him seem less of a hero at times. Academus CIC is a company registered England and Wales (Company No. These characteristics impact the characters day to day, or in the books case, the quests. Having his men by his side when he returns seems a trivial thing to him. Odysseus goes through his life believing he is the best. His motivations are not due to his own honour or to take revenge, but for the greater good of the world itself. Archetypes are characters or character traits that is created and recreated all throughout literature. Another way Odysseus' quick-decision skills helps him is when he chooses to leave the island of the Lotous-eaters, because he realized his whole crew would have fell under the curse if he had stayed there. Don't waste your time on revenge. Odysseus is a hero because he is smart. Odysseus as a Hero Essay On Odysseus Being A Hero - Internet Public Library 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. (19.542-43). WebOdysseus was a legendary hero in Greek mythology, king of the island of Ithaca and the main protagonist of Homer's epic, the Odyssey.. Dexter Morgan. Homer was truly the precedent of works to follow from Greek tragedy to Virgils Aeneid, the influence of Homer on the ancient world was undeniable. Towards the begging of the story Odysseus and his men get trapped in a cave by a Cyclopes The Cyclops is eating his men so Odysseus decides he must kill the Cyclops in order to save the remainder of his men. Odysseus goes through his life believing he is the best. He was a villain and there is no doubt about it. ro \hir- ()\ Noun a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal Literary Devices So is Odysseus really a hero? This allows readers to truly see Odysseus other side. All the little kids probably looked up to him but now kids don't even know his name. Odysseus A hero like this is not just found in modern society today, but in mythology as well. Throughout the Odyssey Odysseus faces an internal battle between loyalty and betrayal in the presence of numerous temptations. Another trait that ends up killing a number of his men is his lack of leadership skills, or rather the lack of respect and trust from his men. For example, when his men are tempted by the Lotus eaters or captured by Circe, Odysseus rushes to save them without hesitation. Heroes are supposed to be rational, faithful, and honest, whereas, Penelope spent twenty years waiting for Odysseus to return home. Having his men by his side when he returns seems a trivial thing to him. In Homers The Odyssey, Odysseus proves he is not a hero because he is arrogant, secretive, and unfaithful; resulting for readers to believe that every action has an consequence. In the epic poem, the Odyssey told by the one and only Homer, the brave, the godlike human, Odysseus is finding his way home after the big battle victory against the Trojans. Another example of Odysseuss ignorance toward people is when Eurylochus tells him not to go onto Kirkes island because he knows the crew would be turned into swine. WebODYSSEUS AS A HERO Homer's Odyssey is one of the greatest of the world's hero tales. However he had respect for the gods (Athene), a strong sense of duty, (will always go back for his men) showed great honour and was highly regarded by his men and peers. The rest of his crew that wasnt under Circes spell would have been lost if Odysseus died because they rely so heavily on him. sword from my hip I went along his flank to stab him where the midriff, There is yet one more difference between Odysseus and the other two heroes which may help to find the reason why his tale does not end, Lizeth Marin Honors Introduction to Literature Period 3 18 April 2008 Odysseus: Hero or Villain? The hero that is portrayed in the Odyssey is a man named Odysseus. Therefore, Odysseus is not a hero. The main reason why I am written is so that you can know Odysseus is a hero because how he helps other people before he would help himself., Odysseus is not a hero because he let down a lot of people. He is not a selfish hero: instead, his drive is to his people and to found a new city that will eventually become Rome. Odysseus is able to see who is loyal and who is not and take his revenge with the suitors never knowing who. The opening line of The Odyssey introduces Odysseus by his epithet, the man of twists and turns.. After 7 years on this island he finally decides to go home to has son which he has never seen and his dog who is nearly dead due to old age (not to mention he barely does anything with his dog and the first thing he says to his son is basically to ask him to risk his life for Odysseus's house). Odysseus: Hero or Villain - 638 Words | Studymode Odysseus is a hero because he is a courageous leader, a quick thinker and a modest man. Many times in the epic he manipulates others, commits foolish acts and is full of hubris. (For tales of his wanderings see Polyphemus, Aeolus, the Laestrygones, Circe, the Underworld, the Sirens, Scylla, Charybdis, Lampetia & Phaethusa, Calypso, Leucothea .) A hero takes many forms, such as an allegorical hero, a tragic hero, or an epic hero. For generations, heroes have always fascinated people and people have strived to achieve certain qualities of their heroes. This shows that he is really selfish because instead of sacrificing his life he was thinking about him self and he killed his crew members. When on the beach in Phaeacia he confidently stalked as a mountain lion exultant in his power strides through wind and rain and his eyes blaze and he charges sheep or oxen or chases wild deer , and when he sees Nausicaa He launched in at once, endearing, sly and suave . He was also loyal to his men. Six of his crew members do perish but through his hard work and dedication he survives. WebOdysseus 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 most heroic attribute of Odysseus was that he was smart. Is Odysseus a hero or a villain? Homers Odyssey is about an epic hero named Odysseus and his quest home. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus makes mistakes that causes his men to be killed. Hero; Of course Odysseus. Odysseus from the Ancient Greek epic The Odyssey by Homer is often considered a hero, although he does not share the same characteristics that most people who are considered heroes in todays popular culture have. Although he earns the trust of his men while in Troy, he loses it on his perilous journey home. Everyone thinks he is not a hero is he slept with circe there is a reason why that is not a strong reason that he is not a hero. Odysseus is a good hero because he is rational when times get tough. Largely, the problems with understanding the moral position of Odysseus stem from his immense experience and cleverness, which make him at once mortal and fantastic. A good example of a modern hero would be the First Lady, Michelle Obama. Odysseus relies on his wit to help him in battle and on his journey home, just as Batman and Iron Man use mental acuity to build their own suits and gadgets. WebOdysseus is an epic hero because he cares about his family, he is intelligent and he shows courage and because he shows determination. Odysseus is not a hero because he constantly puts his men in danger and makes decisions without thinking. That is why he began this trudge across lands in the first place; to be a hero. Once back to Ithaca there were many suitors insulting him, his wife, son, house, and the gods and begging for Penelopes hand in marriage. This reveals Odysseus is a villain because he reacts as if he was innocent and some way being betrayed by his own wife. One of these plans was his ingenious idea to trick Polyphemos, which shows he is a hero by saving countless lives. Odysseus is not a hero because he was not a good leader. He knows that the boulder that is blocking the entrance is heavy so he doesn 't kill Polyphemus. Not every narrative has one. Odysseus is another prominent example of a Homeric hero. Odysseus doesnt do this only once through his journey back, he does it again with Kalypso for seven years and by will: He lay with her each night, for she compelled him. (V, 163). They can do many small acts of heroism and never become acknowledged as a hero, yet when they do something horrendous they are labeled as a villain. Evidence proves that Odysseus is a villain, because he tries to convince that he was kept unwillingly by Calypso. However, he is also a villain; he intrudes and assaults helpless creatures and also he returns home expecting his wife Penelope not to have cheated on him while he was gone. So if his gifts and talents are god's power then is he really a hero at all?, Certainly, people can argue both ways and support their arguments from evidence in the reading. During his journey Odysseus used what he has learned from is mistakes to return home and kill the suitors of his wife. Everyone has their favorite super hero, whether it be Superman, Batman, or even Ironman. In fact, he shows several qualities one finds in classic Greek heroes, such as Achilles, Hercules, and Theseus. He does not have any supernatural abilities unlike Achilles who is the son of a goddess and so has superhuman strength and speed. If you wish to support us, please check out our range of merchandise, available now on Redbubble. Sometimes being a hero is difficult. He was also the king of Ithaca and the prime protagonist of Homer's epic, the Odyssey. Some people question whether the main character, Odysseus, is a hero or not. Odysseus could be considered a hero, but many of his actions say otherwise. He also leads his men into their own fates. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2009., I will be writing a essay of the book The Odyssey written by the person Homer. Homer said, But Odysseus shot his right hand out, clutching the nurses throat. Due to the fact that hes very noble and brave (and in an epic poem), that makes him an epic hero. Joseph Campbell once said, A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. True heroes are those who do something for others rather for themselves, Odysseus doesnt exactly show this trait in The Odyssey. Athena, however, aided him when he arrived to his homeland. Although they shouldn't commit them often only when it is absolutely necessary. Need a custom essay on the same Odysseus vs Batman - Ancient and Modern Concepts of Homer remains one of the most well-read texts even today. With the help of the gods he can survive things most men couldnt., I think Odysseus fits the title of a hero very well. Odysseus has some good traits, some bad flaws, and has been in some ugly situations, but overall he is a true hero. First off, Odysseus had to leave his family to go to Troy. However, think about his so called heroic actions and the way he made everything work out for his own benefits. A hero is one who is distinguished for their courage and bravery, and looked upon for their great deeds. According to our views, Odysseus is definitely one of, if not the one, ideal hero of the ancient Greek world., All heroes have a certain attribute or character that made them stand out from the rest of the crowd or society. He also deeply cares about the welfare of his men on their return trip to Ithaka. However, once again, Odysseus motivations are ultimately selfish: the Odyssey revolves around his homecoming and the lengths to which he will go to return home. When they get there they see a giantess who then calls her husband. The Odyssey begins after the Trojan war had left Odysseus trapped, pointlessly seafaring for 10 years after angering Poseidon, the god of the sea. Some are very strong, some are very smart, some are very rich that they can afford to create gadgets to make them do unnatural things, like Batman and Iron Man. On many occasions, however, Odysseus makes decisions beneficial to himself alone. Well in the story of The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus has a lot of honorable characteristics, but he also has a few immoral characteristics. Odysseus rashness comes into play again when the ship rolls past the Sirens and Odysseus demands that he listens to their song. Hero Odysseus says, Then he tore them apart and gobbled them up like a lion in the wilderness. All of Odysseuss men are killed by the end of the book. What heroic qualities does Odysseus show? Odysseus Hero An epic hero is on a quest of self discovery, war or some sort of goal. If a hero is viewed as a villain, A similar path is followed, Accompanied by a deception. In the Odyssey, Homer values the characteristics hospitality and cunning, but he objects bad leadership. Then to top it all off Odysseus if unfaithful, untrustworthy, disrespectful, and greedy. WebOdysseus is not a hero because he was not a good leader. Odysseus makes some substantial mistakes, thus leading to the failure to his men. Odysseuss inability to think through his rash decisions and recognize the right choice over the honorable and selfish one makes him unfit to be a, In conclusion Odysseus is a true hero even though he was thoughtless, selfish and deceitful. What are some reasons why Odysseus is or is not a hero? The Odyssey is an amazing piece of literature. In "The Odyssey," written by Homer is an epic poem about a man named Odysseus and his crewmates competing against the power of the gods to return to their homeland, Ithaca. A hero is a person who is recognized or idealized for his or her outstanding achievements and noble qualities. Odysseus doesnt resist Kalypsos charm and cheats on his wife Penelope. Finally, Odysseus is home and after a long journey in which he shows no heroic actions and yet proves to be nothing but a villain, he once again proves throughout his actions that he is a villain. He takes the punishment of Antinous and the other suitors without saying a word and is able to see those who have invaded his house. Odysseus is not a hero because he was not humble or good at accepting the help that he received, and he also acted before synthesizing the consequences that he would face in the future. Heading home, to Ithaca, Odysseus is faced upon many obstacles that he and his men try to overcome, but in the end substantiate that Odysseus is a villain. WebOdysseus. Some men were killed by the Cyclops, a huge monster with one eye. I wished to see the cave man, what he had to offerno pretty sight, it turned out for my friends. Six of Odysseus men are eaten because of his ridiculous folly. He showed no mercy towards them and killed all the suitors. Modern day depictions of heroes are influenced by popular media such as comic books, movies, and TV. wait until the sender of the message realises that the Athenian tragedians also engaged in the vilification of Odysseus and he is far from the hero, neither the protagonist or the morally correct one, in several of the most moving pieces of the golden age of Athenian literature Odysseus is the villain in SO many stories. I armed myself long ago against the frauds of men. These reasons alone leaves me, and should leave you, to believe that Odysseus is not heroic. WebOdysseus, Hero or Villain? From Villain to Hero He realizes and readily admits that opinions other than his own make complete sense yet he refuses to acknowledge them and ends up dragging others into danger Odysseus himself says My men came pressing round me pleading: Why not take these cheeses, and make a run for it? Odysseus appears to be heroic but looking closer this rash decision was selfish. There is many thing that can support this claim. A hero is someone who is compassionate, selfless, and wise. But although Odysseus makes the. From Villain to Hero explores the reception of Odysseus in philosophy, a subject that so far has been treated only in tangential or limited ways. Odysseus must battle the suitors that have taken his wife Penelope, and may soon kill his son Telemachus. At first his wife did not recognize him which filled him with rage even though he should be happy that his loyal wife wants to make. He is different from Achilles and Odysseus in that he is a distinctly Roman hero and therefore upholds specifically Roman values, which have already changed from the values that were important in Homers society.