Odysseus: A True Hero
by Lillian Bonar
Essay: Odysseus: A True Hero
Pages: 11
Rating: 3 stars
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What does it mean to be a hero? The variety of traits people look for in a hero is endless. In general, a hero is
someone is someone that makes a heroic journey and displays admirable qualities. In The Odyssey by Homer,
Odysseus makes a journey to become a hero. 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.
Odysseus possesses sharp intellect which ultimately helps him move forward in his journey to become a hero. As a
hero he has a cunning ability to think on his feet when he is put in difficult situations. He shows this to the reader
when him and his crew are on the Land of Kyklopes. The Greeks find themselves trapped in the cave of Poseidon’s
son. As they are plotting their escape the Polyphenos asks Odysseus his name. Thinking fast, Odysseus tells him “’
my name is Nohbdy: mother, father and friends, /everyone calls me Nohbdy”’ (IX, 397-398). With this clever
response Odysseus is able to fool the monster and conduct the safe escape of his crew. Odysseus further proves
his quick wit when he is faced with the challenge of convincing his wife that it is truly him who has arrived home
after all these years. He quickly thought of what would make her beli...