The hero that is portrayed in the Odyssey is a man named Odysseus. 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. The protagonist is the primary actor. protagonist He put his own men in danger just because he wanted to become famous. The Greeks valued strength in battle, brutality, and vengeance as ideals that a hero should uphold. Also in The Odyssey, Odysseus makes careless decisions which lead them into trouble. There is no denying that Odysseus has done more than most men, but has he done it with decency, integrity, or honor? (For tales of his wanderings see Polyphemus, Aeolus, the Laestrygones, Circe, the Underworld, the Sirens, Scylla, Charybdis, Lampetia & Phaethusa, Calypso, Leucothea .) Odysseus is a different type of hero to Achilles: his heroic qualities stem from his quick wit and clever tactics rather than brute strength in battle. Well known heroes do not kill people with no sympathy or mercy. 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. Odysseus is a good hero because he is rational when times get tough. Throughout the book of the Odyssey, Odysseus does some things that may have been wrong, but in his mind was he doing the right thing? He leads his men into trouble, kills the suitors and maidservants without mercy, and betrays loyal wife. 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. Odysseus is also a master tactician whose complex plans save his crew and help him regain his crown. Reflection, Pages 9 (2149 words) Views. Six of his crew members do perish but through his hard work and dedication he survives. 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. This is what underpins a modern-day hero, and it drastically differs from the ancient perceptions of heroism. Odysseus also possesses the personal qualities of an epic hero. He has no regard for anyones feelings but his own, and he believes nothing and no one can harm him, not even the gods. He rushed to save his men for honor. A hero is one who is distinguished for their courage and bravery, and looked upon for their great deeds. In the main character this realism must be found in his character, in Odyessues's case there is a great lack of actual muscular heroic action. For example,We lit a fire, burnt an offering, and we took some cheese to eat; then sat in silence around the embers, waiting(Homer 219-222). Neither does he lack in ingenuity, King Nestor said that No onecould hope to rival Odysseus, not for sheer cunningat every twist of strategy he excelled us all . He tries desperately to return home to Ithaka and his wife, Penelope, and newborn son, Telemachus. In Homers The Odyssey, Odysseus can be seen as a hero or villain based on his actions. However most myths are in this way, there doesn't seem to be many relatable things in these stories but the overral moral connects to the reader making the myth more realistic. When Odysseus slaughters the Trojans, he starts to act like he was greater than any god. The qualities in which define Odysseus as a hero are courage, intelligence, and leadership. Odysseus, the hero in Homers epic poem The Odyssey, fought in the Trojan War and embarked on a ten year journey to return to his kingdom, Ithaca. The old soldier in despair: He has spent ten years (seven of them as Calypsos not entirely unwillingly captive) trying to get home (652, summary). Some men were killed by the Cyclops, a huge monster with one eye. When Odysseus receives advice, even if it is helpful he tends to ignore it. The Anti-Hero Archetype The anti-hero is the hero archetype you need to know if you want to create a hit cable show. If a hero is viewed as a villain, A similar path is followed, Accompanied by a deception. Many times in the epic he manipulates others, commits foolish acts and is full of hubris. 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. Hero So at this point, Odysseus decided that kill the Cyclops will in turn be killing his men so instead he jabs a shark stake into the Cyclops only eye blinding the Cyclops and saving him and his men. 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. However, it is true that Odysseus was kept as Calypsos captive for a time. Having his men by his side when he returns seems a trivial thing to him. Odysseus is not a hero because he lets his pride make most of his decisions, which gets him into difficult situations. He was a role model for his son Telemachus who wanted to be like him. However, it is true that Odysseus was kept as Calypsos captive for The rest of his crew that wasnt under Circes spell would have been lost if Odysseus died because they rely so heavily on him. WebOdysseus is not a hero because he was not a good leader. He is selfish, disloyal, hypocritical and harsh; everything a hero is not. The first reasons why Odysseus is a hero is because he risks his life for crew multiple times throughout the story. The archetype of heroism allows an individual to serve as the primary example of what society deems, archetypes the hero, villain/monster, and the damsel in distress. On the other hand Polyphemus, the monster, is made to be hostile, beast-like and dimwitted. 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 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? This is Walter White. 2765. Odysseus, the Cyclops, and Penelope are specific examples of archetypes in this epic poem. When he landed on the island of Aiaia, he sleeps with Kirke. Odysseus said, comrades riven in agony/ shrieking out my name // angler poised on a jutting rock // gasping out their lives. Odysseus is not a hero because, he is foolish, lacks faithfulness and is consumed by his Hubris and selfishness. This shows that he is selfish. He tries to take shortcuts and as a result of this is men are killed and his boats destroyed. In Homers One reason for this claim is odysseus is smart, brave, and kind and another reason is he wants to go home and protect his family. Instead of beginning with fighting the Cyclops, he takes his time and sets up a plan. Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca and protagonist of Homers epic poem the Odyssey was recognized as a great hero of his time. He does not have any supernatural abilities unlike Achilles who is the son of a goddess and so has superhuman strength and speed. WebThe Hero The constant strife for self-satisfaction Is often taxing. Odysseus as a Hero Homer is describing the crew lashing Odysseus to the mast so that he may hear the sirens sing. Once back to Ithaca there were many suitors insulting him, his wife, son, house, and the gods and begging for Penelopes hand in marriage. 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 prime example of this is when Odysseus receives advice from Kirke about Scylla. For example, when his men are tempted by the Lotus eaters or captured by Circe, Odysseus rushes to save them without hesitation. Odysseus portrays his selfishness right as the book begins and this shows how truly incompetent of an individual he is. He was also the king of Ithaca and the prime protagonist of Homer's epic, the Odyssey. 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. Circe had warned Odysseus about Scylla to not try and fight her even when she already has six of his men, but he did not listen to her advice and tried to fight her and lost three more of his men. Odysseus is a villain because he is stubborn in Polyphemuss cave, disrespectful to the gods, and is unfaithful to his wife. These events lead to him losing crew members and putting them into dangerous situations, elongating his voyage home, and putting his integrity at risk. Despite all of the suitors, Penelope stays loyal to Odysseus. He proves then to be a villain by seeking his revenge for the suitors and maidservants that once betray him (696, summary). These traits and behaviors are not acceptable for anyone, especially a person considered to be and hailed as a hero. Odysseus is the spitting image of what an ancient Greek hero would be like but in todays society or just in general, Odysseus is not heroic. In conclusion, Odysseus throughout his actions proves to be not only veil but a villain. This reveals Odysseus is a villain because he reacts as if he was innocent and some way being betrayed by his own wife. Diverging from previous studies, Montiglio outlines the philosophers' Odysseus across the spectrum, from the Socratics to the Middle Platonists. Odysseus had many affairs and was disloyal to his wife, slaughtered hundreds of people in the name of righteousness, and above all, exemplifies hubris, or arrogant pride. He never gave up trying to get back home to Ithaca.Cyclops, if ever mortal man inquire/ how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him/Odysseus, raider of lost cities, took your eye: Laertes son, whose homes on Ithaca. (1062)This shows that Odysseus is brave because he fights the. A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness, doubt or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway and this shows the quality of a hero that the well-known hero, Odysseus, does not have. Odysseuss actions may seem selfless and/or heroic however they are actually being mistaken for acts of selfishness. In the latter, however, some of his more ignoble traits are revealed: he is a braggart, he almost dishonorably uses poisoned arrows, and he shows conceit in his victory over the Cyclops. Being loyal, clever, and dedicated are examples of being a heroic person. Although people make mistakes does that mean that they cannot be a hero? Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. Odysseus is sailing away from Cyclops Island and he is teasing Polyphemus about escaping. On Ithaca Odysseus never brags to the suitors and is able to enter his house with the Antinous and the other suitors knowing his real identity. An epic hero is on a quest of self discovery, war or some sort of goal. The quintessential hero of the Iliad is Achilles, aristos achaion (the best of the Greeks), who is the most esteemed warrior in Homeric epic. What makes someone a hero? WebFrom 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 could be considered a hero, but many of his actions say otherwise. Essay On Odysseus Being A Hero - Internet Public Library Odysseus is difficult to identify as a hero because of his many vices. Odysseus then has many hardships upon which he overcomes through his intelligence and wit. In The Odyssey, Odysseus allows all of his men Odysseus 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. Some men were killed by the Cyclops, a huge monster with one eye. 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. Well, the definition of a hero is : a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities., What is an epic hero? 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. With Michelles humanitarian work and benevolent attitude, she helps those in need while trying to better society. When people think of a hero, they think of a tall, handsome, loyal, brave, and a type of man that could do no wrong. Odysseus consists of positive and negative characteristics that is shown in the text by Homer. 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. The only reason Odysseus ties himself up to the mast, when instead he could have simply plugged his ears with wax like the rest of his crew, is that he chooses the jeopardous choice, wanting to "go down in the books" by being the first man to ever listen to the Sirens song and live. Odysseus is a hero because of his selfless attempts in saving his crew members, and his intelligence and cunningness in difficult situations. Therefore, Odysseus is not a hero. For example, when Odysseus and his men approach the giant he offers him liquor to wash down your scraps of men (Homer 991). Moving away from Homer, another hero of ancient epic is Aeneas from Virgils Aeneid. 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. Odysseus is thought of as a hero in the physical and spiritual sense because of his bravery while facing the many dangers of creatures, goddesses, and many other things for almost 20 years trying to get home to his wife and son. Odysseus goes through his life believing he is the best. 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. 13181950) Selwood, Fleet, GU51 4QT. Odysseus was probably think that if he and his army defeated Troy than they would have any more trouble with anyone, but, April 2008 Odysseus: Hero or Villain? The most heroic attribute of Odysseus was that he was smart. The episode of the Sirens,(Book 12), is one example. While this is undoubtedly a noble deed, Odysseus slips up more than he does any good, therefore making it unfit to call him a hero. Written about two thousand and seven hundred years earlier, the Odyssey is still influencing modern storytelling today. 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. In addition to saving lives a hero should be humble, Odysseus does not fit that description, his hubris is as big as the moon. Odysseus feels he is always the leader and no one can tell him otherwise. The Odyssey is an amazing piece of literature. Instead, Odysseus only hurts him. He reveals this trait specifically when, This action alone can show just what type of person Odysseus actually is which include traits of an inconsiderate, dishonest man. Odysseus is not a hero because he was not a good leader. The Odyssey is an amazing piece of literature. In some parts of this epic poem, Odysseus also displays the characteristic, foolishness, in which that also results in the deaths of a number of his men. Many think being a hero is having super powers, but on the contrary it's more than that. Odysseus They can be villains, scapegoats, damsels in distress, and the hero themself . The main character is a man named Odysseus who displays hero characteristics throughout the book. He cares more about honor than the safety of his crew. 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. Heroism can mean different things to different people and some people are heroes, but dont get recognized. This quote shows that good people and heros should not seek revenge and should show mercy to their enemies however Odysseus obviously shows no interest in mercy After killing many people and not letting a single person out which many heroes would have especially if the people did not directly mistreat him and believed he was dead which would be a logical thought he finally revealed himself to his wife. He plays with the lives of his men with no regard for the well-being or their families. Hero or Villain These are the hero archetype, the monster or villain archetype, and the hero's journey archetype. 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 However, it is true that Odysseus was kept as, Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus shows multiple times where he made bad choices due to his hubris.He has shown many careless acts were he only thinks of himself. In many cases he only saves himself, he is selfish, and he isnt humble. He is confident and cunning,, Having superb and honorable characteristics establishes one a hero. 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. Odysseus is finally home, on Ithaca, and is then helped by Athena and disguises himself as an old beggar. 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. 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. 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. The possession of the character trait, arrogance, does not help him in escaping, but rather puts him closer to danger. Odysseus is not a hero because he lets his pride make most of his decisions, which gets him into difficult situations. He is shown to be clever but flawed, as his pride leads him to reveal his identity to Polyphemus in Odyssey 9, enabling the cyclops to pray to Poseidon and curse the rest of his journey back to Ithaca. The hero: In the plays The Odyssey, Oedipus Rex, and Antigone the heroes face torturous journeys that put their will power to the test. One example of this would be when he tells Polyphemus that his name is Nobody.
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