Odysseus A Hero Essay - 1074 Words

When we hear the word hero, more than one idea comes to mind. Not only do we think of people that we look up to in our world, but we also think of heroes in the fictional world. To be a hero can mean a variety of different things. Leaders, singers, and even parents can be a hero that someone looks up too. But in the fictional world, a hero is someone who has learned from his or hers journey to come out a changed person. Some characters complete the journey, while others do not quite make it to the end. In The Odyssey, Odysseus takes more than one leap of faith on his journey to become a hero by learning from his mistakes, making personal sacrifices, and becoming a better man. After making mistakes, Odysseus realizes his wrong doings†¦show more content†¦Throughout his journey, Odysseus is put in positions that challenge him mentally and physically. Sometimes, these trials require sacrificing personal values and items before he can overcome them. Like on Kirke’s island , Odysseus makes a sacrifice very few would: â€Å"She will cower and yield her bed- a pleasure you must not decline† (X, 334-335). To free his men, Odysseus gives in to temptation not because he wants to, but because he is willing to put forward his self to get out them all out of this situation. Even though his men got themselves changed into swine, Odysseus’s courage and thoughts of home is what frees them from their curse. This shows that the son of Laertes will surrender what is his, to keep the people around him safe. In another part of the journey, his crew mates even ask him if he is â€Å"flesh and blood...to endure more of a man can† (XII, 358-359) because he tells them not to land on Thrinakia. But when Odysseus sees that his crew does need the rest, he submits and tells them to land. Here, Odysseus knows of the dangers and temptations that lay ahead of them if they land, but he agrees to it because his crew needs to regain their energy to continue. A lthough the outcome of his decision was fatal for his crew, his choice shows that he would risk their journey to keep his men in healthy condition. Near the end of the book, Odysseus makes another sacrifice needed to keep things quiet. He tells the old nurse â€Å"BeShow MoreRelatedThe Hero Of Odysseus900 Words   |  4 PagesRogers Some people think of a hero as someone with courage, determination, or someone that have risked their lives for others. Others think of a hero as someone who has outstanding strength and is clever. A hero, not only has physical strength, but also has mental strength as well. Odysseus, ruler of Ithaca, proves he is a hero by having all of these traits. Odysseus fights through hard times and overcomes obstacles, he kept his men together for most of the story, and he avenges himself whenRead MoreOdysseus Is A Hero?950 Words   |  4 Pagesmost people, Odysseus is believed as a hero. 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