Odysseus:
The Legendary Hero From "The Odyssey"
"The Odyssey" By: Homer
Odysseus and his Ship
In "The Odyssey," Odysseus travels almost everywhere on his ship. This is a drawing of Odysseus sailing past an island with a Cyclops in the background.
Odysseus Sculpture
This is one of the many ancient Odysseus sculptures. This is a plate sculpture of Odysseus sitting and examining his helmet.
Polyphemus
This is a depiction of the evil Cyclops, Polyphemus. In the story, Polyphemus is stabbed in the eye by Odysseus after he captured and ate some of Odysseus's men.
Why is Odysseus a hero?
3 Reasons Why Odysseus is a Hero:
For example, Odysseus displays his cunning characteristic when he tells Polyphemus that his name is "Nobody." Odysseus tells Polyphemus this to get the Cyclops to say "Nobody" is attacking him when the other Cyclopes come to Polyphemus's aide.
"My name is Nobody [Odysseus stated]. Nobody, my father, mother, and friends call me."
Odysseus is also extremely brave. For instance, when he and his crew entered Polyphemus's cave, his crew wanted to take some food and leave. However, Odysseus wanted to stay and actually witness the Cyclops himself.
"At first my men begged me to take some cheeses and go, then drive the lambs and kids from the pens down to the swift ship and set sail. But I would not listen, though it would have been best, wishing to see the giant himself, and test his hospitality."
One of his most important traits that define him as a hero is his inspirational attitude towards his men. When they are finally making their escape from Polyphemus, Odysseus heats a six-foot stake and helps his crew build up the courage to thrust it into the Cyclops's eye.
"Then I thrust the stake into the depth of the ashes to heat it, and inspired my men with encouraging words, so none would hang back from fear."
In conclusion, Odysseus is a man that exudes cunningness, bravery, and inspiration. These character traits help him survive throughout the many challenges during his quest to return home. Odysseus is very much defined as a hero for these three reasons.