Odysseus: A Hero

Odysseus: A Hero Odysseus is a strong man and cares about his family which he needs to get back to after The Trojan War. Odysseus is strong and he leads his men with confidence. He also is a hero because of the amazing and brave deeds that he has performed. Also, Odysseus has supernatural strength, with the help of gods, and is very intelligent. Odysseus shows these traits by completing tasks that were ahead of him. He also had to trick many to get back to his family. Odysseus defeats many who stand in his way because he knows family is the most important thing to him. The story of Odysseus in The Odyssey shows that he is a true hero. Odysseus leads his men with bravery and responsibility. Odysseus demonstrates these traits by saving his men from the island of Cyclopes. “’Three abreast I tied them silently together, twining cords of willow from the ogre’s bed; then slung a man under each middle one to ride there safely, shielded left and right. So three sheep could convey each man.’”(1120) Odysseus hid his men underneath the sheep to save them from Polyphemus and others on the island. Odysseus also gets out of the land of Lotus Eaters and gets his men out of there too. “’They fell in, soon enough, with Lotus Eaters, who showed no will to do us harm, only offering the sweet Lotus to our friends – but those who ate this honeyed plant, the Lotus, never cared to report, nor to return: they longed to stay forever, browsing on the native bloom, forgetful of their homeland.’”(1112) Odysseus’ crew wanted to stay on the island after eating the Lotus, because it made them forget of where they came from, he made them board the ship to bring them home. Brave Odysseus leads his men without showing his fear to keep them confident and continuing their journey, this makes him an admirable leader. Odysseus performs many deeds that include bravery and stealth to protect others and himself. Odysseus defeats all of his wife’s suitors that had gathered while he was gone. “While he had arrows he aimed and shot, and every shot brought down one of his huddling enemies.”(1160) All of the suitors were attacking Odysseus and all he had was his bow to defeat them, so he sent his son to get more weapons and armor. Odysseus does not tell his men about Scylla so they continue on the journey and do not cower away. “’But as I sent them on toward Scylla, I told them nothing, as they could do nothing. They would have dropped their oars again, in panic, to roll for cover under the decking.’”(1135) Odysseus does this because he does not want the men to stop the journey and hide away when they have already gotten so far. Odysseus protects everyone that he cares about no matter how difficult the task. Odysseus uses his strength and mental power to get out of situations that will cause problems. He tricks Polyphemus into thinking that he is someone else, so he is not as much as a threat. ”’Cyclops, you ask my honorable name? Remember the gift you promised me, and I shall tell you. My name is Nohbdy: mother, father, friends, everyone calls me Nohbdy.’”(1118) Odysseus is telling Polyphemus that “Nohbdy” is his name, so that the Cyclops will do what he has promised him. When Odysseus returns home, he is disguised as a beggar, so that no one will know who he is and has a better chance at winning his wife back. “Then slid his right hand down the cord and plucked it, so the taut gut vibrating hummed and sang a swallow’s note.”(1155) Odysseus strings the bow with such ease that all the other suitors are shocked, especially after he shoots the arrow through the axe heads. Strength and intelligence are what Odysseus uses to help him get out of obstacles that block the path he seeks. Odysseus is a true hero in The Odyssey. Odysseus is powerful and mighty and leads his men with dignity. He has battled Cyclops and many men at once. Odysseus expresses his wit and ability to fight. He has been against Lotus Eaters and evil sea creatures. Odysseus has shown his tasks to be brave and perilous to anyone. He has amazing skills, showing them through his journey home. Most importantly Odysseus has shown his love for his family, by fighting through everything just to get back to them.