The Odyssey

When asked to define a hero, most people would describe a hero as: very attractive, insanely muscular, extremely fond of his/her cape and/or tights, and finally blessed with amazing hair. But in Homers the Odyssey, our hero (Odysseys) is described as perseverant, loyal, and courageous thus making him a true hero and not just a stereotypical hero. Perseverance: steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc.., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. “Of all creatures that breathe and walk on the earth, there is nothing more helpless than a man is, of all that the earth fosters; for he thinks that he will never suffer misfortune in future days, while the gods grant him courage, and his knees have spring in them. But when the blessed gods bring sad days upon him, against his will he must suffer it with enduring spirit. For the mind in men upon earth goes according to the fortunes the father of the gods and men, day by, day, bestows upon them.” Odysseys preservers to survive the pain the quote shows heroism because even though he has been through so much, he still hopes for the best and still keeps on going in hopes of being reunited with his loving family. Loyalty: the state or quality of being loyal; faithfulness to commities or obligations. “ … The sweet lifetime was draining out of him, as he wept for a way home, since the nymph was no longer pleasing him. By nights he would lie besides her, of necessity, in the hallow caverns, against his will. By one who was willing, but all the days he would sit upon the rocks, at the seaside, breaking his heart in tears and lamentation and sorrow as weeping tears he looked over the barren water.” The quote shows how Odesseys’ loyalty is much more stronger than his desire for Calypso. The quote shows loyalty because Odsseys could have easily appeased his sadness and sorrow by having an affair with Calypso. But he was loyal to Penelope and did no such thing. Courage: the