The Odyssey: Injustice Characteristics Of A True Hero

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p.1 The Odyssey Essay In the classic epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer explores the interstice characteristics of a true hero through the main character Odysseus. A true hero is represented through loyalty, braveness, and selflessness. In order to be a great leader, one must be able to earn the trust of others through dependability. A true hero is loyal to their purpose and their people. Additionally, a hero must be able to make decisions benefitting the majority and not just themselves. However, Odysseus is not a hero because he is cowardly, disloyal, and self-centered. One reason that makes Odysseus not a hero is his cowardly actions. A true hero is recognized for their fearlessness and bravery in times of trouble; however, when Odysseus visits the underworld his true emotions are exposed. Seemingly…show more content…
A hero needs loyalty in order to be trusted in times of trouble. Odysseus is disloyal to his wife Penelope when he gives in to the seduction of 2 other women; on the other hand, Penelope has been faithfully waiting for years in hope of Odysseus’s return (throughout X). Another example of Odysseus being disloyal is when he talks negatively about his crewmembers when they are trying to help him, “My men were mutinous, fools, on stones of wine (IX, 50-51)”. Odysseus’s crew were trying to help him, which Odysseus knew, but they didn’t succeed to his expectations and that causes him to talk down upon them even after they tried. This shows disloyalty towards his people who are very loyal to him. Through these points, it is evident that Odysseus lacks the necessary traits of a true hero. Superficially, his victories and valor make him seem as though he is heroic. Yet, the underlying issue is that Odysseus tends to be selfish, disloyal and cowardly. By the end of his journey the many occurrences of his flaws outshine his perceived heroic qualities. Thus, it is clear that Odysseus lacks the archetype of a true homeric

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