Penelope didnt need saving either. WebOdysseus is not a hero because he was not a good leader. In Homers The Odyssey, Odysseus can be seen as a hero or villain based on his actions. Some men were killed by the Cyclops, a huge monster with one eye. He faces countless challenges, meets new people, and has to make sacrifices for the overall benefit of his crew (Bowler and Homer 645-705)., Odysseuss tale has been told several times, and most depict him as an epic hero. Dont married people promise to be faithful, no matter what? His most distinguishing trait, however, is his sharp intellect. This is not how I would describe Odysseus from the book The Odyssey by Homer, everyone always thought of Odysseus as the hero of the story, but he was quite the opposite. Peter Simon. There is a lot of reasonings to both sides, he could be a hero because he was loyal to his homeland and men. He leads his followers into lousy situations where many people were hurt. Odysseus is a different type of hero to Achilles: his heroic qualities stem from his quick wit and clever tactics rather than brute strength in battle. Odysseus However most myths are in this way, there doesn't seem to be many relatable things in these stories but the overral moral connects to the reader making the myth more realistic. Instead, he charms the people he meets and uses his wise words that cause them to help and pity him. He may have super hero qualities such as extreme strength and cleverness but he doesnt embody them the way one should. In the Odyssey, Homer values the characteristics hospitality and cunning, but he objects bad leadership. Odysseus portrays himself as anything but a hero throughout Homers The Odyssey. The Odyssey, by Homer, has a large range of stories in it. Odysseus is not a hero because, he is foolish, lacks faithfulness and is consumed by his Hubris and selfishness. This is what underpins a modern-day hero, and it drastically differs from the ancient perceptions of heroism. A hero accepts who he is as an individual, but strives to change himself for the better. On the other hand Polyphemus, the monster, is made to be hostile, beast-like and dimwitted. When Odysseus is on the journey to Ithaka, he neglects to let his crew know how long they will be staying on each island. He proves then to be a villain by seeking his revenge for the suitors and maidservants that once betray him (696, summary). He proves then to be a villain by seeking his revenge for the suitors and maidservants that once betray him (696, summary). He plays with the lives of his men and he is punished for it. The first heroic thing he has done is go fight in a war with the trojans. With Michelles humanitarian work and benevolent attitude, she helps those in need while trying to better society. Odysseus consists of positive and negative characteristics that is shown in the text by Homer. On many occasions, however, Odysseus makes decisions beneficial to himself alone. A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness, doubt or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway and this shows the quality of a hero that the well-known hero, Odysseus, does not have. He earns the respect of his men during the Trojan War by making good sound decisions and caring about the welfare of his men. Another example of him showing care towards his comrades was when Odysseus warns his crewmen of the potential dangers that awaits them if they happen to harm the cattle of Helios the Sun God. The archetype of heroism allows, most people, Odysseus is believed as a hero.      Is Odysseus, the main character of Homers The Odyssey, really an epic hero? Achilles, Odysseus, and Aeneas are undoubtedly heroes but they would all certainly feel out of place in a superhero movie of today! This can be said for most of Odysseus's actions in the story, as his main objective is to reach his home. wait until the sender of the message realises that the Athenian tragedians also engaged in the vilification of Odysseus and he is far from the hero, neither the protagonist or the morally correct one, in several of the most moving pieces of the golden age of Athenian literature Odysseus is the villain in SO many stories. Odysseus was probably think that if he and his army defeated Troy than they would have any more trouble with anyone, but, April 2008 Odysseus: Hero or Villain? He plays with the lives of his men and he is punished for it. He put himself before his men because he wanted a gift from the cave owner. He didnt consider failing at all because he never stopped to think about his decision, he rashly makes a choice and is forced to suffer the. Everytime he enters a new island, he does not start telling everyone that he is Odysseus, king of Ithaca. When they get there they see a giantess who then calls her husband. 2765. The Odyssey is an amazing piece of literature. A hero is one who sets a goal in which takes bravery and dedication in order to achieve. Neither does he lack in ingenuity, King Nestor said that No onecould hope to rival Odysseus, not for sheer cunningat every twist of strategy he excelled us all . He takes the punishment of Antinous and the other suitors without saying a word and is able to see those who have invaded his house. Odysseus could be considered a hero, but many of his actions say otherwise. He even risks his own soul for them. Odysseus has no reason to save his mens lives but for his own convenience. A modern hero is recognized by the goodness in their heart. This led me to wonder, what characteristics qualify or disqualify someone, In Homer's The Odyssey, he portrays Odysseus, the hero of the story, as clever and brave. In the Odyssey, Odysseus is quite the legend known to people, whether you are high up in the sky with Zeus, or deep in the ocean with Poseidon, everyone knows Odysseus. The Iliad contains a multitude of these heroes, since the focus of the action is on the Trojan War and various characters stories within this narrative. Some people question whether the main character, Odysseus, is a hero or not. Odysseus doesnt resist Kalypsos charm and cheats on his wife Penelope. These events lead to him losing crew members and putting them into dangerous situations, elongating his voyage home, and putting his integrity at risk. sword from my hip I went along his flank to stab him where the midriff, There is yet one more difference between Odysseus and the other two heroes which may help to find the reason why his tale does not end, Lizeth Marin Honors Introduction to Literature Period 3 18 April 2008 Odysseus: Hero or Villain? In the main character this realism must be found in his character, in Odyessues's case there is a great lack of actual muscular heroic action. People describe them as brave, daring, and trustworthy. Odysseus also possesses the personal qualities of an epic hero. This reveals Odysseus is a villain because he reacts as if he was innocent and some way being betrayed by his own wife. Having his men by his side when he returns seems a trivial thing to him. Odysseus was well known for being a hero. He is not a hero, however, when his Odysseus is not a hero because, he is foolish, lacks faithfulness and is consumed by his Hubris and selfishness. This shows that he is selfish. On a website posted by teachers at Harker Heights High, an epic hero is someone who embodies the values of a particular society. During his quest to return home, he encounters many supernatural forces that show both his heroic, and not so heroic actions. He often does things based purely on a feeling. WebFrom Villain to Hero explores the reception of Odysseus in philosophy, a subject that so far has been treated only in tangential or limited ways. First off, Odysseus had to leave his family to go to Troy. In the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus earns the title of a true hero by conveying many qualities such as: determination, courage and leadership. Odysseus consists of positive and negative characteristics that is shown in the text by Homer. With the help of the gods he can survive things most men couldnt., I think Odysseus fits the title of a hero very well. Many would argue that Odysseus is more of a villain nowadays, for every instance of his wiliness or feats of strength there are Through The Meadowlands and The Penelopiad, Circe and Penelope showed their strong opinions of this hero through their, Archetypes are evident in all kinds of classic literature, but Homers The Odyssey reveals archetypes in heroes, villains, and a journey. In conclusion, Odysseus throughout his actions proves to be not only veil but a villain. I armed myself long ago against the frauds of men. One strong archetype in the Odyssey is the hero archetype. In Homers The Odyssey, Odysseus proves he is not a hero because he is arrogant, secretive, and unfaithful; resulting for readers to believe that every action has an consequence. Evidence proves that. Why is Odysseus an epic hero? Homer was truly the precedent of works to follow from Greek tragedy to Virgils Aeneid, the influence of Homer on the ancient world was undeniable. Odysseus is not a hero because he is selfish. Throughout the book of the Odyssey, Odysseus does some things that may have been wrong, but in his mind was he doing the right thing? He spends five long years on the Island of Calypso and another five with Circe. When trapped on Calypsos island he shows no attempt to escape and instead finds pleasure in being their. If a hero is reinforced as a hero, The innate nature of humanistic narcissism strengthens. One reason for this claim is odysseus is smart, brave, and kind and another reason is he wants to go home and protect his family. On many occasions, however, Odysseus makes decisions beneficial to himself alone. Although he is brave and sometimes smart, so is a villain. Odysseus portrays his selfishness right as the book begins and this shows how truly incompetent of an individual he is. Especially if you compare it too previous myths like Hercules or Achillies; they were all muscle and not a ton of brain. Odysseus is finally home, on Ithaca, and is then helped by Athena and disguises himself as an old beggar. Of course not, but does not being a villain automatically make him a hero? He is not a selfish hero: instead, his drive is to his people and to found a new city that will eventually become Rome. Instead of beginning with fighting the Cyclops, he takes his time and sets up a plan. The protagonist is the primary actor. Human weaknesses can still prevail through even the strongest men you may think of; examples of this are shown in this epic. I chose these three archetypes because I recognized them the most while we were reading the Odyssey. WebOdysseus is not a hero because he was not a good leader. Reflection, Pages 9 (2149 words) Views. Odysseus, the Cyclops, and Penelope are specific examples of archetypes in this epic poem. He not only slays all of the suitors but also the slave girls who slept with them, an act of violence that is morally abhorrent by modern standards. Odysseus was also very arrogant to think that he could get past the Sirens. Evidence proves that Odysseus is a villain, because he tries to convince that he was kept unwillingly by Calypso. He would have killed her thinking she would spoil his plan. This allows readers to truly see Odysseus other side. Of course, though, he never tells his loyal wife Penelope about his love affairs with Calypso and Circe. A hero like this is not just found in modern society today, but in mythology as well. The mighty Odysseus is many, many things but he is no hero in my eyes. One form of selfishness Odysseys shows is adultery. Another trait that ends up killing a number of his men is his lack of leadership skills, or rather the lack of respect and trust from his men. He may as well be on Americas most wanted list with all the trouble he was causing. Even though there is a large gap in space between Odysseus travels and the present, human nature and weakness still share the same obstacles. Anyone who puts themselves before others not for recognition or an award, but because it is the right thing to do, is a true hero. This can be said for most of Odysseus's actions in the story, as his main objective is to reach his home. There is no denying that Odysseus has done more than most men, but has he done it with decency, integrity, or honor? The book The Odyssey written by Homer reveals a story of a true hero. WebOdysseus has the defining character traits of a Homeric leader: strength, courage, nobility, a thirst for glory, and confidence in his authority. He tries to take shortcuts and as a result of this is men are killed and his boats destroyed. No person is perfect, and challenging the ideas of who a hero is reveals the illusion of perfection. WebOdysseus, Hero or Villain? Lets just say he stabbed Poseidons son, had his crew turned into pigs, faced a six-headed monster and whirlpool, and that is to say the least. Like most epic heroes, Odysseus has been mostly harmed by the gods. Even though Odysseus is a troublemaker, he has multiple great characteristics of a leader. While this is undoubtedly a noble deed, Odysseus slips up more than he does any good, therefore making it unfit to call him a hero. WebWhile Odysseuss identity as a warrior is often praised and celebrated in the poem, war itself is presented as a divisive force separating men from their families and causing misery He never failed to remember his main goal was to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca.Odysseus was brave enough to conquer these many obstacles on his way home.

Lasalle County Property Tax Inquiry, Sims 4 Basemental Venue List, Charles E Johnson Franklin Templeton Obituary, Articles I