Epic Hero in Homers The Odyssey Essay - 951 Words

Epic Hero in Homers The Odyssey With its larger-than-life plot twists, The Odyssey is a classic representation of an epic in literature. With that understood, it is no surprise that the main character of the story helps to define an epic hero. A character must express certain virtues to be considered such. Strength, courage, and nobility are almost prerequisites. Cleverness is an added bonus. Odysseus possesses many characteristics and virtues that make him a true representation of an epic hero. Strength is one characteristic that Odysseus exhibits. One scene that displays this is when Odysseus, disguised as a poor man, bends his old bow. He bent the bow with little difficulty. With his right hand he grasped the string and let it†¦show more content†¦Odysseus spoke to his men before they left to face the deceased prophet, Tiresias. When the men had assembled, I addressed them. Youre probably thinking that were off for our dear native land. Circe, though, has shown us another way Ââ€"we must first go to th e land of the dead to consult the soul of Tiresias, the blind prophet. Poor fellows, they began to weep. 63. Odysseus never wept himself, and felt pity for the others. Oftentimes Odysseus is set with other men who are not half so courageous, such as his crew, to make him stand out. This constant interaction with more inferior beings thrusts Odysseus into the otherworldly epic light. Nobility is yet another characteristic of Odysseus, though it is due more to birth than personal development. His fortune is so great that men come from near and far to court his wife, Penelope, in his absence. Odysseuss nobility is a trait that earns him much of his respect throughout the lands. This is revealed while he is disguised as a pauper in his own house, and thus treated like dirt. In unjustly consuming Odysseuss wealth, the suitors illuminate themselves in a negative light, while Odysseus becomes a victim. As the swineherd said, They are certain the master is dead and are consuming all his wea lth, not just one or two beasts a day! 104. His wealth is the center of the conflict surrounding the suitors, and therefore a central part of the plot. Perhaps Odysseuss most important and evident trait isShow MoreRelatedOdysseus As The Epic Hero In Homers Odyssey1019 Words   |  5 PagesOdysseus as the Epic Hero in Homer’s The Odyssey A style of work often explored in Greek literature is that of the epic. An expansive poem of a wide scope centered on and regarding the wondrous deeds of the main, heroic figure, on whose actions depend the fate of a nation. The definition of an epic can be used to describe The Odyssey by Homer. 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