Heroes in the odyssey
Heroes in the odysseyWhat kinds of things make up a hero? Well, there are many characteristics and attributes that a hero can have. The dictionary says that a hero is; 1. In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods. or 2. A person noted for special achievement in a particular field. But what really makes up a hero? But what divides any normal day person from a hero or heroine? The Odyssey tells us a lot about the physical qualities of what make up a hero. In The Odyssey, Odysseus is a very strong man. He can solve any problem or dilemma by using his strength, and quick thinking to get his men, and especially himself, out of a fix. However, Joseph Campbell goes deeper into what a hero is all about. He describes the different kinds of heroes there are, if there are different kinds, and he generalizes these heroes so you can understand the many definitions that there can be about them. I wonder if there is only one kind of hero out there. If there is one kind of hero that can live up to their laws, instead of someone else’s. These two pieces of writing have clearly supported the question of “Is there one kind of hero?” and “What makes up a hero?”. These two pieces of writing have described what a hero, is and how heroes will act.
In the book The Odyssey, the main character, the main hero, Odysseus, is trying to get home from the land of Troy. He has just taken part in a battle and has survived. Odysseus is a very strong, handsome, and intelligent man. He knows how to get out impossibly situations of gods, goddesses, monsters, and even hardships at sea. He has the help of Athena, a goddess, who guides him through his heroic journey home. However, this is the only kind of hero Homer is portraying in this book. He is describing a man who can take on anything, any battle and any storm. This hero is obviously someone who will get what he wants, like with the Sirens. “If you wish to hear them yourself, make the men tie up your hands and feet and fasten your body tight to the mast, and then you can enjoy the song as much s you like” (The Odyssey, p. 139) Athena is speaking to Odysseus, telling him he can listen to the beautiful voices of the Sirens and bask in its beauty. Because Odysseus is the hero, as the main character, and the leader of the boat, he is the only one who gets to hear the gorgeous voices. The rest of his men must close up their ears and watch Odysseus so he doesn’t break free and fall into the Siren’s trap. Here is where being the...
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