The epic hero is often of mixed, there are three archetypes that provide insights to Ancient Greek civilizations and their morals. Then Odysseus threatened her. That plan was to build a big wooden horse as a gift for the trojans, the trojans accepted it and brought it inside their village. THE STUDY CLUB - JSTOR The episode of the Sirens,(Book 12), is one example. In fact, he puts the duty he has towards his people before his own needs, which is demonstrated when he leaves Dido behind in Carthage as he knows that it is his destiny to found a new city in Italy. Even though Odysseus is a troublemaker, he has multiple great characteristics of a leader. Odysseus cheats on his wife more than once; it was not a simple lapse in judgment. While Odysseus does demonstrate some qualities that are not heroic, he is still defined as a hero because of his better, more heroic qualities in which he is far superior in than any other man. What are some reasons why Odysseus is or is not a hero? This hero may be tall and handsome, but he is often arrogant, disrespectful, conceited, and rude. Those who hurt you will eventually get their own karma. Odysseus is not a hero because he was not a good leader. Is Odysseus a hero or a villain? One trait that Odysseus has is that he is very clever. However, he has many traits that explain his clouded judgement. First off, Odysseus had to leave his family to go to Troy. He may as well be on Americas most wanted list with all the trouble he was causing. The first archetype this essay will be explaining, Ancient Greek civilizations and their morals. Odysseus is not the epitome of an epic hero., Hero? Despite all of the suitors, Penelope stays loyal to Odysseus. The Odyssey depicts his ten-year nostos (homeward journey) after the Trojan War until he finally retakes his throne on Ithaca. Homer is describing the crew lashing Odysseus to the mast so that he may hear the sirens sing. In fact, he shows several qualities one finds in classic Greek heroes, such as Achilles, Hercules, and Theseus. Another example of Odysseuss ignorance toward people is when Eurylochus tells him not to go onto Kirkes island because he knows the crew would be turned into swine. 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. The son of Laertes and Anticlea, Odysseus left Calypsos Island and began his journey back home. He tried at great measures to help his men return home to Ithaca alive. Odysseus puts his men in danger due to hubris and stupidity. He is a hero because he saves his beloved wife from the suitors that yearn for her (the wife, Penelopes) hand as well as Odysseus thrown; he does this through a battle that ends, these three archetypes the hero, villain/monster, and the damsel in distress. Well, the definition of a hero is : a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities., What is an epic hero? He leads his followers into lousy situations where many people were hurt. He has been cheating on his wife by sleeping with another woman. In consequence he possibly endangers the rest of his crew from safely reaching home by endangering himself. From Villain to Hero explores the reception of Odysseus in philosophy, a subject that so far has been treated only in tangential or limited ways. WebODYSSEUS AS A HERO Homer's Odyssey is one of the greatest of the world's hero tales. A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom. (Bob Dylan). The old soldier in despair: He has spent ten years (seven of them as Calypsos not entirely unwillingly captive) trying to get home (652, summary). He leads his followers into lousy situations where many people were hurt. Odysseus Reflection, Pages 9 (2149 words) Views. Odysseus fits the description of a hero because hes done a few things that are heroic. Odysseus is thought of as a hero in the physical and spiritual sense because of his bravery while facing the many dangers of creatures, goddesses, and many other things for almost 20 years trying to get home to his wife and son. Odysseus might think he was performing a heroic action but in actuality he was performing an act of selfishness. Heroism is a concept that has evolved and will continue to evolve over time since it depends heavily on the values which each society covets. Odysseus should not be considered a hero because he portrays himself as a selfish man that failed his crew, and is controlled by his hubris. However, think about his so called heroic actions and the way he made everything work out for his own benefits. In my mind it is right in the middle he does some things that were ok, but he also did things he shouldn't have done. In myths and stories especially, heroes tend to have supernatural capabilities in one form or another, such as superhuman strength, intellect, or even magical abilities. 1. A modern hero is recognized by the goodness in their heart. WebEvidence proves that Odysseus is a villain, because he tries to convince that he was kept unwillingly by Calypso. WebOdysseus. He is consistently referred to with the epithet a man of many ways (compared to the swift-footed Achilles), demonstrating that Odysseus heroism is due to mental rather than physical strength. During his quest to return home, he encounters many supernatural forces that show both his heroic, and not so heroic actions. For example, when his men are tempted by the Lotus eaters or captured by Circe, Odysseus rushes to save them without hesitation. Odysseus is finally home, on Ithaca, and is then helped by Athena and disguises himself as an old beggar. However, once again, Odysseus motivations are ultimately selfish: the, Moving away from Homer, another hero of ancient epic is Aeneas from Virgils, Academus Education is an online learning platform providing free Classics Education to students through summer schools, articles and digital think tanks. Finally, Odysseus is home and after a long journey in which he shows no heroic actions and yet proves to be nothing but a villain, he once again proves throughout his actions that he is a villain. I armed myself long ago against the frauds of men. Some people question whether the main character, Odysseus, is a hero or not. Odysseus Hero Odysseus may be an epic hero, but he is far from a true one., The general populous has hailed Odysseus as the epitome of the epic hero for several centuries, but to the modern reader, he comes off as anything but. In the epic poem, the Odyssey told by the one and only Homer, the brave, the godlike human, Odysseus is finding his way home after the big battle victory against the Trojans. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus makes mistakes that causes his men to be killed. You make my stiff heart know that I am yours. Penelope never once considered cheating on Odysseus so why couldnt Odysseus pay her the same courtesy. However, Odysseus displays certain characteristics that seem to only hold weight in an ancient definition of a hero. Odysseus; Hero or villain? by Cameron Matt - Prezi A hero is a person who is recognized or idealized for his or her outstanding achievements and noble qualities. He is intelligent, yet boastful. While he and his men were on the land of the lotus eaters Odysseus could have left, After defeating the Cyclops and heading back out into the sea he stood on his ship mocking the Cyclops. Of course, though, he never tells his loyal wife Penelope about his love affairs with Calypso and Circe. He earns the respect of his men during the Trojan War by making good sound decisions and caring about the welfare of his men. Odysseus, the Cyclops, and Penelope are specific examples of archetypes in this epic poem. Therefore, Odysseus is not a hero. When he landed on the island of Aiaia, he sleeps with Kirke. In conclusion, Odysseus throughout his actions proves to be not only veil but a villain. 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. Kirke tells Odysseus not to fight Scylla, yet he chooses to anyway. Odysseus clearly believes that he is above the rules that most people in society chose to, Odysseus tends to make rash decisions and often finds it impossible to control his impulses. This reveals Odysseus is a villain because he reacts as if he was innocent and some way being betrayed by his own wife. Well drive the kids and lambs aboard. She never once gives up hope or falls to the temptation of other men despite the fact that dozens of them were living with her. In the novel, The Odyssey, Odysseus goes to war against the Trojans in hope to win. Odysseus represents what being a hero is actually all about. 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. Odysseus shows extremely inadequate leadership qualities throughout the story. In addition to saving lives a hero should be humble, Odysseus does not fit that description, his hubris is as big as the moon. Ed. Odysseus is not a hero because, he is foolish, lacks faithfulness and is consumed by his Hubris and selfishness. Also this shows that he is mean because he yelled at the nurse to not tell anyone who he really is. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. Homer remains one of the most well-read texts even today. An epic hero is on a quest of self discovery, war or some sort of goal. An epic hero struggles and is overwhelmed with difficulties. This is Walter White. Another way in which Odysseus shows he is a villain is when he finally reunites with his wife. Another way in which Odysseus shows he is a villain is when he finally reunites with his wife Penelope and reacts with rage when she tests him. Diverging from previous studies, WebOdysseus is a villain because he is stubborn in Polyphemuss cave, disrespectful to the gods, and is unfaithful to his wife. When Odysseus receives advice, even if it is helpful he tends to ignore it. Now you might say that in this case Odysseus is not a hero because he was not thinking ahead in the first place and was too curious and got him and his men caught by the Cyclops. During his journey back home to Ithaca, Odysseus commited adultery twice. He told her not to tell anyone who he really is. He accomplishes many great events like that of defeating the Trojans, slaying the suitors and travelling to and back from Hades. There is no denying that Odysseus has done more than most men, but has he done it with decency, integrity, or honor? In a more popular example even modern man was made too look grand yet realistic in the sculpture of David done by Michelangelo. This can be said for most of Odysseus's actions in the story, as his main objective is to reach his home. During his journey Odysseus used what he has learned from is mistakes to return home and kill the suitors of his wife. Odysseus of Ithaka. He takes much conceited pride in Although people make mistakes does that mean that they cannot be a hero? He is confident and cunning,, Having superb and honorable characteristics establishes one a hero. The Odyssey: Antagonist | SparkNotes Achilles, Odysseus, and Aeneas are undoubtedly heroes but they would all certainly feel out of place in a superhero movie of today! 48. Nobody wants a hero to lose so Homer gives him admirable traits so that readers find themselves rooting for him. Some are very strong, some are very smart, some are very rich that they can afford to create gadgets to make them do unnatural things, like Batman and Iron Man. In The Odyssey, Odysseus allows all of his men to be killed. When people think of a hero, they think of a tall, handsome, loyal, brave, and a type of man that could do no wrong. In the Odyssey, Homer values the characteristics hospitality and cunning, but he objects bad leadership. Peter Simon. These events lead to him losing crew members and putting them into dangerous situations, elongating his voyage home, and putting his integrity at risk. He does not deserve the credit for his getting home from the war at all. Some historians have argued for years that he is a noble hero, and others say he is just a man trying to get home from many hardship and challenges, however Odysseus is the definition of a hero. Odysseus says, Then he tore them apart and gobbled them up like a lion in the wilderness, Odysseus the main man The Captain is he really a hero or a villain? For example,We lit a fire, burnt an offering, and we took some cheese to eat; then sat in silence around the embers, waiting(Homer 219-222). He would have killed her thinking she would spoil his plan. The first reasons why Odysseus is a hero is because he risks his life for crew multiple times throughout the story. 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? What makes someone a hero? He is consistently referred to with the epithet a man of many ways (compared to the swift-footed Achilles), demonstrating that Odysseus heroism is due to mental rather than physical strength. In one of Homers classic epics, The Odyssey, Odysseus is admired by many people as a man who has intelligence, nobility, and confidence. The ancient idea vastly differs from what we think of as a hero today but there are parallels that are interesting to consider; ancient heroism still arguably impacts modern-day perception. Odysseus is sailing away from Cyclops Island and he is teasing Polyphemus about escaping. ro \hir- ()\ Noun a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal Literary Devices Odysseus is not a hero because he is selfish. He tries to take shortcuts and as a result of this is men are killed and his boats destroyed. One of these plans was his ingenious idea to trick Polyphemos, which shows he is a hero by saving countless lives. WebOdysseus inherits many character traits that make a good hero, but the ones that truly outshine the rest are how Odysseus is very rational and has a very sharp intellect. In the Odyssey, Odysseus is on a quest to return home to Ithaca after ten years of war in Troy. Odysseus is another prominent example of a Homeric hero. 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. There is many thing that can support this claim. WebODYSSEUS A hero of the Trojan War, whose fleet was blown off course in a storm on his return. This is what underpins a modern-day hero, and it drastically differs from the ancient perceptions of heroism. In The Odyssey, Odysseus allows all of his men to be killed. When Odysseus slaughters the Trojans, he starts to act like he was greater than any god. Instead of beginning with fighting the Cyclops, he takes his time and sets up a plan. 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. This is a sign of a true, Odysseus portrays himself as anything but a hero throughout Homers The Odyssey. The Odyssey is an amazing piece of literature. WebOdysseus ( The Odyssey) Gilgamesh ( Epic of Gilgamesh) Beowulf ( Beowulf) Character interviews are another great way to get to know your hero especially a dark and complex anti-hero. He reveals this trait specifically when, This action alone can show just what type of person Odysseus actually is which include traits of an inconsiderate, dishonest man. The Odyssey begins after the Trojan war had left Odysseus trapped, pointlessly seafaring for 10 years after angering Poseidon, the god of the sea. Is Odysseus a hero or a villain? Odysseus could have left his men behind with Circe or the Lotus Eaters, but he. Largely, the problems with understanding the moral position of Odysseus stem from his immense experience and cleverness, which make him at once mortal and fantastic. The majority of those who read The Odyssey consider the protagonist of the story, Odysseus, a hero. He returns to the fight purely for the selfish reason of avenging Patroclus death, rather than for the noble cause of Greek victory. Although she did not help during his travels, Athena assisted Odysseus in his battle against the suitors in his kingdom. There are many things that can prove otherwise. These are the hero archetype, the monster or villain archetype, and the hero's journey archetype. She only wanted Odysseus to come home and for the suitors to stop eating their food. Another way Odysseus' quick-decision skills helps him is when he chooses to leave the island of the Lotous-eaters, because he realized his whole crew would have fell under the curse if he had stayed there. Odysseus is perhaps more closely paralleled to a modern-day hero like Batman or Iron Man. If you wish to support us, please check out. The hero that is portrayed in the Odyssey is a man named Odysseus. The quintessential hero of the Iliad is Achilles, aristos achaion (the best of the Greeks), who is the most esteemed warrior in Homeric epic. The Odyssey: Odysseus Quotes | SparkNotes Odysseus is finally home, on Ithaca, and is then helped by Athena and disguises himself as an old beggar. He was very competitive and tried to be better than anyone else and insured his name lived on forever. He leads his men into trouble, kills the suitors and maidservants without mercy, and betrays loyal wife. During Odysseuss journey it becomes evident that Odysseus is a hero like the legends say, he meets all the criterias of being a hero such as being brave, smart, fighting against evil, and protecting others from danger. Evidence proves that Odysseus is a villain, because he tries to convince that he was kept unwillingly by Calypso. He cares more about honor than the safety of his crew. So is Odysseus really a hero? Many would argue that Odysseus is more of a villain nowadays, for every instance of his wiliness or feats of strength there are several of venality, vice, cruelty, or selfishness. A hero is one who sets a goal in which takes bravery and dedication in order to achieve. Odysseus doesnt resist Kalypsos charm and cheats on his wife Penelope. This can be said for most of Odysseus's actions in the story, as his main objective is to reach his home. Odysseus Hero or Villian - Cecilya Guilbault Odysseus, a Good When Odysseus is on the journey to Ithaka, he neglects to let his crew know how long they will be staying on each island. In Homers The Odyssey, Odysseus is an archetypal hero. An epic hero embodies several heroic traits such as; having superior or super-human strength; being intellectual and courageous; and being a strong and responsible leader. Odysseus portrays his selfishness right as the book begins and this shows how truly incompetent of an individual he is. Achilles heroism stems from his excellence in battle and not necessarily his own personal virtues.