Odysseus The Characteristics Of A Homeric Hero - 1720 Words

A Homeric epic hero is considered to be above a normal human being. The traits of a typical epic hero are strength, loyalty, courage, and intelligence. In fact, the Macmillan Dictionary for Students defines a hero as one who is admired and looked up to for valor, achievements, and noble qualities (483). Odysseus fulfills all of the requirements for an epic hero and more. He demonstrates his ability to be an articulate speaker, and his poise aids him on his journey. His endless curiosity has gotten him into dilemmas, while his superb displays of strength and cunningness have helped both him and his crew escape danger. His arrogance sets him back, but his loyalty is what drives him forward on his long and treacherous expedition. In the†¦show more content†¦The Cyclops is obviously pleased with the spoken words and gestures, and as a result, he gives in to his greed as he takes the wine. Odysseuss confidence in his own ability was the first step towards his success with the Cyc lops. However, he has to take it a step further in order to make a successful get-away. Once again, a demonstration of his sharp intellect shows how Odysseus is smarter and more cunning than the average human. A quote that demonstrates his intelligence is, But I kept thinking how to win the game: / death sat there huge; how could we slip away? / I drew on all my wits, and ran through tactics, / reason as a man will for dear life, / until a trick came-and it pleased me well. / The Kyklops rams were handsome, fat, with heavy / fleeces, a dark violet (Homer 157). Another example of Odysseuss cunningness is shown after he killed all the suitors. He told Telemakhos and the servants to pretend like there was a wedding going on. That way, no one passing by from the outside would suspect anything. Odysseus knew that if news of the suitors death spread, then he would not be able to make a clean get-away to his fathers house. Odysseus said, Here is out best maneuver, as I see it: / bathe, you three, and put fresh clothing on, / order the women to adorn themselves,/ and let our admirable harper choose a tune / for dancing, some lighthearted air, and strum it. / Anyone going by, or any neighbor, / will think it is a wedding feast heShow MoreRelatedComparing The Iliad And The Odyssey905 Words   |  4 PagesThis short essay will identify five traditional epic characteristics that are evident in both the Iliad and the Odyssey. The first epic characteristic evident in both epics is catalogs and genealogies. For instance, Book VIII of the Odyssey features a list of participants in the game (115-125) and the Iliad Book II features a catalog of ships (484-759). Secondly, both epics start in media res. 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