Odysseus: a Hero or a Flawed Hero?

Odysseus: A Hero or a Flawed Hero?

The epic poem, The Odyssey written by Homer near the end of the 8th century BC, focuses on a Grecian hero named Odysseus. Although after the falling of Troy Odysseus embarks upon a long, grueling journey home, it is through his travels that Homer is able to illustrate him as a hero. A hero is known as, “a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.” (Dictionary.com) Homer’s projection of Odysseus is essentially a fundamental way of helping one become familiar of what a hero actually is and the impact that this individual has on society and its people. Odysseus fulfills the different attributes that characterize a stereotypical hero, yet at the same time demonstrates that a hero can, indeed, be flawed.
Odysseus demonstrates qualities of a hero in many ways throughout his voyage. The journey begins for Odysseus when he leaves his home of Ithaca to win the Trojan War for his native land. While Odysseus initially did all he could to avoid being involved in the madness of the war, he could no longer fake his insanity when Telemachus, his son, was placed in front of his moving plow. Odysseus knew that his courage was considered necessary to cease the Trojan War. In this instance, he plays a vital role as the king of Ithaca in leading to victory furthermore, proving him to be a hero. Through acts of bravery, Odysseus uses his wisdom and eloquence to construct a plan to defeat his enemies. His clever idea of the Trojan Horse allowed for the Greeks to invade the castle doors and in the end win the war. While taking part in the Trojan War portrays his heroism, Odysseus’ true acts of courage and nobility are emphasized by him leaving his wife and son yet simultaneously never giving up hope on returning home safely to them.
As the reader we must understand that a hero, much like Odysseus, has much to lose in life yet at the same time recognize the fact that his bravery does not discourage him from being strong. Although Odysseus exemplifies a hero physically, his true heroism is able to be seen in a more spiritual sense. While straying from a wife and son for many years could potentially cause much turbulence in one’s life, Odysseus uses this as motivation for him to succeed and return back home. Odysseus’ deep emotions are shown in a simile in Book 8 when it is stated,
“So the famous singer sang his tale, but Odysseus melted, and from under his eyes the tears ran down, drenching his cheeks. As a woman weeps… to have hard work and sorrow, and her cheeks are wracked with pitiful weeping. Such were the pitiful tears Odysseus shed from under his brows, but they went unnoticed by all the others.” (8.521-532)
Not only does this simile demonstrate the love between husband and wife but it also provides one with evidence of Odysseus’ loyalty to his son. Furthermore, when encountering the Cyclops, Soceress Circe, Sirens, Divine Cattle and Suitors, Odysseus’ faithfulness to his family were tested yet in the end he was able to conquer all obstacles which came his way. By finding inner courage and remaining focused on the return to his family, Odysseus established a true sense of heroism.
Another outstanding way to further show that Odysseus was a true hero, is by putting the end of the story into perspective. As he reaches the shores of Ithaca he knows that after being gone for two decades, there will be much work ahead of him. With the help of the Greek God Athena, Odysseus manages to overcome the suitors with his son, Telemachus and essentially regains the command of the island of Ithaca. Even though Odysseus was away from home for twenty years, he is able to prove his heroism upon his arrival to Ithaca. Regardless of his absence he manages to prove why he is the leader of Ithaca. He gains respect from the Gods and, even Poseidon the God that wished Odysseus would suffer, was grateful and showed him the utmost admiration. Through Poseidon’s act of esteem, Odysseus is reassured that he has gained a higher ranking within the Greek heroes and also accomplished his main goal of being reunited with his family.
In reference back to the definition of a hero, it is vital to formulate one’s own opinion on Odysseus in regards to being a hero through Homer’s, The Odyssey. While Odysseus demonstrated being a hero in a great plethora of situations throughout this epic poem, in book 24 it is as though he has been “reincarnated” as a different person after his taxing journey. Upon arrival at Laertes farm, Odysseus’ father is no longer able to identify his son. Once Laetres begins to cry at the memory of his son, Odysseus reveals his true identity to his father.
“He spoke, and the black cloud of sorrow closed on Laertes. In both hands he caught up the grimy dust and poured it over his face and grizzled head, groaning incessantly. The spirit rose up in Odysseus, and now in his nostrils there was a shock of bitter force as he looked on his father. He sprang to him and embraced and kissed and then said to him: ‘Father, I am he, the man you ask about.” (24.315-321)
Odysseus is deemed a hero in this situation because he has proven that he, like many other great heroes, put others before themselves. This instance between Odysseus and Laetes capitalizes on the fact that by witnessing his fathers suffering it is painful and he is too noble to watch him endure that pain, therefore encompassing the characteristics of a hero.
Odysseus also demonstrates how he may be a flawed hero. His actions throughout the book show why certain problems fell his way when it was not needed. After being imprisoned by the Cyclopes’ he somehow got away safely and did not need to let Poseidon know it was he who defeated Poseidon’s son. His feelings of confidence get in the way of his overall goal of getting home safely. He loses men throughout his journey for his unnecessary actions. He falls under temptations to other women, and gets distracted at times throughout his journey home. The Grecian King of Ithaca, Odysseus, may appear to have sometimes strayed from his hero persona into a flawed hero yet in the end; The Odyssey by Homer allows one to see him as a hero. Although his travels can be deemed treacherous and strenuous, Odysseus proved himself to be courageous, brave, loyal and noble; therefore a hero.