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The Highs and Lows of a True Greek Hero Heroes are almost perfect people.
Odysseus was a great Greek Hero. Just like all of us though, he had exceptional
abilities and faults. You notice many examples throughout the Odyssey that which
was authored by Homer. The traits you notice are his tall tales, and his
extravagant curiosity. Also, he is very attractive, extremely clever, and like
most heroes has great ability. Odysseus had few negative qualities. He told many
tall tales throughout the Odyssey. Telling tall tales wasn’t a good habit, but
put for a good cause because the Goddess Athena requested him too. Being one
with following the Gods, he abided by her rules and told a lie to the swineherd
Eumaeus, and told him that he was from out of town and lied about his name as
well. He fooled Eumaeus quite easily but didn’t realize how hurt people were
getting by Odysseus’ his absence. Other than the tall tale telling, Odysseus was
also very curious. When they reached the island of the Cyclopes, the curious
Odysseus let his curiosity go to work.
He noticed the big cave of Polyphemus and
believed they might be nice and humble towards strangers, but he was wrong! He
entered the cave out of curiosity of the people, and ran into Polyphemus, the
giant Cyclops. His curiosity caused the life of some of his men. On the other
hand, Odysseus had many good qualities though to go along with the negative
ones. He had looks, strength, and extreme ability. Odysseus proved very clever
while at the isle of the Cyclopes. After his curiosity killed some men of his,
he desired to escape. He cleverly decided to get Polyphemus drunk on wine, and
to blind his one and only eye! This scheme worked, but now they had to escape!
He came up with the idea to strap him and his companions to strap themselves to
the bottom of Polyphemus’ sheep. In the morning, Polyphemus counted his sheep
and guarded the cave well so they could not escape, but with them under the
sheep, Polyphemus was helpless! This clever scheme worked and they set off for
the isle of Aeolus.
Odysseus had many women lusting for him. After all, heroes
are almost always handsome. One of the first women to fall for him was Circe.
Circe was a goddess of the wind. She took him hostage on her island, but his
single-mindedness and the messenger God Hermes helped him survive. Also, the
goddess Calypso fell for this hero. She kept him captive on her island for 8
years hoping he would love her, but he never did. Odysseus’ captors must have
proven him attractive if they thought they loved him. Another of Odysseus’
positive traits was his great strength. In many situations he proved this
ability. While floating from Calypso’s island, he came to the Land of the Phaeacians. While right outside the rocks to this island, he treaded water for a
whole day non-stop until he found a safer passage into this land. Also, Odysseus
showed great strength near the end of this story, when he helped slay 108
suitors. One hundred eight suitors had moved into Odysseus’ palace and tried to
win his spouse. This angered Odysseus to a point where he killed viciously for
his land of Ithaca. Though it is bad to kill, it is even harder to kill 108
grown men. Through Odysseus’ long journey home we saw all of his traits come
out. Traits both good and bad, more good than bad. This journey remained long
because of his love for someone, which is one of the best characteristics to
have.
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