Epic Hero Traits in the Odyssey

    The Odyssey is an epic written by the Greek storyteller, Homer, and the sequel to his famed Iliad. Both are considered by many as the most important literature in the history of ancient Greece. The Odyssey describes Odysseus, a renowned hero from the Trojan War, and his 20-year journey home. The primary conflict in the Odyssey is character vs. fate: in the beginning of the Odyssey, Odysseus forgets to make a sacrifice to Poseidon, who then wants to avenge Odysseus for not doing so. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus's fate is decided by his interactions with numerous characters, including the Olympians. Despite these challenges, Odysseus fights to make it home to Ithaca and reclaim his title as King. Throughout the Odyssey, Odysseus demonstrates the epic hero traits of intelligence, courage, and loyalty.

    I consider intelligence to be Odysseus's most important trait because it is clearly Odysseus's strength. Being the King of Ithaca and the mastermind behind the Trojan horse, it is evident that Odysseus is a genius and uses this power when making important decisions that move the story along. In Book IX, for example, Odysseus was about to kill a Cyclops, Polyphemus, when "sudden fear stayed me: if I killed him we perished there as well, for we could never move his ponderous doorway slab aside" (293-295). Odysseus's motive is clear: he knew that the Cyclops was the only way he and any of his comrades could survive; they needed the Cyclops to let them out of the cave, illustrating Odysseus's logical thinking and ability to strategize. He used his intelligence to escape the cave and sail home to Ithaca. He also demonstrates intelligence in Book XII, promising not to touch the prized cattle on Helios's island. Zeus puts Odysseus to sleep, during which his men sacrifice the noble cattle to the gods, Odysseus wakes up and prays to Zeus: "O Father Zeus and gods in bliss forever, you made me sleep away this day of mischief! O cruel drowsing, in the evil hour! Here they sat, and a great work they contrived" (915-918). Through this simple but effective prayer, Odysseus wisely reminds Zeus that he wasn't involved in the plot because Zeus himself made him sleep, saving his life.

    Another trait that is highlighted by Odysseus is courage. In Book X, Odysseus begins his journey home from the Cyclops when Poseidon notices him. Angered by his presence on the sea, Poseidon makes a storm with Odysseus in the middle of it. "But half-drowned as he was, he'd not forget his craft ー he lunged after her through the breakers, laying hold and huddling amidships, fled the stroke of death" (357-359). This quote shows that, even when he was drowning, Odysseus didn't give into fear or give up on his desire to return to Ithaca, and fought through the storm to survive. In Book IX, Odysseus and his comrades arrive on an island and settle in when the Cyclops Polyphemus, questions their presence. "We felt a pressure on our hearts, in dread of that deep rumble and mighty man," Odysseus recalls, "But all the same I spoke up in reply" (246-248). While short, this quote demonstrates that Odysseus has the courage to speak first when in the presence of those superior to him.