Homer Homer And More Of Homer

Odysseus, The Hero

Greek myth is often filled with heroes, as these people's deeds and actions inspire by demonstrating the extent of man's potential. Such heroes are Heracles, Theseus, Achilles, Jason, and even Odysseus. In Classics Mythology, Morford and Lenardon write that "In Greek saga, as in folktales, we find many recurring motifs" that characterize the hero (Morford, 289). In short, Home describes Odysseus as the king of Ithaca who joins the Greek Army in the siege and sacking of Troy during a 10-year ordeal. On his quest home, another 10 years is spent through trials and challenges.

Moreover, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey fit into the hero model with the tale of Odysseus.

Morford writes that with the hero, "motifs frequently appear" (ibid.). First, "the hero usually has elements of the extraordinary linked to his birth and his childhood" and "he inevitably faces opposition of one sort or another from the beginning, and as a result, he must prove his inherent worth by surmounting challenges of every kind" (ibid.). Because Homer's sagas begin with Odysseus as the king of Ithaca, not much is known about Odysseus' birth or early childhood. However, it would be reasonable to infer that he had a shrewd intellect, extraordinary strength, and much education as a prince.

Next, "his enemy or enemies usually instigate his achievement," and "he is helped by atleast one ally, divine or human" (ibid.). Odysseus is often forced into action by the gods or circumstance. For example, he blinds Polyphemus (Odyssey, Book IX) because he is trapped without him. This causes the wrath of Poseidon and the pity of Athena. Later in his saga, Athena guides Odysseus to land of the Phaiakians to regain his strength and achieve a method of returning home (Book VII). While at Phaiakians, he is antagonized by Eurytos to throw a discus farther than any Phaiakian could or would ever throw a discus (Book VIII).