The Secret Behind The Hero

3 Pages 707 Words

“The Secret Behind the hero”
Reading the Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus appears to be a brave, skilled warrior. He ventured through many obstacles and faced dangers that almost took his life away. He is perceived by the gods as hero. However, Odysseus was able to survive all the dangers by the help of gods, they protected him every time he was at risk, especially Athena who offered him help and support whenever he was in need. Would Odysseus be considered as hero and gain Throne without gods help?
Odysseus is unique among epic heroes; his strength comes mainly from his mind opposing other heroes whose strength comes from physical ability. Odysseus overcomes obstacles using cunning, guile and superiority of intellect.
Odysseus demonstrated his patience and good use of his reason, when he managed to outsmart Polyphemus and poke out his only eye. Homer describes Odysseus’ outstanding skills in the following lines:
“ The pike of olive, green though it had been,
reddened and glowed as if about to catch.
I drew it from the coals ……and rammed it
Deep in his crater eye”. (Book IX, line 400, p 315).
He also came back home alive despite of all the obstacles including storms, kidnapping and hardship.
The gods were very significant to King Odysseus’ life. Every time he obeyed them and followed their advice he succeeded and escaped death. His trip to reach home, in Ithaca and his wife was organized by the gods; he only had to follow instructions. Zeus sent Hermes to Calypso to release him. Athena went to Odysseus’s house and set up a plan with his son Telemachus that would help to bring his father home. During his journey he was helped by godly powers along the way. Athena was his guide to find his way home, she was constantly by his side and comforted him by telling him:
“ No fear but I shall be there; you’ll go forward
under my arm when the crux comes at last.”
Even when the god of sea Poseidon wanted to t...