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Odysseus A Hero Analysis

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When a story talks about heroes we think of those with special powers, right? If they can’t fly, lift boulders, or break the sound barrier while running then how could they possibly be heroes? In truth the definition of a hero is left to all of us to decide. Must they have super powers or be normal people in a super situation I don’t know. However, with his bravery, intellect, and compassion for others Odysseus is certainly a hero.
Odysseus’ vast bravery gives an example of how all heros should act. In many situations when all would flatter Odysseus stood his ground and didn’t give in. For instance when his men were turned into animals by the witch Circe and they begged him to leave the island, “Against this advice, however, Odysseus rushes to save his men from …show more content…
Odysseus’ compassion for others is what makes him a true hero, because without compassion the brave and smart can easily become the villain. Odysseus time and time again shows compassion for his men no matter what the task. For instance when Odysseus’ men eat the lotus he “... drove them, all three wailing, to the ships,/ tied them under their rowing benches/… and we moved out again on our sea faring”(48-55). Though his men falsely wanted to stay on the island Odysseus forced them to return to the ship knowing that they would never truly be happy on that island far from their homes. Odysseus also goes out of his way for those that no longer ever walk the earth. When he meet Elpenor in the land of the dead and heard his request for a proper burial he simply said, “Unhappy spirit,/ I promise you the barrow and the burial ”(55-56). Even though not much is said it is clear that odysseus wishes to stay true to his men and keep them safe in life and death. To have the compassion to even help those beyond help Odysseus is truly a man with compassion for

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