The Odyssey

Odysseus from Conceited to Heroic
What is a hero? The dictionary definition of a classic hero is: a man of distinguished courage or ability; a hero is also a person who is regarded as a role model to others. Heroes are known to be recognized by others and looked upon in admiration. It is difficult to define a hero because everyone has a different idea of what a hero is. People could assume a hero is a person who saves lives, others may feel a hero is a person who has an experience and changes for the better, little children might think that a hero is a fictional character with super powers and some people may eventhink that a hero is a type of sandwich. One thing that is for sure is that the word hero has a positive connotation, and that all heroes are looked upon in a positive way and they have a positive effect on the world. Heroes can come in many different shapes and sizes, they can have different beliefs, attitudes and characteristics. A few of these characteristics include determination, bravery, selflessness, sacrifice, fortitude and courage. A hero does not need to have all these characteristics to be considered a hero.
Odysseus, who is the main character in Homer’s The Odyssey, is a well-knownwarrior who is sent to fight in the Trojan War. Odysseus isthe king of a small Greek island known as Ithaca. In Ithaca he has a wife, Penelope, and a son named Telemachus. Odysseus reluctantly leaves Penelope and his infant son Telemachus to fight in the Trojan War. He spends a total of twenty years away from his family, ten in war and ten on his journey home. Odysseus and his men sack the city of Troy and severely harm the population. The Greek gods are angry at Odysseus because of all the damage he does in Troy. In revenge they make his return journey very difficult. It is filled with very many obstacles and several unfortunate events. The Odyssey by Homer focuses on Odysseus’ journey home and what occurs back in Ithaca while he is absent. On his journey home...