There are various ways to portray or envision a hero, as everyone has their own perceptions of what defines heroism. Moreover, the classification of certain individuals as heroes can be subject to debate. In the translated version of Homer’s The Odyssey by Robert Fitzgerald, Odysseus is precisely one of these debatable heroes. Odysseus possesses hero-like qualities due to his courage, composure, and his display of loyalty and reverence towards significant figures in his existence.
Odysseus demonstrates courage in various ways throughout The Odyssey. He exhibits bravery when surrounded by allies and friends, which is less challenging compared to being alone. His bravery is evident when he decides to explore the Kyklops’s cave, stating, “I wished to see the caveman, what he had to offer” (IX, 248-249).
The text highlights Odysseus’s heroism, which is demonstrated through his immense bravery and strategic thinking. He faces the challenging task of eliminating all of his enemies single-handedly, requiring an extraordinary amount of courage. Furthermore, Odysseus’s heroic status is further solidified by his ability to remain level-headed and wise throughout his journey. This is particularly evident when he converses with Athena on the shore of Ithaka, showcasing his talent for strategizing: “Whoever gets around you must be sharp and guileful as a snake: even a god might bow to you in ways of dissimulation.”
Athena accuses Odysseus of being a skillful deceiver, capable of tricking even gods, in his own country. This remark from the goddess of wisdom highlights Odysseus’ expertise as a strategist. A further demonstration of his mastery in this field is shown when he collaborates with Athena to plan the downfall of the suitors, as they both sit beneath an aged olive tree.
Working together, Athena and Odysseus create a strategy. Athena would only allow Odysseus to plan with her if he was a skilled strategist. His strategies enable him to rescue himself and as many others as he can, establishing him as a hero. Odysseus also displays his sound judgment through his wisdom. An illustration of this can be seen in the lair of the Kyklops, where he ponders, “if I killed him we perished there as well, for we could never move his ponderous.”
