According to the definition, a hero is someone who is regarded as a model or ideal because of their heroic qualities or acts. They are respected for doing something great. In addition, an average hero has flaws alongside their heroic actions. Archetypal heroes are individuals who perform noble or heroic deeds, achieve their goals, and are admired by others. However, they also possess a significant flaw that can impact themselves or those around them. The protagonist in the epic, Odysseus, exemplifies an archetypal hero through his successful goal attainment and overcoming of obstacles. Nevertheless, he also has flaws that can lead to new conflicts.
Odysseus demonstrates his heroic qualities by accomplishing his goals and overcoming obstacles. This is evident when he approaches the treacherous island of the sirens with his crew. Recognizing the danger, Odysseus chooses to be transparent and truthful with his crew, sharing the information that Circe had revealed only to him: “Friends… it’s wrong for only one or two to know the revelations that lovely Circe made to me alone.I’ll tell you all, so we can die with our eyes wide open now or escape out fate and certain death together” (Book 12, lines 166-170). By forewarning his crew and preparing them for peril, Odysseus engages in a heroic act that potentially saves their lives. Additionally, Odysseus takes precautions to safeguard his crew from the sirens’ threat: “Now with a sharp sword I sliced an ample wheel of beeswax down into pieces, kneaded them in my two strong hands and the wax soon grew soft, worked by my strength and Helios’ burning rays, the sun at high noon, and I stopped the ears of my comrades one by one” (Book 12, lines 189-193). He protects them from being enticed by blocking their ears and preventing them from hearing the enchanting songs of the sirens that lead people astray and cause their demise. As reaching the island necessitates a boat due to its rocky perimeter posing a risk of ship destruction and potential drowning for the crew members. Therefore, Odysseus ensures that his crew cannot hear these tempting songs sung by Sirens which could lure them towards danger.The act of enabling his crew to survive one of the challenges they faced has a significant impact on Odysseus’ journey. It displays heroic qualities as he saves lives and achieves his goals. This action allows Odysseus and his crew to pass the island without succumbing to the Sirens’ temptations, preventing any fatalities. Ultimately, Odysseus exhibits heroism by saving lives and conquering obstacles.
Despite his heroic actions and successful achievements, Odysseus’ flaws can undermine his endeavors. One example is when he encounters the Sirens, disregarding the danger posed by their enticing voices. Despite warnings that no one has survived after hearing them, Odysseus insists on experiencing it himself while being tied to the ship’s mast. He even instructs his crew to ignore his pleas for release and further secure him if necessary. This act of hubris puts both himself and his crew in jeopardy, resulting in a loss of trust and respect from his companions.
As their journey continues and hunger becomes an issue, Odysseus’ crew rebels against him and rejects his guidance. Eurylochus appeals to them, emphasizing that dying from starvation is the worst fate for mortals. To alleviate their suffering, he suggests slaughtering Helios’ cattle as an offering to appease the gods who govern the skies above. In this incident (Book 12, lines 366-371), Odysseus’ crew carries out Eurylochus’ suggestion by killing Helios’ livestock. However, this angers Helios himself and prompts Zeus to punish Odysseus’ comrades with a lightning bolt that kills all except for Odysseus himself.
Once again succumbing to hubris, Odysseus finds himself stranded at sea facing dire consequences.
Throughout prior events such as facing the Sirens, Polyphemus, and the Cattle of the Gods, Odysseus demonstrates hubris. The endangerment of his crew multiple times due to these occurrences results in them losing faith in Odysseus and viewing themselves as expendable. As their trust diminishes, they begin to defy Odysseus’ wisdom and guidance, leading to their downfall. Consequently, Odysseus’ hubris emerges as his principal flaw, significantly affecting both him and his crew throughout their journey.
There are instances in which Odysseus demonstrates excessive pride and contradicts his own actions, even after performing courageous feats. One such example occurs when Odysseus and his crew encounter Polyphemus, a cyclops who is the son of Zeus. Polyphemus begins slaughtering members of Odysseus’ crew, prompting Odysseus to devise a plan. He notices a large wooden club left behind by Polyphemus and sharpens one end with assistance from his men. During that night, Polyphemus returns and kills two more of Odysseus’ men. To outsmart him, Odysseus offers Polyphemus strong wine given to him by Maron. The wine causes Polyphemus to become intoxicated and unsuspecting. When asked for his name by Polyphemus, who promises a guest-gift in return, Odysseus cleverly responds with “Nobody.” This deception ensures that Polyphemus remains unaware of Odysseuss true identity. In response, Polyphemu agrees to eat “no-one” last as his guest-gift. Later on, with the help of his men, Odysseus thrusts a burning stake into Polyphemuses eye,resulting in blindness for the cyclops.Now blind,Polypheme calls for help from other Cyclopes,stating that “no-one” has harmed him.The other Cyclopes believe he is either mocking them or that it involves matters concerning the gods,and thus they depart.When morning comes,Odyssues and his men manage to escape the cave without being noticed byPolyphmeu.They hold ontoPolypheums sheep as they leave,in order to let them graze freelyOdysseus displays his heroism by skillfully avoiding Polyphemus, saving his crew, and obtaining the required cattle. This act exemplifies Odysseus’ exceptional courage as he rescues others from a dangerous predicament that could have led to their demise. Ultimately, it stands as one of Odysseus’ prominent heroic achievements, emphasizing his aptitude for crafting ingenious strategies that outsmarted his adversary and guaranteed the well-being of himself and those in his company.
