Mike Odysseus: The Idea Of A Hero

The author Mike Alsford once said, “The hero, it might be said, is called into being when the perception of need and the recognition of responsibility toward it are backed up by the will to act”. This excerpt identifies the driving force which spurred Odysseus into the legendary Greek hero that we know today. As it says, heroes aren’t born heroes, they become heroes from stepping up, carrying their personal chips on their shoulders, and upholding the responsibilities they are gifted with. Odysseus is an extraordinary example of this notion through each and every one of his actions. Odysseus didn’t become a hero solely because of his strength, he became a hero because when he was called upon to do something he did it humbly. He treated his responsibilities not as a …show more content…
It describes in the text, “That was all, and it brought them round to action. But as I sent on them toward Scylla, I told them nothing, as they could do nothing”( XII.783) He was forced to make this tough decision because by telling them he would have created pandemonium and that would not have been for the best of the crew. Although it would have been easier for him if he had had someone to share the grim news with, he was compelled to keep it to himself because it was his responsibility to think of others before himself. It was apparent to the reader how many responsibilities Odysseus had solely while completing the arduous task of taking care of his crewmates. In taking care of his crewmates he was required to look after them and make sure they did not get themselves in trouble, which, especially in this mythical world in which gods and goddesses rule the fates of mortal men, proved to be challenging. Also, it was his chosen obligation to guarantee that all of his crewmates made it home soundly. As can be seen at the end of the text, was an unachievable feat, but nonetheless, he attempted to the very same. There were many instances when Odysseus