Odyesseus As A Hero In Homer's Odyssey

In many respects Homers “Odyssey” the genesis of Western literary folklore Odyesseus serves as the vehicle of Homer’s story and more over is portrayed as a character that is “godlike”, having both mortal and immortal qualities. Although Odysseus actions blur the lines of mortal and God with all his heuristic deeds and characteristics there is still quite a distinction between both beings. While Odyesseus is fast, inventive, heroic and all other various things that make up a God, we can see very human qualities in him as well. He is often moved to tears, makes mistakes and he tends to loose his temper. As he plays a hero throughout the book, he continues to take on countless human roles like a carpenter, sailor, and a beggar etc. Where as Gods can just conjure up a boat he has to makes one with his bare hands. Odyesseus …show more content…
There are times he is desperate, fighting for his life yet other times his heart aches because he knows he must return to his family. We know he loves because he goes on this dangerous journey to return to his wife and son. It is in these human qualities that people can relate to. While he is no doubt a hero Odyesseus is still viewed as a modern man. He must struggle and suffer and deal with the fate handed down to him from the great beings on top of Mt. Olympus. One of Odyesseus many challenges was where he had to escape from the Cyclops, Polyphemus. Polyphemus, son of Poseidon greets Odyesseus inside his cave but soon turns hostile and starts eating Odysseus’ men. Then imprisoning him and the rest of his men in his cave saving them for future meals. Odysseus wants to kill the monster right away but knows that only the Cyclops is strong enough to move the rock blocking the only way out. A God on the other hand so mighty would be able to move