Christopher Reeve said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Some heroes hold that title because of the greatness of their deeds while others hold it because of the strength with which they face these challenges. Odysseus and Achilles are two well-known heroes that have some common but also some varying traits that bring about their heroism to allow them to endure overwhelming obstacles. In Homer’s epic poems Iliad and Odyssey, while Achilles and Odysseus share the quality of pride, Achilles’ rage and physical strength contrast with Odysseus’ mind and the cost of Poseidon's rage on him. However, it is a shared heroism that results in the overcoming of his long journey and eventual homecoming of Odysseus, and the exit from battle but ensuing successful return of Achilles.
Heroic qualities differ among heroes but are recognizable and appealing nonetheless. Though people may view certain traits as heroic, “the word hero is commonly applied to many different types of people performing wildly varying acts” …show more content…
After Briseis, his spoil of war, is stolen from him by Agamemnon, Achilles vows to stand aside and allow Hector to kill the Greeks because they do not honor him (Homer Iliad 1.254-259). That selfishness clouds his judgment and leads him to make rash decisions. Achilles’ pride prevents him from being productive in the war and is the cause of his stubbornness. Additionally, Achilles possesses an unyielding sense of self-righteousness in his actions and an arrogant self-confidence capable of ending a battle out of pride (Moorman). Achilles’ pride costs the Greeks countless lives and prevents him from moving past the loss of Briseis. Achilles’ hubris is the reason he exits the battle and many Greeks perished in the war as a
Heroic qualities differ among heroes but are recognizable and appealing nonetheless. Though people may view certain traits as heroic, “the word hero is commonly applied to many different types of people performing wildly varying acts” …show more content…
After Briseis, his spoil of war, is stolen from him by Agamemnon, Achilles vows to stand aside and allow Hector to kill the Greeks because they do not honor him (Homer Iliad 1.254-259). That selfishness clouds his judgment and leads him to make rash decisions. Achilles’ pride prevents him from being productive in the war and is the cause of his stubbornness. Additionally, Achilles possesses an unyielding sense of self-righteousness in his actions and an arrogant self-confidence capable of ending a battle out of pride (Moorman). Achilles’ pride costs the Greeks countless lives and prevents him from moving past the loss of Briseis. Achilles’ hubris is the reason he exits the battle and many Greeks perished in the war as a