Odysseus Is Not A Hero Analysis

Odysseus is a hero in some ways, but he is not a hero in many more ways. There are many definitions of a hero, but my definition of a hero is someone who is always caring, kind, and always finding a way to help others. Odysseus is not a hero. There are many ways Odysseus is not a hero. One example is, ¨Then I sent out two picked men and a runner to learn what race of men that land sustained. They fell in soon enough with the Lotus Eaters¨ (book 9, line 39-41). Odysseus risked his men's lives for his own information. Even though he knew all three men would die inside this very dangerous island, he did not care, and he sent his men in anyways. Odysseus was very selfish towards his men. Any good hero would not risk another man´s life for his …show more content…
The second example is, “Then Scylla made her strike whisking six of my best men from the ship” (book 12, line 187-188). Before Odysseus left for Scylla, Circe told Odysseus not to go to Scylla because she would take them, and Odysseus would risk six more of his men's lives. Even with knowing the circumstances, Odysseus still put his men in danger. He made his crew go through Scylla. Odysseus had a total of six men die, and he was not phased by it. Odysseus cannot be considered a hero if he puts people in danger. Lastly, there is one more example of why Odysseus could not be called a hero. The last example is, ¨While he had arrows he aimed and shot, and every shot brought down one of his huddling enemies¨ (book 22, line 118-120). Odysseus killed the suitors, and they were only trying to make his wife happy, since she had been sad that Odysseus left. Odysseus got jealous, and he shot the suitors for no reason. He killed someone for his own good, and that is not something a hero would do. Odysseus is not fit to be called a hero. In conclusion, Odysseus is not a hero. He has put too many men in danger. He is not an example of a hero because he has not been caring, kind, and helping others. Odysseus is just a normal