Odysseus: The Heroic Figure In Homer's The Odyssey

Human beings have told stories about heroes since ancient times. Heroes represent what is good, fair, and just to the cultures that tell these stories and pass them on to future generations. Homer, in the section of The Odyssey titled "In the One-Eyed Giant's Cave," portrays Odysseus as a heroic figure by emphasizing the traits readers might admire, especially his commitment to his homeland and his bravery in the face of challenges.

One of the traits that highlight Odysseus' heroism is the bravery he displays when face to face with the one-eyed giant, Polyphemus. When Odysseus and his men are trapped by the Cyclops, it is up to him to come up with a plan to overcome this seemingly impossible challenge. Instead of giving up or falling into despair, Odysseus comes up with a plan so they can all …show more content…
Odysseus describes this moment: “We drove the sharp stake into his eye, and the blood bubbled around the red-hot wood. His pierced eye hissed, and the roots cracked and popped.” This deception is what allows Odysseus and his men to escape the cave relatively unharmed. Odysseus’s use of calculated bravery to make sure his men survive helps portray the archetypical hero who, when faced with significant dangers, will take on the role of a leader and protector. In addition to bravery, Odysseus’s commitment to his homeland showcases his portrayal as a hero. Throughout his journey, Odysseus is shown to be motivated primarily by returning to Ithaca and reuniting with his family. This motivation is evident in his decisions in the Cyclops’s cave. Even though there is danger, Odysseus is still determined to escape and continue his journey home. His actions demonstrate a deep sense of duty and loyalty to his homeland, his family, as well as to his men, whom he risks his life to protect. As Odysseus recounts: “We are