Odysseus The King: The Qualities Of A Hero

A hero is “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” (dictionary.com) Therefore heroes have to have “the ability to do something that frightens them” otherwise known as courage. With courage, all heroes need to take risks to achieve their goals. All heroes have, immeasurable qualities but courage is very important because it helps them overcome complications throughout their expedition. A hero like Martin Luther King had a lot of bravery and heroism to stick up for his people and take a stand. Another hero like Nelson Mandela had the grit to try to overthrow the government for a better future for his people. Lastly, a hero like Odysseus displays endurance through his numerous acts of …show more content…
In the book Odysseus is known for defeating the suitors, overpowering Circe, he managed to leave the island of the lotus, he blinded the Cyclops and was the first to hear the sirens. Like all heroes, Odysseus never gave up. He had the audacity and bravery to achieve his goal to go back to Ithaca. “Dear friends, surely we are not unlearned in evils. This is no greater evil now than it was when the Cyclops had us cooped in his hollow cave by force and violence, but even there, by my courage and counsel and my intelligence, we escaped away. I think that all this will be remembered some day too. Then do as I say, let us all be won over.“(book 12 page 208). Odysseus Is trying to cheer his men up by saying they are very resolute and have the guts to take down the calypso. He shows them that with a great courageous leader any fear can be taken down. Odysseus is showing his men that courage strengthens the ability to accomplish your mission. Philosophy today states, “It takes courage to look life in the eye and make it the best it can be. It takes resilience too. To walk a courageous path, one can be forced to abandon the creature comforts that one takes for granted.”(phlopphyforachange.com) Odysseus had the courage to leave his wife and son and go scuffle in the trojan war. Odysseus was daring enough to leave his kingdom behind and become a courageous leader. Courage is defined as “the quality of mind that enables one to meet danger without fear; bravery; fearlessness.” (thefreedictnory.com)The characteristic of courage is important in a successful hero because it allows him or her to have confidence, and not to be daunted by what is going on in his or her life. It allows him to feel like he can do anything. The characteristic of courage is shown all throughout the Odyssey through Odysseus's adventurous