How often do we stop to consider the traits our favorite heroes possess? How often do we realize that these characteristics may mean much more than we think? Small things that may appear to common amongst the characters of many novels and stories may actually prove that a common, generic hero is much more. That character may truly be the tragic hero of his or her own personal calamity. Things such as the minor flaws a hero possesses and the downfall they face are not regarded as anything more than that, but they play a large role in identification. Such is the case with Odysseus within the Odyssey. Many authors and small time writers, such as Homer, Pires and many more show the reader just what makes the Ithican king a tragic hero. Keywords:
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Moreover, what makes Odysseus a tragic hero? It is not often that one stops to consider all the characteristics that someone must possess to be considered as such. Various things come into play, suffering, the hubris that the hero possesses and the hero’s vulnerabilities being just a few. Odysseus exhibits all of this, and much more, throughout the entirety of the Odyssey. Homer, Pires, and many others blatantly showcase these characteristics throughout their …show more content…
This often dictates the direction in which his fate will flow, the results of which are not always pleasant. This atrocious flaw first comes to light at the end of the Trojan war. The Ithican king takes credit for the horse trick, a feat that he could not have accomplished without the help of Poseidon. The sea god comes to learn of this boastful behavior he has been exhibiting and vows to punish him, making the trip home much longer and very difficult. This has been laid out clearly for the reader when it has been said within the article What are some examples of Odysseus being boastful or showing an infatuation of self in Homer's Odyssey? (n.d.). that, “He declares he alone thought of the idea…he refuses to acknowledge the gods…Poseidon sent a sea monster to destroy the Trojan who did not believe the Trojan Horse was a gift,” (para. 1). Odysseus encounters the fury of Poseidon once more, again at the hands of his arrogance. He blinds a Cyclops that Poseidon has fathered, his pride swelling immensely; he begins to gloat and Polyphemus begs for his father’s assistance in the situation. Poseidon agrees, punishing Odysseus for his actions once more. The article Hubris in The Odyssey (n.d.) depicts this is a way unlike many other sources, stating, “He yells back at Polyphemus…this…is what keeps Odysseus from being able to sail home… Poseidon…was
Moreover, what makes Odysseus a tragic hero? It is not often that one stops to consider all the characteristics that someone must possess to be considered as such. Various things come into play, suffering, the hubris that the hero possesses and the hero’s vulnerabilities being just a few. Odysseus exhibits all of this, and much more, throughout the entirety of the Odyssey. Homer, Pires, and many others blatantly showcase these characteristics throughout their …show more content…
This often dictates the direction in which his fate will flow, the results of which are not always pleasant. This atrocious flaw first comes to light at the end of the Trojan war. The Ithican king takes credit for the horse trick, a feat that he could not have accomplished without the help of Poseidon. The sea god comes to learn of this boastful behavior he has been exhibiting and vows to punish him, making the trip home much longer and very difficult. This has been laid out clearly for the reader when it has been said within the article What are some examples of Odysseus being boastful or showing an infatuation of self in Homer's Odyssey? (n.d.). that, “He declares he alone thought of the idea…he refuses to acknowledge the gods…Poseidon sent a sea monster to destroy the Trojan who did not believe the Trojan Horse was a gift,” (para. 1). Odysseus encounters the fury of Poseidon once more, again at the hands of his arrogance. He blinds a Cyclops that Poseidon has fathered, his pride swelling immensely; he begins to gloat and Polyphemus begs for his father’s assistance in the situation. Poseidon agrees, punishing Odysseus for his actions once more. The article Hubris in The Odyssey (n.d.) depicts this is a way unlike many other sources, stating, “He yells back at Polyphemus…this…is what keeps Odysseus from being able to sail home… Poseidon…was