Odysseus can be considered a hero because he has many attributes of one. He was loyal, clever, and brave. He saved his men multiple times, for example he was able to kill the cyclop using his wits, strength, and bravery. If he hadn’t, they would have all died, so even if he took away lives, he saved good ones. He also lead his men against terrible odds, such as the mountains and the monstrous Scylla. Many might argue that he killed all of the suitors, but they showed many signs of having a cruel personality so one can say they deserved it and that they tried to steal his wife and property. He was loyal to his wife and son and tried to reunite with them, no matter what it took. When his companions were afraid, he was also rational with them
