Odysseus Fighting for the Right

Odysseus Fighting for the Right Things: Odysseus as a Hero Throughout history, there have been only a few epic heroes who have risen to the height of Odysseus, the warrior and family man who would do anything to get back home. But the assumption that Odysseus is a hero is often made too quickly and only on the basis of his physical prowess and his abilities as a soldier.

A careful examination of his abilities as well as his character suggests that Odysseus is a hero both because of his military and physical abilities and his family values. That Odysseus is a military hero to be placed in the ranks of Beowulf and other epic conquerors is not to be disputed. His adventures during the Trojan war and his defeat of the suitors are certainly proof of this.

Further, it seems that Odysseus's son inherited his father's warrior's attitudes and abilities, as he is constantly described as walking with a warrior's gate, strutting about with his sword in hand. One example of this occurs in book XVII when Telemachus meets his father disguised as a beggar. The son is described as taking "a strong spear that suited his hands" when he wanted to enter the city (Homer Book XVII).

Odysseus's legacy in Telemachus is further shown in Book XXI, when the young man jumps up to attempt to show the suitors his desire to challenge them in a competition for his mother. Although Telemachus is unable to string the bow to engage the suitors, the show of strength is heroic in itself. Telemachus, "sprang from his seat, threw his crimson cloak from him, and took his sword from his shoulder" (Homer Book XXI).

After this, the son of Odysseus makes a speech that is very fitting of a hero, and rings with all of the grace of his father's words. The son says, "Alas! I shall either be always feeble and of no prowess, or I am too young, and have not yet reached my full strength so as to be able to hold my own if any one attacks me. You others, therefore, who are stronger than I, make trial of the bow and get this contest settled" (Homer Book XXI).

Thus, Odysseus's heroism is contained in his works of physical valor and his accomplishments as a warrior. In the traditions of Greek epics, he has not only been a hero in his lifetime, but strengthens his legacy by passing the ability to his son. In addition to accomplishing works of great military valor, Odysseus's character also lends to his heroism. Neither he nor Telemachus exercise their physical abilities for their own sake, or to get praise, but both do it for a very valuable reason.

During the Trojan War, Odysseus fights for his people. His desire to return home is inspired by the love of his wife and his family. His anger towards the suitors is not just because one of them might have taken his worldly riches, but more importantly because they have been threatening his wife's devotion to him. That Odysseus is a family man of great character can be best witnessed through his interactions with Calypso, who fell in love with him and forced him to sleep with her.

Any indiscretions committed cannot be Odysseus's fault, and they can actually be considered as showing faithfulness to his wife. When Mercury goes to find Calypso, Odysseus is sitting "with tears in his eyes," distressed about being unable to go back to his wife and child. In fact, "he had got tired of Calypso, and though he.