How Is Odysseus As A Heroic Hero - 1215 Words

Throughout the myths we have read about, there is always a character whom is given direction to go on a journey. That journey usually involves some dangerous missions and meeting with strangers. Along with that, the journeys these characters go on are usually given to them by gods or directed by gods. The characters express many heroic qualities which demonstrates immense bravery. However, these brave acts are not heroic; they are sheer dumb luck that these characters blindly followed from the orders of selfish gods, selfish parents, and hope. Characters in myths are portrayed as strong, powerful, brave men who are on the journey to heroism, but after reading deeper, it is apparent that these characters are just blind to egotistical†¦show more content†¦However, Poseidon, a god, is the exact reason Odysseus has had all these horrible things happen to him. Odysseus was not heroic, he was following the gods’ orders, in which good people should in myths, even when the go ds may be leading you to death or anguish. Odysseus is not the only mythological hero who is praised for being brave, Perseus has the same description. Perseus is the son of the god of all gods, Zeus. His mother is Danae who was locked away in a tower by her father so she would not have kids. Well, that does not work because she has Perseus. Her father puts her in a chest and throws her into sea (Rector 1). A man who saves them falls in love with Danae named King Polydectes, who hated Perseus being around. According to Rector, â€Å"He sent Perseus on a quest to kill the Gorgon, Medusa, knowing that Perseus would be sure to die in the attempt. Medusa and her three sisters were monstrous creatures with wings, claws, and live snakes instead of hair. Anyone who saw a Gorgon would be immediately turned to stone† (1). Perseus, of course, goes and kills her sisters and beheads Medusa. The story continues, however, the key take away is that Perseus is the hero who killed the horribl e monster Medusa. Which is what the myth of Perseus would have you believe. However, let us look into the story of Medusa. Medusa was a beautiful woman in Greece, and she knew it. Ovid says, â€Å"Medusa once had charms; to gain her love A rival crowd of envious loversShow MoreRelatedEssay on Odysseus as a Heroic Individual613 Words   |  3 PagesOdysseus as a Heroic Individual Thesis: Odysseus was a true hero he showed this through his determination and courage. Odysseus, A True Hero? What is a hero? The dictionary defines a hero as being a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability; an illustrious warrior; a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities; one that shows great courage. 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