Heroism and Humility of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey

Heroism and Humility of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey

In Homer’s epic poem, "The Odyssey," the protagonist, Odysseus, endures a twenty-year sentence of suffering imposed by the Greek god Poseidon as a consequence of the death of one of Poseidon's beloved cyclops. Throughout this captivating epic, Odysseus faces numerous obstacles, from being trapped on an island to tempting compromises such as the offer of immortality, all in his pursuit of returning home. Ancient Greek themes in mythology often emphasized the portrayal of a noble hero, which Homer masterfully achieves in this epic poem. Homer skillfully integrates many Greek morals commonly found in mythologies, providing the audience with a perspective of the ideal man in Greek culture. Alongside Odysseus, many supporting characters, such as Athena and Telemachus, embody the concepts of heroism, humility, and resistance to hubris, which are recurrent Greek themes emphasized and explored through each character's unique journey.

An example of Odysseus’s evolving heroism is demonstrated when he expresses his discontent and hatred for the disrespectful suitors. In this scenario, Odysseus embodies the stereotypical image of a hero as he intervenes to save his wife, Penelope. However, had he retained the hubris of his earlier self, he would have been swiftly killed by the suitors upon revealing his return. Instead, he cleverly disguises himself with Athena's assistance to confront the suitors. Athena plays a significant role in Odysseus’s journey back, guiding him to make wiser choices and warning him of potential dangers, a pattern that is evident throughout the epic poem. With her guidance, Odysseus exemplifies a Homeric hero by resisting impulsive actions, as seen when:

Melanthius crossed their path, herding his goats with a pair of drovers’ help, the pick of his flocks to make the suitors’ meal. As soon as he saw them there he broke into a flood of brutal, foul abuse that made Odysseus’ blood boil. “Look!” – he sneered – “one scum nosing another scum along, dirt finds dirt by the will of god – it never fails! Wretched pig-boy, where do you take your filthy swine, this sickening beggar who licks the pots at feasts?"

After enduring such insults from a mere suitor, it took immense self-control for Odysseus to refrain from punishing him, despite being the King. Odysseus’s loyalty, deeply embedded in his heroic code, compels him to defend Eumaeus, who is mocked by Melanthius. Despite his power, Odysseus allows Melanthius to kick him, choosing to maintain his disguise and reestablish his position at home strategically. Thus, Odysseus embodies heroism and humility by overcoming his urge to discipline his subjects prematurely.

A further instance of Odysseus’s growth as a hero is illustrated when he humbly resists the temptations of the sirens. Odysseus becomes wiser through his journey past the island of the sirens, evolving into a more mature character by defying their seductive allure. Despite the overwhelming temptation, his yearning to return home proves stronger than any other desire. Odysseus even prepares to resist them upon Athena's warning:

"The high, thrilling song of the Sirens will transfix him, lolling there in their meadow, round them heaps of corpses rotting away, rags of skin shriveling on their bones... Race straight past that coast! Soften some beeswax and stop your shipmates’ ears so none can hear, none of the crew, but if you are bent on hearing, have them tie you hand and foot in the swift ship, erect at the mast-block, lashed by the ropes of the mast so you can hear the Sirens’ song to your heart’s content."

Thus, in Book 12, Odysseus "battles" the sirens as he strives to remain loyal to his wife, Penelope. The trait of humility is evident in this scenario, as Odysseus withstands the sirens' temptations, prioritizing his faithfulness to Penelope over potential personal gain. Humility, a central Greek theme, keeps Odysseus alive by teaching him to contemplate his actions before acting impulsively, a stark contrast to his earlier prideful nature.

One of Odysseus’s most significant achievements is resisting his hubristic tendencies when Irus, the beggar, confronts him with offensive remarks. As the king of Ithaca, Odysseus possesses the authority to punish Irus, yet he opts to teach Irus a lesson by revealing his true identity. When "Odysseus belted up, roping his rags around his loins," exposing his robust physique, including "his big rippling thighs-his boxer’s broad shoulders, his massive chest and burley arms on full display," it highlights the physical labor endured to maintain his form. However, rather than flaunting his muscularity, Odysseus refrains from prideful boasting, allowing Irus to realize his error in underestimating him. By the epic's conclusion, Odysseus transforms into a distinct hero, resisting hubris throughout his arduous journey.

Through these Greek morals, Odysseus evolves as a hero throughout the epic poem. Initially portrayed as a godlike king, he grows wiser by the end, his perspective on life reshaped by the Greek theme of humility. Alongside humility, hubris is severely criticized, often associated with antagonists, a lesson Odysseus learns from. Therefore, Odysseus epitomizes the ideal modern Greek hero. Remarkably, despite his challenging journey, he embodies many essential traits of heroism. These two major Greek themes, humility and the rejection of hubris, contribute to the ultimate concept of heroism. Ultimately, Homer suggests that true heroism lies in humility and self-awareness, embodying the most authentic and heroic version of oneself.

References

Homer. (1996). The Odyssey (R. Fagles, Trans.). Penguin Books. (Original work published ca. 8th century BCE)