Odysseus – a Perfect Example of an Epic Hero

Being an epic hero isn’t always about putting others before you. It takes great responsibility and patience to prove you’re worthy of such a prestigious title. In Homer's epic poetry The Odyssey, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, is attempting to return home after battling for ten years in the Trojan War. Odysseus faces many challenges against both mythical creatures and gods. Amid returning home, Odysseus’ wife, Penelope, and their son Telemachus shelved off suitors aspiring for Ithaca’s throne and Penelope’s hand in marriage long enough for Odysseus to return home to his striving kingdom and claim his life back. Odysseus was in fact a true epic hero; he presented this through his prudence and persistence whilst on his voyage home.

Odysseus suffered many challenges on all accounts of his voyage home, but he was dogged to stay patient and strong throughout.  Whilst enduring his frightful encounter with the in-human beast, Odysseus stayed calm, persistent, and fearless; for he knew that if one move was made too soon, his troops would be trapped in the den and left to die. Odysseus strategically constructed a plan to entice the cyclops to open their only exit out. Although Odysseus had not always been prudent, his characteristics of being an epic hero had shown since before the inception of his journey home.

Though Odysseus was not always as loyal in marriage as one would wish an epic hero to be, he did what was needed in order to protect his life and his warriors lives. When Odysseus visited Calypso in book five, she refused to let him voyage home. Odysseus had to think of a way to persuade Calypso to let them leave. He did what needed to be done. Book five reads, After Calypso, drowned in lust, had her way with Odysseus, he could now return to his voyage home. Odysseus made a promise that he would be back, only saying such words to get her to allow him to leave. Odysseus knew his mistakes and strengths throughout his journey but he was aware at all times of what he was doing.

Odysseus showed his characteristics of being an epic hero in many ways; being brave, responsible, honoring, loyal, persistent, patient, intelligent, prudent, courageous, and noble. He knew how to stay calm in difficult situations and knew his limits and strengths. Odysseus knew that he only wanted one thing; to get back to his life he left just ten years before his journey home. He was persistent and stayed on track and stayed determined to reach his goal. Odysseus is the perfect example of an epic hero and it shows after his many victories against gods and mythical beasts in the course of his prolonged venture home.