Why Achilles and Odysseus Can Be Considered Heroes

Some mythologists may argue that Achilles and Odysseus are not heroes, although they were depicted as such in their prospective stories. These two characters are very much alike. They both exhibit strong heroic qualities, although in different manners they are both heroes. Some heroic traits that Achilles possesses are his superhuman strength, courage, and great loyalty. Odysseus can be stamped as a hero because of his wisdom, nobility, and sharp intellect.

Achilles is believed to have the strength of the gods. No trojan heroes were able to stand before him when we went to get vengeance, following the death of Patroclus. This was because they truly feared his strength. In book 20, prior to the death of the hector, Aeneas approaches Achilles and says “No man may fight Achilles, for one of the gods is always with him”. This is a pat on the back from Aeneas to Achilles, but also it is an acknowledgment of Achilles' spiritual strength as well as his physical strength.

Another quality that gives Achilles the hero status is impeccable courage. In the book, his courage is heavily displayed. By far the grandest moment would be the slaughtering of thousands of trojans. This gives the reader the idea that Achilles is invulnerable to pain, and can not be hurt. In book one it states “...Achilles wept for his own father…”, in short, this gives a small hint at the fact that Achilles has a soft side. Looking from the perspective of “men don’t cry”, this would be a hard thing for Achilles to do. Thus showing courage because it is commonly defined as strength in the face of pain and grief. This character trait makes Achilles a hero because internally he is compassionate, despite his irate demeanor.

The final and most well-known attribute that Achilles has are his excellent loyalty. Some Mythologists would argue that Achilles is not a loyal warrior due to the fact that he could not keep his closest friends from being killed. However, apart from that small downfall, he made sure to get his vengeance for Patroclus. “Hector, you truly thought when you stripped Patroclus that you were safe, and you thought nothing of me as I was an absent pitiable fool...”. This small portion of speech speaks volumes and greatly helps the reader conclude that Achilles is in every way a hero and should not be considered anything less.

In The Odyssey, Odysseus also exhibits some major heroic qualities. One being his wisdom. In book one it reads “Daughter!” the Cloud God said, “You must be joking, since how could I forget Odysseus? He is more sensible than other humans and makes more sacrifices to the gods'. This quote shows from another god’s perspective that Odysseus possesses great wisdom. The quality of having knowledge, experience, and good judgment is how wisdom is defined and all of these are great hero-like traits that Odyssues holds.

Odysseus is a very noble character, although some may argue that he is not because of his pride. While being prideful, Odysseus is righteous. In book one he says “Do not be enraged at me, great goddess. You are quite right. I know my modest wife Penelope could never match your beauty. She is human: you are deathless, ageless.

But even so, I want to go back home, And every day I hope that day will come” (Homer,210). This quote in itself is a great example of Odysseus’ nobility. He was able to be honest about the differences between the goddess and his wife, but also express the fact that he prays for the day he can get back to her. This quote also helps the reader determine that Odysseus is a hero because of this noble act. What better man to call a hero than one who chooses love over lust?

One of the greatest qualities that a hero should have is intellect. This is one of many but also Odyssues best attributes. In book five it states “ But he decided to go into the woods. He found a place beside a clearing, near the water’s edge. He crawled beneath two bushes grown together, of thorn and olive.No strong wet wind could blow through them, no shining sunbeam ever strike them, no rain could penetrate them; they were growing so thickly and intertwined. Odysseus crept under, and he scrapped a bed together, of leaves: there were enough to cover two against the worst winter. Seeing this the hero who has suffered for so long is happy” (Homer,215-216. This is not only an amazing example of Odysseus' grand intellect, but it's his intellect in nature that capitalizes on his smarts. Not to mention that the text does refer to him as a hero.Intelligence is a great component of heroism and this quote allows the reader to better understand how Odysseus is a hero.

In summation, things can be the same even if they appear different. Achilles is strong, courageous, and loyal. Odysseus is wise, noble, and intellegat. While all these qualities vary, they fall under the umbrella of heroism. Despite the fact that Achilles and Odysseus possess different qualities they are both indeed heroes.