King Odysseus: A True Hero

To consider someone a hero, he must boast certain characteristics that are harder to detect in an average person, such as being humble, merciful, loyal, and a great leader. King Odysseus of Ithaca survived the Trojan War. While most of his other men returned to their native lands immediately following the war, it took Odysseus ten years to journey home because of his lust for other women and desire to prove he was superior to everyone. Odysseus and his group of shipmates faced countless obstacles, which claimed the lives of more men as their journey went on. Not only did his procrastination kill off his men, but his mother as well, who longed to see him and gave up when she realized she would never see him again. Through the many actions Odysseus took on his trip home, including murder
This is understandable, through reasoning that Odysseus displays leadership. However, Odysseus is anything a leader, and as a result is not a hero. Odysseus is not a good leader, given that his entire trip relied on help from the gods. The plan for Odysseus to return to Ithaca and save his family from the suitors was completely pioneered by Athena. Without the guidance of Athena specifically, as well as a handful of others, Odysseus would never have been able to return to Ithaca, let alone leave the captivity of Calypso. Therefore, Odysseus is more unheroic than not.
Odysseus shows he is undeserving of the admiration he receives through his selfish, merciless, and disloyal actions as well as his lack of leadership and reliance on the Gods. Throughout his trip home, Odysseus faced countless obstacles and acted cowardly when trying to overcome them. Whether it was his willingness to betray his wife by sleeping with another woman in order to progress his trip or killing his own men when they disobeyed, Odysseus is not heroic. Although fame may bring you the title of hero, it is unjust to be considered heroic if you are a terrible