The Role Of Odysseus As A Hero In The Odyssey By Homer

In “The Odyssey” adapted from Homer, Odysseus is presented as a war hero who saves his friends multiple times and protects his family. Those who fight for their kingdom and protect its land are considered heroes for sacrificing themselves for the sake of others. This is evident in Odysseus when he partakes in “ten years of war against the mighty Trojans” (Homer 279). A hero is someone who is idealized for their courage and as a warrior, Odysseus fits the definition for doing his part in defending the kingdom. As his journey presses on, he continues to aid others, including the sailors among him. A hero protects those in danger, even if it endangers themselves. Odysseus proves himself when ignores the risk and says, “Eurylochus, I am their leader.
I must go to them” (Homer 291). This shows courage and leadership, important factors of a hero. Another admirable act of Odysseus includes doing everything in his power to return to protect his family and kingdom. After the prolonged journey, he returns to his home of Ithaca to find suitors fighting for his wife and planning to murder his son for a place on the throne. The wife and son have fended for themselves for long but, to no avail, the suitors continue with their glamorous lives at the palace. To protect his family, Odysseus eliminates the suitors with the help of his son. As “Telemachus mimes handing arrows to Odysseus, who then shoots each suitor” (Homer 301). Afterwards, not only does this protect the family but, it protects the kingdom from an unsuitable ruler. The suitors are likely to regard the villagers with disdain, as they did the old man. Protecting a kingdom, friends, and family through acts of courage makes Odysseus a suitable hero.