Strong, cunning, intelligent. These are some of the few simple words that describe the classic hero. To some, Odysseus is recognized as self-absorbed and a fraud. This is wrong; Odysseus is a true hero. Odysseus’ heroism can be seen through the two characteristics of strength, and intelligence. Using these, Odysseus is able to make it through the hardships of his journey.
Throughout the journey, Odysseus’ strength is greatly tested. He shows strength when he blinds the Cyclops. Odysseus says, “I drove my weight on it from above and bored it home as a shipwright bores his beam with a shipwright’s drill that men below, whipping the strap back and forth, whirl and the drill keeps twisting faster, never stopping,” (223). Odysseus rammed and twisted the stake till the Cyclops’ eye burst and broiled. He also shows his strength in the way he easily strung his bow. After thoroughly inspecting the bow, “with his virtuoso ease Odysseus strung his mighty bow,” (437). Not one of the suitors were able to string the bow. Odysseus, through his strength, shows great amounts of heroism.
Another way Odysseus shows heroism is through his intelligence. You can see his intelligence through the way he puts the Cyclops to sleep. Odysseus sarcastically says, “Here, Cyclops, try this wine-to top off the banquet of human flesh you’ve bolted down,” (222)! The Cyclops drinks to much of the strong wine and falls asleep. This intelligent trick gives Odysseus and his crew the perfect chance to stab the stake into the Cyclops’ eye.
Odysseus also shows his intelligence by the way he fools the suitors with his beggar disguise, and repays them for all their wicked deeds. Odysseus rips off the rags covering his body and begins to take the lives of all the suitors after he completes the task with the axes. After out smarting the suitors, “he trained a stabbing arrow on Antimous,” (439). Through his intelligence, Odysseus’ heroism is seen.
Strength, cunning, intelligence. These are all characteristics that Odysseus possesses. Odysseus tricked the Cyclops, and then used his strength to burst its eye. He too tricks the suitors and then kills them. Using his intelligence and strength together, Odysseus is a true hero.
