The hero

Definition

In epic poetry, the hero is a central character who embodies the values and ideals of their culture, often undertaking a significant journey or quest. This character typically possesses extraordinary abilities or qualities, making them larger than life, and they face challenges that test their strength, wisdom, and moral character. The hero's journey often reflects themes of bravery, honor, and personal growth, illustrating their role in the larger narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Odysseus is a prime example of a hero who embodies intelligence and cunning, often relying on his wits rather than brute strength to overcome challenges.
2. The hero’s journey in 'The Odyssey' includes multiple stages such as departure from home, encounters with divine beings, and eventual return and restoration.
3. Odysseus faces various tests throughout his journey, including battles with mythical creatures like Cyclopes and Sirens, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
4. The hero’s relationships with gods and other characters highlight themes of loyalty, fate, and the consequences of choices made along their journey.
5. Ultimately, the hero represents not just individual achievement but also the collective values and aspirations of their society, serving as a model for others.

Review Questions

• How does Odysseus's character exemplify the traits of a traditional epic hero?
  • Odysseus exemplifies the traits of a traditional epic hero through his intelligence, bravery, and resourcefulness. Throughout 'The Odyssey,' he faces numerous challenges that require not just physical strength but also cleverness to overcome. For example, he devises a plan to escape from the Cyclops by blinding him and cleverly using his wit to deceive others. His journey reflects the values of his culture, including loyalty to family and home.
• In what ways does Odysseus’s journey reflect the common elements found in the Hero's Journey narrative structure?
  • Odysseus's journey reflects common elements of the Hero's Journey narrative structure through key stages such as the call to adventure when he leaves Ithaca to fight in Troy, his trials during his wanderings which include encounters with gods and monsters, and his eventual return home. Each stage reveals his growth as a character while also emphasizing the importance of his experiences on his path. The various challenges he faces help him mature into a wiser leader by the end of the story.
• Critically analyze how Odysseus's tragic flaw contributes to his character development throughout 'The Odyssey.'
  • Odysseus's tragic flaw lies in his hubris and tendency to be overly prideful at times. This trait leads him to make decisions that result in unnecessary delays on his journey home, such as revealing his name to Polyphemus after blinding him. This act provokes Poseidon's wrath, prolonging his struggles. As a result, Odysseus learns humility and gains a deeper understanding of leadership and responsibility. His flaws ultimately humanize him and reflect the complexity of heroic ideals within epic poetry.

Related terms

Epic Hero: A type of hero in epic poetry who possesses superior qualities and performs great deeds of bravery, often in service of their community or country.

Hero's Journey: A narrative structure that outlines the typical adventure of the hero, including stages such as the call to adventure, initiation, and return.

Tragic Flaw: A characteristic or trait in the hero that leads to their downfall or creates conflict in their journey, often making them more relatable to the audience.