Odessey

A detailed Summary of Odessey


An epic hero can be described as a legendary figure endowed with great strength or ability that is admired for his achievements and noble qualities. To better explain the true meaning of an epic hero, one might compare this definition to the legendary hero in Homer's The Odyssey, the great Odysseus. Through The Odyssey, we, the readers, are taken on a journey of the main character, Odysseus, bearing witness to the many vices and virtues that play a pivotal role on his voyage to his homeland of Ithaca. On his journey, he encounters the many supernatural beings of Greek literature, forcing him to make decisions that greatly impact his life. Through these encounters, his unique heroic qualities are clearly depicted in numerous ways. A man of outstanding prowess and bravery, Odysseus uses his cunning ideas and insuperable intelligence to overcome the many obstacles presented to him. He is a crafty thinker, always searching for the best resolution that will prove beneficial to himself and others.

"I was already plotting... What was the best way out? How could I find escape from death for my crew, myself as well? My wits kept weaving, weaving cunning schemes - life at stake, monstrous death staring us in the face." (Book


In saying this, Odysseus brought the wrath of Poseidon down upon himself. Much of the trouble he encountered could have been avoided had he been a more humble and gracious winner. Odysseus could quite possibly have been his own worst enemy.

He constantly endured the heartache of his ill-fated existence, sacrificing himself physically and emotionally so that he might one day emerge victorious. If it weren't for these important heroic qualities Odysseus would not have been able to stay so emotionally intact and determined on reaching his goals, turning obstacles into stepping-stones and letting nothing impede his progress.

"Yes, and just now, as I was talking about Odysseus, remembering how he struggled, suffered, all for me, a flood of tears came streaming down his face and he clutched his purple robe before his eyes."

He was faithful to the love of his wife, Penelope, even as temptations were forced upon him. When Odysseus was held hostage by Calypso, who offered him gifts of immortality and a life of utopia for his hand in marriage, he refused, never losing sight of his ultimate goal - Ithaca.



Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1446
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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