David Kichiro Odyssey Mini Essay Rewrite

A2
1/15/14


In literature, an epic hero is a larger than life figure who embodies the ideals of
a nation or race. Odysseus, as the central hero in The Odyssey allows the
opportunity to identify what the ancient Greeks required of their heroes. This is
true in Homers book, The Odyssey. In ancient Greece, men and women looked
for many significant traits in their heroes and one was to be a warrior. Being a
warrior was to be an excellent fighter to protect them and to sack the city of Troy.
They also wanted a hero who respected their gods because there was no person
higher.

Greeks required many traits for their heroes but being a warrior is one of the
most significant ones. Greek heroes fought in huge battles which made them
warriors. Eventually during the Trojan War they, Sacked the famous town of
Troy (Homer 11) although it took Odysseus 10 years, he still managed to have
the patience and time to do so. He also was very good with tactics and was very
good with strategy, which was the key to the battle of Troy. Odysseus was a very
good fighter killing the suitors and the Cyclops. Greek heroes had to be able to
accomplish all of this.

Although Greeks looked for warriors in their heroes, they also looked for heroes
who respected their Gods. Homer shows respect to their god by quotes such as,
No more capable men on earth, nor men liberal in his offering to the immortal
God (Homer 30) This quote shows that no other men will ever be higher than a
god. Thats why Greeks want their heroes to respect their gods because their
heroes will never be higher unless theyre a god. Like Odysseus he took his cup
and made a drink offering to the gods it shows his respect to them. Odysseus is a
perfect example of respecting the gods.