Odysseus Best of the Achaens essays

Odysseus Best of the Achaens essays Odysseus receives the title of being the 'best of the Achaeans" regardless of his apparent lack of battle skills and physical strength. Odysseus was more of a counselor and a schemer than he was a fighter, so eventually the concept of a hero was transformed. Although the Greek's original understanding of a hero mostly consisted of extensive physical strength and stamina, it eventually comes to possess the qualities that Odysseus possesses. In several occasions, Odysseus uses this raw kind of trickery and intelligence to get him through one obstacle to another. In fact, we see how cunning he is even before he began his journey home, when we are introduced to his invention of the Trojan Horse, which influenced the war's victory immensely. He also applies his renowned cleverness throughout his journey home, including overcoming Polyphemus, escaping the sirens, and eventually overcoming the suitors that nearly took over his kingdom. Although Odysseus proves himself in many occasions, it is clear that all of his accomplishments were not achieved solely on his own. It could be argued that one requirement of being a hero, is having a divine god on the side of that individual. It is made most obvious that Odysseus is one of Athena's favorites of the mortals, and in turn she practically hands Odysseus his glory. Without Athena on Odysseus's side, he most certainly would not have prevailed as the hero that he is recognized as. In addition to this, Athena is not the only god that helps, as there are several of who assists Odysseus. Aeolus', the god of the winds, assists Odysseus in getting close to the shores of Ithica, and the god Hermes orders Calypso to release him so he can continue on his way. Ultimately, the changing understanding of a Greek hero is revealed quite clearly in The Odyssey, and Odysseus sets the standard of this new type of hero that has emerged. He proved himself a hero because he overcame all of his c...