Why Achilles And Odysseus Can Be Considered Heroes

Some mythologists argue that Achilles, Odysseus and Zeus aren’t heroes, even though their stories depict them as heroes. Both of these characters are very similar. Both characters share strong, heroic qualities. However they may be heroes in their own ways. Achilles is known for his heroic qualities, such as his strength and courage, as well as his loyalty. Odysseus has the potential to be a hero due to his intelligence, wisdom and nobility.

Achilles is believed by the gods to possess the strength. He was defeated by no trojan warriors when we sought revenge on Patroclus. They were afraid of his strength. Aeneas, in book 20, before the death the hector, approaches Achilles and states that “No man may battle Achilles because one of Gods is always with them”. Aeneas approaches Achilles in book 20 prior to the death of the hector and says “No man may fight Achilles, for one of the gods is always with him.” His courage is prominently displayed in the book. The killing of thousands trojans was the greatest moment. This gives the illusion that Achilles can’t be hurt and is invulnerable. The first book states “…Achilles was hurt by his father …”,. In short, this is a hint at Achilles’ soft side. Achilles would struggle to do this, considering that men don’t often cry. This is courage, which is often defined as the ability to overcome grief and pain. Achilles is a hero thanks to his compassion and despite his anger.

Achilles’ most notable attribute is his exceptional loyalty. Mythologists believe that Achilles was not loyal because he couldn’t protect his closest friends from being killed. He did not let that stop him from taking revenge on Patroclus. “Hector. You really believed when you stripped Patroclus of his freedom, and that you had no fear for me …”.. This short speech is very powerful and makes it clear that Achilles should be treated as a hero.

Odysseus is also a hero in The Odyssey. His wisdom is one of them. Book one reads “Daughter!” and the Cloud God responded, “You must be kidding, since Odysseus is my friend.” He is more intelligent than the rest of us and makes more sacrifices for the gods. This quote from Odysseus shows, as seen through the eyes of another god, that he is a great scholar. Wisdom is the quality of being able to judge, use knowledge and experience. These are all great qualities that Odysseus has.

Odysseus, while noble and noble, is often criticized for his pride. Odysseus can be proud, but he is also righteous. Book 1 says that he is not angry at Odysseus, the great goddess. You are quite right. You are beautiful, Penelope, my modest wife. You are immortal, you are ageless.

“But even so, I still want to go home. And every day, I hope that day will arrive” (Homer 210). This quote shows the greatness of Odysseus’ noble nature. He was able express his feelings about the differences between Odysseus’ wife and the goddess while also expressing the fact that it is his prayer to return to her one day. The noble act of Odysseus makes him a hero. A man who chooses love over lust is a better choice to be called a hero.

Intelligence should be a key quality for a hero. This is not only Odyssues’s greatest attribute, but many other qualities as well. Book 5 says “But he chose to go into woods. He found a suitable spot by the water’s edge near a clearing. He crawled between two bushes made of olive and thorn. Odysseus crept beneath and made a pile of leaves. He could cover two winters worth. “The hero who has suffered so much is happy,” Homer, 215-216. This is a great example of Odysseus’s incredible intellect. But it’s his intelligence in nature which capitalizes on him smarts. He is also referred to in the text as an “Hero”.

It is possible to have the same things even though they seem different. Achilles is loyal, brave, and strong. Odysseus, wise, noble, intellegat. Although all of these qualities may be different, they all fall under one umbrella: heroism. Both Achilles, Odysseus and others have many different qualities but they are heroes.