Is Odysseus or anyone else in The Odyssey a hero? If so, what does this tell us about western ideas of heroism? Do any of these ideas remain in place today or have they changed? If so, how or how not and why or why not?
I feel like in the Odyssey Odysseus is portrayed as a hero, referred to as “kingly” and that “there is no mortal half so wise,” which means he was highly regarded. However, his method of surviving and winning all these battles was his wit and that does not necessarily mean his honesty. He did whatever he needed to do to get out of a situation regardless of who he was affecting in his path. I feel like the idea of a hero has changed tremendously in recent times. Heroes are viewed selfless people who give themselves over to protect others never thinking of themselves and are always honest.
I would agree that throughout the book, Odysseus is portrayed as a hero but not necessarily the true definition of a hero. Many of the battles he fought were more for himself rather than looking out for others not looking out for the outcome for others but rather the outcome for himself.
Movies now in which characters that are portrayed as heroes are definitely portrayed as ones that are fighting for everyone else and not looking at what happens to them in the end result. They give more than they receive. They sacrifice themselves for the sake of everyone else.
Great point!