The Qualities Of A Hero In Homer's Odyssey

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Based off of stereotypes, heroes are supposed to have ridiculous costumes and good looks, but in reality, heroes are supposed to be people that use the events around them, and their knowledge to complete their tasks. They are usually based off of appearances, and are not always viewed by the traits that make them fit into the title of a hero. A hero has characteristics of being honorable, being selfless when trying to protect others, and not acting fearful when everything around is against your favor. Heroes are people that are honorable/honored because their lives were sacrificed for the greater good. In an excerpt it says, “...Douglass, this former slave, this Negro beaten to his knees...visioning a world where none is lonely, none hunted...this man shall be remembered.” (Hayden, 24). This selection shows that Frederick Douglass died, fighting for equality for everyone. He’s honored by many who follow/followed in his footsteps because gaining freedom for slaves back then was difficult with the little power they had. In the poem, “O Captain My Captain”, it writes, “Rise up- for you the flag is flung- or you the bugle trills...For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning…” (Whitman, 23). Abraham Lincoln, the man they are praising, is being was honored by the cheering from the victory they had during their war, because he was their leader; their president. Douglass and Lincoln were both remembered and praised from gaining something for everyone, because they played a great role in their success. Being selfless means to put others before yourself knowing there are consequences. Matty, from the book “Messenger” by Lois Lowry, was gifted to heal others (human and animal), and Forest, the now treacherous pathway of painful nature, was putting his friends and himself in harm's way. In the novel, it’s written, “”We need your gift,”...with his arms out stretched, his hands touching the earth, he lay there waiting to die. He felt his fingers begin to vibrate.” (Lowry, 164). His friend Kira, and instructor of the village, Leader, were on the brink of death when they called Matty to use his power to save …show more content…
In the story Odysseus it says, “But I would not listen...wanting to see the giant himself, and test his hospitality.” (Homer, 33) Odysseus had heard of the Cyclops, and had become interested in seeing him, which led to having half of his men killed. With the events that had happened, he had to act brave for the last of his followers with him, to lead them to safety, and he successfully did so with a deceitful plan against the giant. In the movie “October Sky”, Homer, a student from a coal mine based town, wanted to create a rocket after creating a liking for science (mainly in space), but everyone around him doubted his plans. After his first runs with the rocket, it usually ended with it exploding or flying into the wrong direction, which once, almost went straight into a friend of his. None the less, he continued with his project knowing that it could get a lot worse over time, not caring what people had told him at first. Odysseus and Homer are not fearful because they continue to do what they believe and think is a good plan that could/went wrong, and finish what was started by using their

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