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Examples Of Selflessness In The Odyssey

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Almost anyone can be a hero, but in many different ways. In the book "The Odyssey." The main character, Odysseus, is known for his heroic actions, such as his strength and selflessness. The song "Holding Out for a Hero" also mentions the strength a hero should have. While some may argue that Odysseus does not show strength and selflessness. Because of his excessive pride that he has, betraying his crew also leads to Odysseus not portraying heroic actions. Being a hero has many traits. In the book "The Odyssey." Odysseus shows his strength and selflessness by fighting off Scylla. For example, in book 12, Odysseus has to either deal with Scylla or Charybdis, while Odysseus would rather avoid both. So, when Odysseus went to the underworld, Tiresias …show more content…

This shows that they were upset they couldn't string the bow but the beggar. Odysseus could do it with such ease, showing his strength, then fighting 116 suitors. This also relates to the song "Holding Out for a Hero" because lyrics (12-16) say "I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light... and he's gotta be larger than life..." suggesting when Penelope finds out its Odysseus, Athena gives them more night since they've finally seen each other and Odysseus fought off 116 suitors. The reason why some think that Odysseus does not show heroic traits with his strength and selflessness is because of his excessive pride. For example, in book 9, when Odysseus is escaping from Polyphemus says, "Cyclopes if any man on the face of the earth should ask you who blinded you, shamed you so-say Odysseus..." (558-562). In the song "Holding Out for a Hero" the lyrics (1-4) "...Where are all the gods...To fight the rising odds?" It shows foreshadowing, meaning the Cyclops knows the god, they fight Odysseus's odds of getting home, In conclusion, the main character of the book "The Odyssey" Odysseus shows his heroic traits with his strength and

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