An epic hero is one who does not act irrationally and contemplates his actions and their implications. Odysseus, of Homer's The Odyssey, is an appropriate epic hero because he embodies the values of bravery, intelligence, astuteness, and competency. Numerous examples are found throughout The Odyssey. Such illustrations include Odysseus' conflict with the Cyclops, the Sirens, and Scylla and Charybdis.
First, Odysseus proves that he is a mortal laudable of being dubbed an epic hero during his conflict with the Cyclops. Odysseus shows evidence of his intellectual abilities by first devising a plan to disable the Cyclops and then by cleverly telling the Cyclops that his name is "Noman." Odysseus exemplifies his physical strength by putting his plan into action and ramming a monstrous spear into the Cyclops' eye. Later, when the Cyclops calls for help, he says that Noman is doing harm to him.
Another event in which Odysseus displays his physical and intellectual abilities is during his passing of the Sirens.
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ODYSSEUS karnavires 68Odysseus shows that he has wisdom by listening to the goddess Circe's advice and putting wax into his crew's ears so they will not take notice of the Sirens and try to swim across the ocean to them. He also has his crew lash him to the mast so he can listen to the Sirens without being able to jump out of the boat. This incident also tells of Odysseus' physical force because when he attempts to free himself from the mast the crewmen have to fasten him down even tighter.
Finally, Odysseus confirms his great intellectual aptitudes by getting past Scylla and Charybdis. Odysseus, following Circe's instructions, avoids Charybdis, and chooses the side of the six-headed monster, Scylla. Odysseus recognizes that the six-headed beast is too large for him to...