Defining a Hero Defining a hero: a seemingly negligible task becomes almost impossible when an individual recognizes the boundless definitions that would have to be outlined. Said individual would need to draw a framework for an idolized figurehead that must transcend time which cannot be fully realized because of the limitless possibilities for such a portrayal. Therefore, rather than recognize an independent definition for a hero, the following paragraphs reflect how Homer treats the theme in his great epic of the Odyssey via Odysseus as opposed to Marvel’s characterization of the seemingly novel hero Anthony “Tony” Stark in the Iron Man trilogy. The Odyssey follows the homeward bound protagonist and his men on their adventures after …show more content…
To illustrate further, Odysseus shows his intellect while being held captive by the Cyclops, Polyphemus. Rather than act abruptly and simply kill the monster, he “had second thoughts. / [They], too, would have been utterly destroyed, / there in the cave – [they] didn’t have the strength / with [their] own hands to roll from the high door / the massive rock he’d set there” (Odyssey 9.303-7). Homer’s protagonist develops a cunning, multi step plan for escape accordingly. He first cleverly and preemptively fabricates, "Nobody, that's my name. Nobody” (Odyssey 9.410). Then he plans to inebriate the Cyclops, harden a stick from the cave, and use it to blind Polyphemus. When he awakes with a scream his neighbors come to assist him but when he cries “Nobody’s killing me” (Odyssey 9.455) they dismiss. Odysseus and his men eventually escape the cave on the bellies of his sheep at daybreak. This implicates Odysseus’ ability to use his intellect and pensiveness in delicate situations in order to lead his men to safety. Later, Odysseus establishes his concern with the oncoming Sirens and how their captivating songs will lure his crew to certain death without the correct provisions. To solve this problem, he cleverly orders his men plug their ears with wax while he remains