CORC 1110
Paper # 1- Character Analysis of Odysseus’ Godlike/Human Status

Homer’s The Odyssey may feature several heroes, but none are as prevalent as Odysseus. Odysseus has proved himself to be a magnificent hero in various ways. He has shown the heroic traits of courageousness, loyalty, and he saved thousands of innocent lives. However, Odysseus is not necessarily a godlike figure. He is in fact a role model, with a goal to reach his home through resisting temptation and using his intellect and physical strength. While he is brave, clever, and demonstrates self restraint the faults in Odysseus’ character bring him back to being a mortal man.
Odysseus is godlike in both a physical and spiritual sense. Physically, he was created handsome as his creation is described: “Then Athena, born from Zeus, made him look taller and more muscled, and made his hair tumble down his head like hyacinth flowers…So Athena herself made Odysseus' head and shoulders shimmer with grace” (6.236-244). Aside from his godly physique, Odysseus is physically strong and capable as he overcomes the extreme dangers that occur throughout the journey and comes out alive after it all. Being able to face dangerous people and creatures is evident that he is a courageous man given that any mortal man wouldn’t have been able to survive a journey after so many challenges. From the spiritual aspect, Odysseus demonstrates godlike behavior by remaining faithful to his wife and family during the voyage. Remaining loyal for the entire duration is a quality that most mortal men would not have possessed given the various temptations that are difficult to not cave into. For the twenty years he is away from home, Odysseus was approached by beautiful women who were considered to be the most desirable of their lands. His pure faithfulness and loyalty keep him from going astray as a married man, and his