An epic hero is a larger-than-life figure who undertakes great journeys and performs deeds requiring remarkable strength and cunning. In the “Odyssey” by Homer, Odysseus is a man who is traveling home to Ithaca after 10 years until the end of the Trojan War and comes upon many thrilling, dangerous adventures along the way. The heroic traits of Odysseus in “The Odyssey” by Homer can be compared to those of three contemporary heroes.

An epic hero shows courage. Odysseus shows courage when risks his own life to visit Tiresias, a blind prophet, in the underworld. Circe, the witch of the land of Aeolus, informs Odysseus that he must visit the underworld and hear “ … a prophecy from the ghost of Tiresias.” Odysseus, familiar with the idea that he might not be able to return back to Earth, …show more content…
Odysseus shows perseverance when he never gives up on returning home to Ithaca after 20 years of being gone. On his voyage home, he goes through many harsh trials that test his faithfulness to his homeland. Odysseus made an encounter with Circe, the goddess living on the land Aeolos, and was presented with temptations of all kinds, but he never gave up on his “... homeward bound.” Odysseus and his men came across lotus plants, which gave a relaxing feeling for all of the crew, and no one wanted to leave except Odysseus who stayed never gave up on home. A modern day example of perseverance is Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman, an American born-slave, escaped slavery in the South and became a leading rights activist before the American civil war. After Harriet escaped slavery in 1849, she made use of the system called the Underground Railroad, a ninety-mile trek to freedom in Philadelphia. Rather than remaining in the freedom of the North, Harriet made it her goal to rescue her family and as many slaves possible in the South. Harriet made 19 trips into the South and guided over 300 slaves to freedom. Harriet never gave up on her dream to end