1. Introduction
2. Denotative heroism

1. definition
2. analysis

0. bravery
1. an epic character
2. high morals

1. conclusion

1. Theatrical heroes

1. tragic hero

0. Aristotle's definition
1. Other characteristics
2. comparison to Oedipus

1. comic hero

0. characteristics
1. conclusion

1. Reader's definition

1. personal defenition
2. examples of heroes
3. conclusion

1. Conclusion

Thomas Fuller wrote in his Gnomologia "It is fortune (or chance) that chiefly makes heroes" (Webster's BT-78). If only everyone were to agree on so simple an answer for what makes a hero! People have had there own ideas about what defined heroes even before any structured theater or any other form of artistic expression was invented. A famed character such as Odysseus, also known as Ulysses, fits into some aspects of all of these definitions, though may not completely satisfy any of their requirements. Odysseus is best known for his part in the Trojan War and his misadventures trying to get back to his wife Penelope and son Telemechus in his kingdom of Ithaca. From these stories, mostly compiled Homer's Odyssey, we can gather many of Odysseus' characteristics and from which determine whether or not he is, in fact a hero.

According to Webster's Dictionary, the denotative meaning of a hero is, "A man of distinguished valor, intrepidity, or fortitude; a central or prominent personage in any remarkable action or course of events; a man admired and venerated for his noble deeds or qualities" (451). This somewhat long-winded explanation basically says that a hero is very brave, oftentimes a central character in an epic, and is admired for his high morals and good deeds. Odysseus did indeed show that at times he could be brave. During the Trojan War it is said that he dressed like a Trojan and went into Troy as a spy. He was a leader in the assaults on Troy, including the final battle resulting from the Trojan horse, Odysseus' brainchild (Odysseus 1). Although he was brave, Odysseus frequently lacked that self-sacrificing, lost-cause battle type of foolish bravery. Odysseus never entered a battle unless he was sure he could win. Since the word intrepid means bravery to the extreme of being bold and undaunted, one could easily say that Odysseus did not fully fill that requirement. Though his bravery might not be up to the standard of a hero, no one can argue that Odysseus was the central character in an epic; the Odyssey bears his name. At least that aspect of heroism was covered by Odysseus.

The final denotative stipulation for a hero is that he always held high moral values and character. This certainly did not characterize Odysseus. It was not unlike Odysseus to save himself by sacrificing some of his men or killing a helpless victim while they slept, both of which happened in the cave of the Cyclops Polythemus. He led the attack on Troy that butchered thousands of unarmed civilians, many of them women and children. Some would consider these acts cowardice, therefore further revoking the view many hold of him as a brave man. He also had affairs with other women on his way home to his wife and never thought twice, but interrogated Penelope to find out if she had shared her bed with another (Odysseus 1). Although this was not an uncommon mindset of the times, it is still evidence that he was not morally correct; the status quo is no excuse.

Another way to define a hero is by looking at the characteristics and definitions of a tragic or comic hero. Aristotle said that the way to determine a tragic hero was through four points: he must have a hamartia, a fatal flaw; he must not be conscious of this flaw; he must suffer a downfall; and most importantly must be considered a hero by many people. Also, a tragic hero must be incredibly rigid in his views and thus bring about his own demise (Tragic). Other than his standing as a hero with many people, Odysseus satisfies none of these requirements. He did not have a fatal flaw and didn't bring about his own demise; he came out of his ordeal better off than he went into it in many respects. Oedipus from the Greek tragedy, Oedipus Rex, is a prime example of a tragic hero. One can see the complete difference between the two characters. Oedipus was extremely strong-headed, while Odysseus was a quick thinker who could compromise and cut his losses.

On the other hand, a comic hero is one who is extremely flexible and a quick thinker (Tragic). Where a tragic hero expects things to work out just because he wills it, a comic hero improvises and rolls with the punches. Odysseus frequently lied, cheated, disguised himself, or compromised to get what he wanted. For example, Odysseus tricked the Cyclops into getting drunk so that he could defeat the mighty giant. So, one can plainly see that Odysseus is a comic hero in the grandest style.

The final definition is that of the reader. I myself hold the highest standards for my heroes, including many of the aspects of the previous two definitions. To me, a hero should be impetuously brave, have the highest morals even to the point of self-sacrifice, and be a great thinker in all situations. Perhaps my favorite heroic quality is expressed in the old adage: "Some are born for greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them." I prefer the latter. I count among my heroes literary giants such as Sir Galahad from Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte de'Arthur, Robin Hood, and Sherlock Holmes from the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. More contemporary icons such as the Lone Ranger or Superman I consider heroes. Odysseus, in my humble opinion, was a very brave man who achieved wonders in his time, but that's where it ends. Had his morals been higher, I might consider him a hero. He certainly was brave and a great thinker… few were as quick as he was; he did not look to achieve greatness, but was forced into it by his allies. Even his ruthlessness could have been forgiven, but his infidelity to his men and wife can not.

After reviewing these three avenues of heroism, it seems that Odysseus was only a hero in the comic sense. The other standards seem to have barely evaded him. I know that many consider Odysseus to be the epitome of heroism, but I can not. To me, he doesn't measure up to true heroics.