Many debate the definition of a hero. While the ancient Greeks defined a hero as a male, usually of royal or divine descent, my definition is quite different. A hero is someone who completes a significant heroic act with some difficulty or inconvenience, not just by accident, which could not have been accomplished by anyone else. This usually involves a great form of sacrifice for the sake of someone or something other than oneself, done out of kindness and not out of pride or recognition. According to this definition, Odysseus, the main character of Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, does not deserve the title 'hero'. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One of Odysseus' character traits shown in his adventures is his stubborn and reckless nature. He tends to lack the self-control needed to keep himself and his men safe. When Odysseus and his crew discover the Cyclops' lair, his men suggest they leave and steal some cheese. Odysseus lets his stubborn curiosity get the better of him and asks to stay and see what creature might live inside the giant cave. Instead of being a leader and having the self-control to leave, Odysseus becomes the cause of all his men dying or endangering themselves with him. Another time Odysseus shows stubbornness is in his encounter with Circe. When he discovers that the enchantress has captured his men and turned them into pigs, he immediately springs into action. After receiving enormous help from reluctant gods, he risks his life and that of the rest of his group to try to save the others. While this may show some kindness, it demonstrates great recklessness on his part. It may have caused more harm to the captured men. Another time he displays this behavior is when sirens pass by. Not only was the act of listening selfish, but it was also very dangerous. He may have lured the mermaids to the boat and once again put himself and his crew in danger. When things go well and Odysseus gets what he wants, usually with a lot of help, he becomes very proud and rather arrogant. After the Trojan War, Odysseus displays this behavior in his victory. Instead of thanking Poseidon for his help, he taunts and angers the god by boasting. This was why Odysseus and his men ended up in the chaos of the journey and ultimately killed everyone except Odysseus. Another example of this was after defeating Polyphemus. Odysseus couldn't bear not getting recognition for his master plan, so he shouted at the Cyclopes as they left, much to the terror of his men. This caused Polyphemus to drag boulders at them, nearly drowning his fleet, and also brought the curse on Odysseus' men. He's obviously self-centered, which isn't good hero material. Yet another example that proves this was when Odysseus defeated Circe. Not only has he slept with her for an entire year, having a wife and son waiting for him at home, but he also tries to kill one of his closest friends when he questions Odysseus' decision to stay with her. His anger could have made him a murderer. When he's not trying to get himself killed, he's not doing much to keep his crew safe. Many circumstances have shown how self-preserving Odysseus truly is. The first example begins before the Odyssey even begins. To avoid going to war in Troy, Odysseus tries to feign madness. If he had succeeded, Ithaca would certainly have lost the war, since the idea of ​​building the Trojan Horse was Ulysses'. He didn't care about helping his.