Odysseus
Odysseus, of Homer's epic story Odyssey, is a hero archetype. He is one the most well-known hero’s from Greek mythology along with Achilles and Hercules. Odysseus is a good example of a hero archetype because he embodies the values of bravery, intelligence, astuteness, and competency. There is a rare instance when his pride supersedes his intellectual ability and he makes a foolish decision because of his mortality. Besides being the hero of the Odyssey he plays a key role in Homer’s Iliad. In the story the Odyssey, he is also the king and ruler of Ithaca.
A good example of Odysseus being a hero is due to his bravery, intelligence, astuteness, and competency. While he was trying to return home from Ilium, numerous suitors attempt to seduce his wife, Penelope. However, when he returns Odysseus cleverly plans and carries out the demise of the evil and wasteful suitors with the help of Athena, goddess of wisdom: "Come on weave me a plan to punish them" (430) Odysseus' wisdom is admired by Athena, the goddess of that aptness. Athena is also impressed by his battle heroics and so she endeavors to provide him with succor: "And you didn't know Pallas Athenaia the daughter of Zeus himself, your faithful stand-by and guardian in all your labours!" (459) With Athena's assistance Odysseus becomes a true hero.
Odysseus is the epitome of honor and virtue for his Ithacan subjects. Odysseus' kind and stalwart leadership is revealed by Eumaios and Philoitios, his loyal shepherds, who have both remained loyal to him for twenty years. Eumaios praises Odysseus as "A rare fine master." "Indeed I do not mourn so much for them as for him, though I long to see 'em again and my native land, but I do miss Odysseus since he went away. I don't like to speak his name, man, although he is absent, but I call him 'his honour,' even when he is far away." (412) Odysseus is a befitting king because it is his ancestral right, for he is familiar with his male subjects and...