Ashton Polak

Miss Skirtich
15 April 2018
English 10: World Literature
A True Hero

While the Greek heroes are much more than just pure strength. The Odyssey, an epic poem

created by the blind poet, Homer, shows what it truly means to be a hero Homer displays the

Greek values of loyalty, intelligence, and hospitality throughout the Odyssey.

Homer shows the Greek value of loyalty throughout the Odyssey. An example of this

occurs when Odysseus went back to Circe's house to hold a funeral for Elpenor. "To bring back

the body of Elpenor. We cut wood quickly, and on the headland's point we held a funeral

shedding warm tears" (Homer 115). This shows Odysseus's loyalty to his men and that he will do

anything in their honor. Another example of loyalty in the Odyssey happens when Telemachus

weeps for Odysseus when Menelaus his name. "His words aroused in all of them alonging for

lamentation. Argive Helen, a child of Zeus, wept; Telemachus wept" (Homer 17). Even though

Telemachus barely knows his father, his loyalty towards him never died to the point of weeping

for him. These points show that Homer shows the Greek value of loyalty throughout the

Odyssey.

Additionally, Homer conveys the Greek value of intelligence throughout the Odyssey.

This arises when Homer puts wax in the ears of his men to keep them from hearing the singing

of the Sirens. "Then I went down the rows and smeared the wax into all my men's ears. They in

turn bound me hand and foot upright the mast" (Homer 120). Homer's intelligence shows

through, allowing him to outsmart the sirens. Another example takes place when Odysseus
disguised himself to look like a beggar to infiltrate Troy. "He looked like a beggar far from what

he was back in the Greek camp and fooled everyone when he entered Troy" (Homer 19). Homer

knew that he would instantly be recognized and killed in Troy, so he disguised himself so he

could sneak in. These examples show that Homer conveys the Greek value of intelligence

throughout the Odyssey.

Finally, Homer projects the Greek value of hospitality throughout the Odyssey. This can

be seen when Circe takes in Odysseus and his men. "Meanwhile, back in Circe's house, the

goddess had my men bathed, rubbed down with oil, and clothes in tunics and fleecy cloaks. We

found them feasting well in her halls" (Homer 91). Circe took in Odysseus and his men and

allows them to stay in her house for a full year. Another example occurs when Telemachus

brings in a stranger, later revealed to be Odysseus. " Keep your seat stranger. We'll find another

one. Around the place. Eumaeus here can do that" (Homer 142). Telemachus’ kindliness that he

lets a beggar take his seat even though Telemachus is royalty. These examples show that Homer

projects the Greek value of hospitality throughout the Odyssey.

In conclusion, Homer displays the Greek values of loyalty, intelligence, and hospitality

throughout the Odyssey. Being a hero means much more than being strong and brave, it is also

means being faithful, intelligent, and kind to others.