Odysseus is often described as cunning, intelligent, brave, or passionate, yet throughout the Odyssey, his tale includes many failures in judgment and morals. In his time on Calypso's island, he was unfaithful to his wife- not exactly the best morals (Book 5, lines 248-251). That is our hero, cheating on his wife.
As the story goes on, Odysseus eventually tells his tale to the Phaeacians. In Book 9, he recounts his crew's encounter with Polyphemus. This intelligent, cunning leader leads his men to death at the hands of a cyclops due to his pride. Granted, he does get them out of the situation, but he is the one who got them there in the first place! Not only was he reckless in his judgment of the cyclops/ hospitality, he goes on to gloat when escaping. Pride before the fall, anyone?
Odysseus, though our hero in this tale, has many faults that lead to his extended journey home and the death of his men. His hubris causes his troubles. Homer probably had no intention of doing this, but Odysseus's faults resemble those of King David, in a way. Both are warriors. Both cheated on their wives. Both had excessive pride in man (David after census 2 Sam. 24). Throughout history, many of the most celebrated leaders have had to overcome and endure the consequences of massive failures based upon their judgment. From Noah in Genesis to Bill Clinton or even George Bush in more recent history, failures plague leaders.
The reason I say all of this is to throw out a thought: To gain the title of hero over leader, does one have to overcome personal failure OR just overcome overwhelming odds? And is there such a thing as a perfect hero?
P.S. I commented on Natalie Schuler and Dallas Dodson's posts.
I feel like overcoming both personal failures and overwhelming odds are important when it comes to being a hero. I doubt there has ever been or will ever be the "perfect" literary hero, unless they are based off of Christ. In most cases it seems that heroes must learn from their failures (pride, being most prominent) to become a true hero at heart. That, of course, does not mean they won't fail again. There will always be a struggle when it comes to a heroes heart.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, but there is one thing I would like to point out: Even Christ had flaws.... Don't call me a blasphemer yet!!! That is the Gospel; Christ lived a perfect life, but once upon the cross, He not only took our sins BUT HE BECAME sin, thus the greatest hero, even in reality, was the One who held the most impurity.
DeleteSo, maybe this idea of "overcoming" sin is somewhat relatable. Thanks for the comment.
I think this is such an interesting theme you've recognized in this story line. Looking at the definition of hero, one can see it in a couple of different ways. "1) It is a person who is admired/idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. 2) It is the chief character [in book, play or movie] who is typically identified with good qualities, and with whom the reader is expected to sympathize. 3) A person of superhuman qualities and often semidivine origin, whose dealings with the gods were the subject of greek mythology."
DeletePerhaps the true hero meets the 'requirements' mentioned above in uncanny and unique ways. Indeed, the overcoming of personal failure and overwhelming odds are significant to heroism, but could possibly the way they go about overcoming, the uniqueness of it all, be key to true heroism? I think you are onto something pointing out Christ becoming flaw, sin, Himself. Comparing Christ to the definition of hero doesn't fully line up, but maybe His strange heroism, as true and pure as it is, brings light to what a hero really looks like.
When reading this post, the discussion that we had about the humanity of heroes came to mind. Their flaws are what make them intriguing because their story involves overcoming those flaws. So I think that while overcoming overwhelming odds is significant, a hero overcoming the flaws that accompany his or her own human nature make them truly heroic.
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ReplyDeleteIt depends on who you ask. I like your second comment, Nate. I feel like to be considered a hero one must overcome what is overwhelming odds to the specific person in question. One's personal failure can be considered overwhelming odds. When one has a broad audience, overcoming a massive failure is beating the overwhelming odds.
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