Castillo, 1

Karina Castillo

Period 1, Griffin

English Honors

5/9/14

The Ubiquitous Hero

In a recent headline, an Oklahoma teacher shielded students from an oncoming tornado

with her own body. Students and parents both agree that this woman lives up to the definition of

a hero. The teacher refuses this title claiming that she only did what had to be done. A hero is a

person who is admired for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. The ubiquitous

use of hero has made the actual term hero questionable. Although the teacher does not consider

herself a hero, her courage and noble qualities prove she is. One only has to go back thousands of

years to see a representation of another hero, as seen in The Odyssey. In The Odyssey by Homer,

a man named Odysseus encounters many struggles returning home from the Trojan War. After

ten years of being brutally challenged by the gods, Calypso, Polyphemus and many more

enemies, he arrives in his homeland only to discover suitors trying to take his wifes hand and his

kingdom. Odysseus removes the threat of the suitors, and takes his rightful place on his throne,

alongside his faithful wife. Through Odysseus and and his journey home, Homer represents the

inevitable lessons man faces, and in doing so, suggests the idea that everyone is a hero.

The challenge of Kalypso represents a lesson man faces. Kalypso uses her powers on

Odysseus every night for seven years and holds him on her island until Zeus forces her to let

Odysseus go. While helping Odysseus leave he pleads to Kalypso, Yield me first a great oath, if

I do, to work no more enchantment to my harm. (86) Odysseus falls into the distraction of

Kalypso, wasting years of his life and not being able to focus on what he needs to do. This
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reflects on the human nature of becoming sidetracked and being able to pull through, either with

self-control or guidance from someone with more experience as Odysseus guider is Athena.

Odysseus pleading for Kalypso to promise him to do no more magic on him, pertains to the idea

that normal lessons that man kid go through are seemingly heroic for Odysseus, reflecting that

mankind are all heroes. To get his men away from the Lotus eaters he proclaims, No one taste

the Lotos, or you lose your faith of home. (89) A common obstacle mankind must overcome

pertains to the idea of losing purpose in life, falling into temptation and losing your sense of

commitment and becoming indifferent towards life. Odysseus has seen what happens to his

crewmates that fell into the trap of the Lotos and protects the rest of his crew from losing what is

important, getting home. Home is seen as the journey to oneself in The Odyssey. Man must

overcome temptation like the hero Odysseus.

Odysseus faith for his wife is impeccable, as any other would be. Amongst being gone for

ten years Odysseus longing for his wife never falters. His undenying love for Penelope displays

the faith and drive he has. Man must learn to control and aim for that drive. When Odysseus

returns, Penelope tests him before accepting him. When Odysseus speaks of their secret and

sobs, I could not welcome you with love on sight. (436) Although Penelopes faith never

falters for her husbands return, she learns to be patient as Odysseus did.

Odysseus overcoming multiple challenges on his ten year journey home, suggests the idea

of man going through a metaphorical journey, with home representing the place inside of oneself

as the actual goal.