Odysseus Was Not a Hero in the Odyssey

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Odysseus has very little respect for human life. Today, heroes must always take into consideration who will be affected by their actions and how to save as many people as possible. Odysseus is known for being an excellent militant and ruthless in combat, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that he allows for the death of those who couldn’t defend themselves. Upon returning home, he slays all of his wife’s suitors and the women who served them. When a man who claimed he never went after Penelope asked him to be spared, he “…drove [a sword] through the man’s throat…” for hoping Odysseus wouldn’t return (277). Fantasizing over someone shouldn’t be grounds for execution, but Odysseus didn’t respect the life of this man. Also, upon finding out about the women who served these men, he ordered for someone to “…kill them all, and teach them to forget their secret bussing and cuddling…” (280). The women couldn’t help themselves and their lives were ended because they didn’t know Odysseus, so they didn’t defend him, like his personal servants did.

Some may argue that Odysseus was strong militarily, had glory in Troy, or even that he had to be king of Ithaca for a reason, but these aren’t the only characteristics that make up a modern hero. Today’s heroes are helpful and can lead without letting pride get in the way. Odysseus failed to prove he was a hero on multiple occasions, causing the suffering of his loved ones, those he encountered, and himself. If Odysseus was truly a hero, he would have been able to keep his crew alive, stay loyal to his wife, and not anger the gods.