Was Odysseus Truly a Hero? Classicists Say Homer's Hero Misunderstood for Centuries

For centuries, Odysseus has been portrayed as the epitome of a Greek hero: a brilliant commander, a devoted husband, and a father striving to return home. However, a closer examination of Homer's "Odyssey" reveals a far more complex character, whose violence, boastfulness, and morally questionable actions have often been overlooked.

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The dominant misconception about Odysseus is that he is a good man.

"The dominant misconception about Odysseus is that he is a good man," stated Elenor Martin, a doctoral candidate in classical studies at Yale University. Speaking with classicists regarding the premiere of Christopher Nolan's "Odyssey," Martin and others discussed the epic's message and the reasons behind Odysseus's frequent misinterpretations.

While Odysseus is credited with devising the Trojan Horse, "He's devilishly clever," noted Joel Christensen, author of "Why Odysseus? Survivor, Scoundrel, (Anti)hero." However, Christensen argues this intelligence does not automatically make him a good or wise person. He suggests Odysseus's own flaws, particularly his vanity and disregard for hospitality rules, prolonged his decade-long journey back to Ithaca.

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He's devilishly clever.

One of the most famous episodes involves the Cyclops Polyphemus. Although Polyphemus violated ancient hospitality rules by consuming some of Odysseus's men, Odysseus had previously entered the cave, stolen supplies, and then blinded the giant. Sarah Bond, an associate professor of history at the University of Iowa, points out that Odysseus's "hubris in taunting Polyphemus after blinding him" ultimately led to his downfall. As Polyphemus was Poseidon's son, the sea god's wrath became the primary reason for the subsequent obstacles Odysseus faced.

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Hubris in taunting Polyphemus after blinding him ultimately led to Odysseus's downfall.

Mos further highlights Odysseus's tendency to fall asleep at critical moments. After receiving a bag of magical winds from Aeolus, Odysseus's crew was close to Ithaca. However, Odysseus, having lied to his men about the bag's contents, fell asleep. His crew opened the bag, unleashing a storm that sent them back to Aeolus's island, where the god refused further aid. The "Odyssey" also explores double standards, as Odysseus allows himself to listen to the Sirens while his men are protected by beeswax.

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Pride was Odysseus's downfall.