Final answer:
Odysseus is a hero in The Odyssey because he embodies the Greek virtue of arete, overcoming challenges with intelligence and bravery, and accepting human limitations and responsibilities. His high status and heroic journey resonate with the ideals and virtues celebrated in ancient Greek society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Odysseus is considered a hero in The Odyssey due to his numerous heroic qualities showcased throughout the epic. According to Aristotle, heroes like Odysseus hold high social status and provide an aspirational figure to the common audience. Despite the ability to manipulate rules to their advantage, the fact that even powerful characters cannot escape their fate shows the audience the severity of the gods' judgment. Odysseus' journey in The Odyssey emphasizes the Greek virtue of arete, or excellence, both moral and physical, as he faces and overcomes various challenges, displaying cunning intelligence, bravery, and loyalty along the way.
Homer's The Odyssey, a foundational text in 'Western' literature, celebrates the endeavors of larger-than-life heroes from the Mycenaean age. Homer lifts these characters to heroic statuses by pushing back the horizons of what was possible for humans and focusing on their extraordinary careers while acknowledging the ultimate power of the gods. The enduring loyalty of Odysseus to his home and his innovative strategies to deal with adversity are symbolic of Greek ideals and virtues. His ability to learn from his experiences and his acceptance of his own human limitations and responsibilities solidify his status as a hero in the eyes of Greek audiences and readers alike.