Final answer:
Odysseus is considered an epic hero due to his embodiment of the Greek virtue of arete, his resourcefulness, and his grand adventures in Homer's The Odyssey. His encounter with Circe does not make him less of a hero but showcases his adaptability and growth. Greek literature often depicts heroes who navigate divine whims and fate with virtue, upholding their heroic status.
Step-by-step explanation:
Odysseus is considered an epic hero primarily due to his nobility, courage, and the grand scale of his adventures as described in Homer's The Odyssey. As an epic hero, he embodies the Greek virtue of arete, which signifies excellence and success in the context of both moral and physical attributes. His interactions with various beings, including gods and mythical creatures, demonstrate his resourcefulness and intelligence, which are key traits of an epic hero.
The interaction between Odysseus and Circe can be seen as a test of his heroism. While he does fall under her spell temporarily, he eventually negotiates their freedom and proves his leadership and wit. This encounter does not make him less of a hero; rather, it adds depth to his character by showing his capacity for growth and adaptability in the face of challenges, which is consistent with Greek literature's portrayal of heroes as virtuous but not flawless.
In Homer's epics and the tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides, Greek heroes are depicted as exceptional humans who must deal with both the capricious nature of the gods and the complexities of fate. Odysseus, through his improvisation and determination, upholds his heroic status, echoing Aristotle's belief that Greek heroes serve as models of virtue with high social status that even when faced with inevitable fate, can act with honor and dignity.