When we compare the Odysseus of the Odyssey with his character in the former epic, as well as with Achilles and Hector, we see the changing face of Homeric heroism. To use the words of Phoinix in the Iliad, a hero should be “a speaker of words and one “accomplished in action” (Iliad.IX.443). The Iliadic Odysseus fits easily into this description, being fully adept in combat and speech. A hero is one who should stand out from the rest of the people (“aristos”), by birth and by endeavour. He should be favoured by the gods and worthy of their divine patronage and assitance, not because he needs it but because he deserves it. He should always be in the frontline, winning “kleos” (=everlasting fame), aiming to die gloriously if needs be. He is an orator, passionate in debate and skilled in rhetoric. In addition, the heroes of the Iliad also have their own particular character traits that identify them. In many ways, Odysseus in the Odyssey is similar to the Achilleus, with aspects of Hector also (due to his love for his family). Odysseus is loved by his family and even refers to himself as father of Telemachus in the Iliad, rather than son of Laertes as we might expect (Iliad.II.260). In the Odyssey, returning home (= “nostos”) to his family is his sole goal. (read full text…)