Gilgamesh showed heroism when he defeated the monster called Humbaba. ... The people in Gilgamesh's hometown of Urok did not want him not to fight the terrible monster, and they were afraid that the battle would ultimately lead to Gilgamesh's death. Gilgamesh was very anxious for the battle with the monster, Humbaba, but he tricked him in a very clever way by offering his sisters to be the beast's wife or mistress. ... This example shows Gilgamesh's heroism by not only defeating the monster, but because he demonstrated his integrity when tempted by Ishtar. ...

• Word Count: 1524
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Looking back on women in ancient civilizations we see a variety of different ways in which they have been regarded. In ancient Greece, women were mostly subservient to men; yet, in writing the Odyssey Homer gives us a slightly broader outlook on a woman's role in society. Not only does Homer expose ...

• Word Count: 1585
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Throughout much of ancient Greek society, focus was centered upon oneself as opposed to the ideal of others and family. In comparison to Homer's Iliad, the idea of family and the development of that relationship are concepts more central to the Odyssey. One relationship in the Odyssey that is unique...

• Word Count: 1806
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

When he and his crew reach the great Kyklops, Odysseus thinks ahead and realizes that if he kills the great monster, his men will "perish there [ ] for we could never move his ponderous doorway slab aside;" therefore he mindfully creates a plan before taking the beast's life (310). ...

• Word Count: 1444
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

An "epic hero" can be defined as a person who fights for a noble cause. He strives with extensive wit, courage, power, perseverance, and strength that are almost superhuman. The epic hero undergoes a series of phases throughout his journey to fight for this cause. This includes the call, challenges,...

• Word Count: 1571
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

What was Odysseus's primary motive in the Odyssey? His primary motive was to come home to his wife, Penelope, and to his home in Ithaka. It was the reason he battled hardship after hardship, his heart always turned towards his home and his wife. Some people make the claim that he had a "restless spi...

• Word Count: 2055
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

A Hero's Fate Everyone has a destiny, a fate that was decided for them from the moment they were born. But not too many people's life purpose includes as much responsibility and sacrifice as Odysseus's did. Odysseus, the hero of The Odyssey, was born into royalty and ruled the city-state of ...

• Word Count: 2103
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School