Why is Odysseus different from a typical epic hero?

Question

It is suggested by some that he is different from a normal hero in an epic story. Why?

Answer 1

Here's two examples off the top of my head. It's been years since I've read it. He isn't on some big epic quest, he's just trying to get home. His solutions to problems aren't necessarily the most heroic solutions.

Answer 2

Odysseus is different from heroes like Achilles, Ajax or Hector because his greatest asset is his intelligence.  He is still a great warrior - but not on the same level as Achilles - but he uses his intelligence to win his battles.  It was Odysseus who thought of the idea of the Trojan Horse which ultimately won the Trojan War for the Greeks. In the end it wasn't the battle skills of a great warrior which decided the eventual outcome of the nine siege - it was due to Odysseus using his brain instead of brawn!

This intelligence can also be seen at the end of 'The Odyssey' when again, Odysseus uses his intelligence to deal with the suitors - but once he has ensured they have fallen into his trap - then his skills as a warrior come to the fore as he dispatches them and the handmaidens who had succumbed to them mercilessly.  Following this, he also tests his wife's faithfulness to him by using a clever trick.

So, basically, the thing that differentiates Odysseus from other heroes in an epic story is the fact that he uses his wit and intelligence before his physical strength in his battles.  There is no doubting the fact that he is definitely an epic hero though.

Answer 3

Because his arete isn't in battle. His chief attributes are his intellect and wisdom and he uses these more so than any other person. It doesn't mean he's worse, it just means he has a different skill as compared to the other epic heroes whose expertise is in killing other men.

Answer 4

Others may have thought that he is different from an epic hero perhaps because he is not exactly extraordinary like Hercules. He's just a main character from the Trojan War who got his own leading role. And maybe because he didn't exhibit superhuman powers like super strength. He was only helped by his wisdom and, even, aided by the gods themselves, which may have depicted him in the eyes of others as only dependent on the gods.

For me, he's one of the typical epic heroes. Goes on a quest, faces adversaries using something he's good at, gains allies like Circe and returns home.

Answer 5

Because he is flawed.