An epic hero can be described as a legendary figure endowed with great strength or ability that is admired for his achievements and noble qualities. To better explain the true meaning of an epic hero, one might compare this definition to the legendary hero in Homer's The Odyssey, the great Odysseus. Through The Odyssey, we, the readers, are taken on a journey of the main character, Odysseus, bearing witness to the many vices and virtues that play a pivotal role on his voyage to his homeland of Ithaca. On his journey, he encounters the many supernatural beings of Greek literature, forcing him to make decisions that greatly impact his life. Through these encounters, his unique heroic qualities are clearly depicted in numerous ways. A man of outstanding prowess and bravery, Odysseus uses his cunning ideas and insuperable intelligence to overcome the many obstacles presented to him. He is a crafty thinker, always searching for the best resolution that will prove beneficial to himself and others.
             "I was already plotting... What was the best way out? How could I find escape from death for my crew, myself as well? My wits kept weaving, weaving cunning schemes – life at stake, monstrous death staring us in the face." (Book IX, lines 469-472)
             While his physical strength is greater than most, it is his emotional stability and level-headedness that allow him to reason and evaluate situations so well, thus often emerging victorious. But, without his perseverance, faith and ability to never lose sight of his true goals, he would have never managed to survive and reach his homeland of Ithaca.
             In times of peril, Odysseus was able to depend on his bravery and tact. Being the master of strategy, he often rationalized his way to victory by using his quick wit and persuasive personality. His cunning and creative ideas used when manipulating situations to fall in his favor were nearly flawless. A perfect example of his ability t...