Epic Hero in Homer's Odyssey With its extraordinary twists and turns, The Odyssey is a classic depiction of an epic in literature. That said, it's no surprise that the story's main character helps define an epic hero. A character must express certain virtues to be considered such. Strength, courage and nobility are almost prerequisites. Intelligence is an added advantage. Odysseus possesses many characteristics and virtues that make him a true representation of an epic hero. Strength is a characteristic that Odysseus exhibits. One scene that shows this is when Odysseus, disguised as a poor man, bends his old bow. "He bent the bow with little difficulty. With his right hand he grasped the string and let it quiver beautifully. During all this, the suitors were amazed." 194. On the contrary, the suitors cannot, however much they may, try. In particular, "Leiodes was the first to try. He was a fairly decent fellow who did not approve of the arrogance of suitors. He took the bow and tried it. He could not draw it. His hands were sore from the failed attempt 189." It infuriates them that some poor person has the audacity to be superior in some way. They don't know that this "poor man" has not only physical strength, but also strength of character. Odysseus is able to control his temper, for the most part, and not let his anger betray his true identity to suitors. Strength and courage seem to go hand in hand. Alone the two are weak, but together they are almost invincible. Even before the book takes place, Odysseus shows the courage to be a war hero. Only the brave do so well in battle. In every trial that comes his way, he shows courage to some extent. When Poseidon wrecks his ship, Odysseus finds... in the center of the card... the armor of an entire villa. Odysseus, however, did. Even during the massacre of the suitors, Ulysses is always worried. He orders the musician to play a wedding song to mask the real action behind the walls. His plans generally worked on their own. These displays of intelligence set him apart from most ordinary men. Intelligence is a trait he is revered for. It proves lifesaving more than once. Odysseus may not display all the traits associated with epic heroes. However, it still shows a lot of them. Strength, courage and nobility are the materials that make up the mold of epic heroes. Not everyone is as smart as him, but that's what sets him apart and makes him a unique person. A character doesn't need an unusual birth or adoptive parents to be considered epic. Ulysses sets a high bar for others ranked with him.