Imagination in Heroics of Odysseus and Don Quixote. Both the authors draw different characteristics of what it means to be a hero in different ways.

Authors Avatar

Imagination in Heroics of Odysseus and Don Quixote

Quazi Mohammad Faisal

The most respected and venerated social group in ancient times and middle ages were that of the heroic warriors, knights, and kings. The view of what it is to be a hero is winning honor through combat and in a competitive situation. A hero would be someone who has great fighting skill and would even dare to risk death to have honor. The heroes were the people who would lead their armies or fellow knights into battle and won accolades for their courage displayed on the battlefield. On the other hand, the cowardly were subjected to strong prejudice. Their existence was considered a burden on the earth and they were ignored and ridiculed by everyone. This noble characteristic is evident in the Odyssey by Homer and Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. Both the authors draw different characteristics of what it means to be a hero in different ways.

In the Odyssey, mere fighting skill does not necessarily mean that Odysseus was the hero. Rather, we see a man who is very shrewd and cunning. Although he is a brilliant fighter, he also shows restraint and mercy. On the other hand, Don Quixote was not a born hero like Odysseus. He is deluded by chivalric ideas of heroism and valor and sets out to reform the world along with his sensible companion Sancho Panza. Both the heroes are from two very different times of the world but both of them tried to conquer the world with their heroic acts. It’s not just their heroic acts that set them as two of the most renowned heroes of all time; it’s also their imagination or ability to conjure things that makes them stand out. But in comparison, imagination is the key which makes Don Quixote as the hero where imagination just adds a dimension to Odysseus’ character that rules him along with other traits.

Heroes are renowned for their abundance of qualities that enable them to conquer any problem. Odysseus, from The Odyssey, is no different. He represents the heroic ideals of Ancient Greece, and is revered for his perseverance, intelligence, and leadership abilities. Greek heroes were the people who saved people; they were courageous wise and had fighting spirit. But apart from all, all the Greek heroes used to be favored by the divine gods. Odysseus holds almost all the heroic qualities. But he was not always favored by the good gods in his decade long voyage as stated by The Study Club (1922)- “As a hero, Odysseus, it is true, ranks far below Achilles, but he is a much greater figure - one who can endure without despair, even the disfavor of the gods and can by strength of will and the guidance of reason eventually triumph against unbelievable odds” (p. 115).  So, if it was not the help of the gods or if was not only his strength and power, what was it that helps him to survive such a long journey? It was his wit, it was his imaginary that saved in many occasion. It not only saved him, it also distinguishes him from many other Greek heroes who are remembered for their muscles, not for their brains.

Join now!

Odysseus departure from Troy is the beginning of his long heroic adventure. "What of those years of rough adventure, weathered under Zeus?"(Book 1)- This quote depicts not only the rough times Odysseus will have on his journey, but also reveals that Zeus will watch over him. Odysseus will cross the threshold and go to places from where no one has returned before.  On the island of the Cyclops Odysseus exhibits his abilities, as he developed a plan to escape the Cyclops' cave. Odysseus has this plan and utilizes it. He and most of his men escape the cave unharmed. This ...

This is a preview of the whole essay