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 Ithaca when he was older. At the start of the Trojan War, he was forced to leave his wife, son and entire life behind him to fight for his nation. He had to endure ten long years of harsh fighting until the war was finally won by the Greeks. His duty fulfilled, Odysseus could now begin his journey towards his home. The Odyssey and its hero Odysseus are superior examples of the epic genre and the epic hero because they demonstrate most, if not all, of the epic conventions. Within The Odyssey, Odysseus displayed the conventions of never quitting despite obstacles, being stronger and smarter than most men, being aided and opposed by deities, and possessing extraordinary courage. Odysseus was a very brave man who even when his crew was scared and wanted to quit, pushed them and himself to keep fighting through all of the challenges so they could finally reach Ithaca.
Sometimes it takes all of someone's physical ability and mental stamina just to have the strength to go on. To find someone who can pick themselves up after repeatedly falling is a rare thing. Never giving up is not just an action, it is a quality in character that defines someone's personality. Odysseus encompassed this quality and proved it throughout the story of The Odyssey. On their journey home, Odysseus and his men landed on the island of Aeolus, the god of the wind. As they were leaving, the god gave to Odysseus a large bag which held strong winds and instructed the hero not to open it. He followed the order and within ten days could spot the shores of Ithaca. However, his crew's curiosity got the better of them and they sliced the bag open.