What was the Homeric definition of a hero? While Homer never did state exactly what a hero is, by analyzing the behavior of the heroes he depicts, one can clearly see what he meant. Odysseus, Achilles, and Diomedes embody his definition. First, Homer's heroes were all kings: Odysseus was king of Ithaca, Achilles was king of the Myrmidones, and Diomedes the king of Argos. Second, they had the gods on their side. Finally, Greek heroes showed "arete." Liddel and Scott define "arete" as "Goodness, excellence, of any kind, esp. of manly qualities..." One can now see that by "manly qualities," Homer meant courage, strength, ruthlessness, and bloodthirstiness. The Homeric Odysseus, Achilles and Diomedes all showed these qualities. Notice that they were not what one thinks of as chivalrous: This is well portrayed in Diomedes's night raid, when he killed Dolon after promising to spare him. If "arete" means excellence, its definition has clearly changed since the days of Homer.		a
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