Arete is a Greek term that basically means
“excellence” or “moral virtue” in general. It also means to live up to one’s
full potential of life.
In Homer’s poetry, Arete has been used to describe valor, excellence, and effectiveness. Homer has frequently applied this concept not only for the heroes of Greece and Troy but also for the female figures, for example Penelope, the wife of the Greek hero Odysseus.
The concept of Arete has been well demonstrated in works of Homer, especially in the Iliad and the Odyssey.
The battle between Hector and Achilles is a perfect example of Arete in the Iliad. Hector knows that he has been abandoned by the gods and can’t win the battle.
The tears of his son cannot stop him from showing his great warrior skill and loyalty. Even in the face of inevitable death, he does not retreat but face Achilles with courage worthy of Arete.
On the other hand, Odysseus deserves Arete in the Odyssey in his own right. Odysseus does not surrender to fear, rather fights through adversity, which is the demonstration of massive courage and greatness. He displays his mental strength when he strings the bow in the battlefield without being panicked.
At last, he wins back Penelope and his kingdom after displaying valor, dexterity and prudence in front of all.
In Homer’s poetry, Arete has been used to describe valor, excellence, and effectiveness. Homer has frequently applied this concept not only for the heroes of Greece and Troy but also for the female figures, for example Penelope, the wife of the Greek hero Odysseus.
The concept of Arete has been well demonstrated in works of Homer, especially in the Iliad and the Odyssey.
The battle between Hector and Achilles is a perfect example of Arete in the Iliad. Hector knows that he has been abandoned by the gods and can’t win the battle.
The tears of his son cannot stop him from showing his great warrior skill and loyalty. Even in the face of inevitable death, he does not retreat but face Achilles with courage worthy of Arete.
On the other hand, Odysseus deserves Arete in the Odyssey in his own right. Odysseus does not surrender to fear, rather fights through adversity, which is the demonstration of massive courage and greatness. He displays his mental strength when he strings the bow in the battlefield without being panicked.
At last, he wins back Penelope and his kingdom after displaying valor, dexterity and prudence in front of all.
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