Was odysseus a hero for modern times? That's a good question. While he full of timeless themes, I think he is distinctly dated. Times have changed, and aspects of odysseus have become distinctly dated, especially if we consider him to be the star of a fantasy. In that case, we have to change him a bit. For one thing, if the guy is grim. Very grim. Not one wit of humor throughout the whole thing. (nor the liliad now that I think about it). Today's heroes usually are able to conjure up one funny moment, but odysseus is distinctly lacking. Give me one example where he's cheerfull, and funny. Just one. Not when he leaves circe, not when he defeats polyphemus
He's just not any sort of funny, and that's essential in a modern day hero. Harry potter, ender, the list goes on and on. Every single one of them has some element of humor to them. Odysseus has none
