Odysseus' actions on Circe's island could be described as heroic. Explain why.

When Odysseus and his men arrive on Circe's island, in Book 10, Odysseus immediately sets out, alone, to hunt for food for him and his men without knowing what dangers could face him on the island. In doing this he successfully catches a stag and returns it to his men to eat without any trouble, showing bravery and leadership which are elements essential in a hero. On learning of his mens' capture Odysseus rushes to save them without any thought of his own safety and without knowing what enemy he may have to face this time. On his way to rescue his men he encounters Hermes, the messenger god, who gives him some advice on how to successfully overcome Circe. Having a deity visit him is another classic sign of a hero as the gods would only appear to certain mortals. On arrival Odysseus overcomes the threat of Circe forcing her to turn his men from pigs back into humans. This victory against the divine once more indicating his heroism. Equally he goes on to sleep with Circe proving he is no ordinary mortal. Finally, after asking Circe for advice on how to return to Ithaca she tells him he has to visit Hades, to which he agrees. The act of visiting the underworld is indicative of heroism as it is rare for a mortal to visit two realms and has only been done by a handful of men such as the ultimate hero, Heracles.