« Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925 in Omaha. Malcolm Malcolm Malcolm is a modern hero, just as Ulysses is an epic hero. An epic hero is a larger-than-life figure who embodies a nation or race. The hero usually undertakes long and dangerous journeys and performs great deeds that require courage and bravery. Both Malcolm X and Ulysses are heroes because of their great leadership, the struggles they overcame, and both embody the ideals of a race or nation. Both Malcolm X and Ulysses overcame struggles in their lives. Odysseus experiences difficulties on his return to Ithaca, Odysseus faces the lotus eaters, the Cyclops and Poseidon. The Lotus Eater is friendly and hospitable, but the plants they give to Odysseus's men make them oblivious to what is happening. Odysseus saves them and calls his men “all aboard; come, clean the beach and no one tastes the lotus, otherwise you will lose hope of being at home.” The great Odysseus also faces the Cyclops who "caught two of them in his hands like squirming puppies to smash their brains out, splashing the ground." Likewise, Malcolm X experienced difficulties early in his life; Malcolm and his family are forced to move twice before Malcolm turns 4 because Ku Klux Klan terrorists burn down his house and kill his father. When police reported the incident, they ruled it an accident. He tells his teacher that he wants to be a lawyer when he grows up but his teacher ...... middle of paper ...... is considered one, regardless of color” (Gunderson 20). Both Malcolm and Odysseus are heroes, the one who lived a thousand years ago and the one who lived about 40 years ago. Both are considered heroes of the known struggles they fought in their lives. Malcolm's struggle lasted most of his life from his childhood until he was shot 16 times by members of the Nation of Islam and Ulysses struggled to return to his country. 9 years until his return to Greece where he lived bitter days. The great and wise Odysseus is the leader of a group of the Greek army as they fight their way to victory and Malcolm is the leader of the African American Unit, a non-religious organization where only blacks can be members of the organization. to spread peace, freedom and respect to all races and peoples of the world.