The Odyssey Chapter catorce

In this chapter, Ulysses goes to his house disguised as an ugly old man and "meets" the pig-keeper. Basically, the pig-keeper shows him great hospitality and Ulysses tells him about his "travels." Of course, this is all a huge lie, considering he isn't an old man, he's Ulysses, and he never even stayed in Egypt for eight years! He also lies when he tries to trick the people into giving him a warm coat. I'm thinking; how's this guy supposed to be a hero when all he does is lie?