Monomyth In The Odyssey

Joseph Campbell’s concept of monomyth has been studied as a highly influential theory that can be seen in the parallel between ancient Greek text and modern media. It follows the philosophy that all narrative patterns are repeatedly used in different variations throughout history and all derive from one mythology. (Campbell) The Odyssey by Homer acts as a foundation for many ensuing stories throughout history, creating the common theme of a hero’s journey. This journey can also be studied in George R.R. Martin’s book series A Song of Ice and Fire, through the character of Daenerys Targaryen and her narrative, in which a hero takes a long voyage home from war. By applying Campbell’s monomyth theory to George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire …show more content…
Martin’s series follow a proposed arc that parallels the character arcs studied in the Odyssey. The characters of Daenerys and Odysseus are rulers who put the safety of their kingdom before their own desires, “private desires tend to be trumped by public moral obligations to duty, honor and country, with political life ‘placed at the center of poetic concern.’” (Weiner) Daenerys chooses to marry a nobleman instead of her lover in order to end the rising tension within her city, “‘My people are bleeding. Dying. A queen belongs no to herself, but to the realm. Marriage or carnage, those are my choices. A wedding or a war.’” (Martin A Dance with Dragons) Similarly Odysseus remains selfness throughout his 20 years away from Ithaca as he mains a certain level of self-control that his men lack as they eat the food of Circe and open the bag gifted by Aeolus. The trope of a vengeful king is personified through the characters of Poseidon and Robert Baratheon. Both are powerful rulers who hold a vendetta against the protagonists and tormenting the heroes throughout their journey. Poseidon’s anger towards Odysseus stems from the prayer of the Cyclops, Polyphemus, a son of Poseidon’s who after losing his eyesight to Odysseus asks his father for vengeance, “so he made his petition and the dark God heard him.” (Homer) Robert aims to abolish Daenerys’ bloodline to end any alternative claims to the throne of Westeros. “Robert Baratheon offers …show more content…
Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire several environments that the heroes encounter act as a setting where they face very similar circumstances. The texts also feature a deadly path that the voyagers must travel through in search of shelter, in this search for refuge they must sacrifice some of their men. Odysseus fatal passage comes in the form of Scylla and Charybdis, who “‘snatched six men from our hollow ship, the toughest strongest hands I had.’” (Homer) Daenerys’ sacrifice takes place in what is called the Red Waste, a land where “death followed death. Weak children, wrinkled old women, the sick and the stupid and the heedless, the cruel land claimed them all.” (Martin, A Clash for Kings) The red sand acts for Daenerys as the sea serpents do for Odysseus, a setting in their travels where they must sacrifice those that have voyaged with them for the greater good. Predating this incident Daenerys and her people are welcoming into the city of Qarth, only to be betrayed as her dragons are stolen and her men killed by a warlock, she is tested as she wins her first victory against those who wronged her people, as she must grow into the role of ruler. Odysseus and his crew are tested when they come upon the witch Circe and her island, where they were first welcomed into the supposed sanctuary until, his men are turned into swine. Odysseus is tested “where upon Odysseus, having successfully passed the test, wins her