Through cannibalistic islanders, one-eyed giants, and being held captive by Greek goddesses, Odysseus’ voyage teaches readers quite a bit about Greek values and beliefs. The Odyssey was said to have originated around three thousand years ago as an oral epic recited by the blind poet, Homer. Since then, the poem has been recited and built upon, and even deemed a poetic masterpiece. Archetypes make the world feel united; they create a sense of relation between different ethnicities, cultures, and generations. The Odyssey shows how Greek customs and values connect with those of modern behavior. In the epic, many archetypes are used to connect Greek culture to a hero’s “epic” journey. In Homer’s poem, there are three main archetypes that illustrate
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In the epic poem, Odysseus holds the iconic archetypal role. This is due to the fact that the story encompasses Odysseus and his journey home from Troy. “Men hold me formidable for guile in peace and war: this fame has gone abroad to the sky’s rim.” (Homer and Robert Fitzgerald, Lines 18-20). The hero occupies a very unique role, but is much simpler than it is made out to be. A mostly typical citizen is faced with a dilemma and handles it differently than others would. “They are only mortals, ones that try their best to accomplish feats while fighting against external and internal forces.” (Harris-The Hero’s Journey). These particular instances represent admirable characteristics according to Greek standards. Heroes generally illustrate the most desirable characteristics within a culture. In The Odyssey, Odysseus is depicted as being handsome, strong, wise, cunning, and a man of the sea. Particular characteristics such as so make him a desirable figure within Greek standards. “Lithe and young…ruddy with sun, his jawline clean, the beard no longer grey upon his chin.” (Homer and Robert Fitzgerald, Lines 1018-1020). In literature, the hero encounters hurdles, including monsters and
In the epic poem, Odysseus holds the iconic archetypal role. This is due to the fact that the story encompasses Odysseus and his journey home from Troy. “Men hold me formidable for guile in peace and war: this fame has gone abroad to the sky’s rim.” (Homer and Robert Fitzgerald, Lines 18-20). The hero occupies a very unique role, but is much simpler than it is made out to be. A mostly typical citizen is faced with a dilemma and handles it differently than others would. “They are only mortals, ones that try their best to accomplish feats while fighting against external and internal forces.” (Harris-The Hero’s Journey). These particular instances represent admirable characteristics according to Greek standards. Heroes generally illustrate the most desirable characteristics within a culture. In The Odyssey, Odysseus is depicted as being handsome, strong, wise, cunning, and a man of the sea. Particular characteristics such as so make him a desirable figure within Greek standards. “Lithe and young…ruddy with sun, his jawline clean, the beard no longer grey upon his chin.” (Homer and Robert Fitzgerald, Lines 1018-1020). In literature, the hero encounters hurdles, including monsters and