A Hero’s Journey Comparison of The Flash and Odysseus Why does a hero inspire us to challenge ourselves? A hero goes through an amount of challenges that make them who they are. Most of their early challenges are easier than their future challenges. For many heroes they were forced into a situation they would have to make sense of. Odysseus, husband and new father, was forced onto Poseidon’s sea. Odysseus is considered a Greek hero, because he faced hardships that would make him into a great leader. A modern hero, the Flash, has the same characteristics. Barry Allen would wake up with unknown powers and take a step into the hero’s journey. The hero’s journey will make one grow and create a life experience that they can learn from. Following
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For each hero, their challenges continue to grow and along with them a journey begins. Odysseus’ challenges consist of tricking and killing a cyclops, convincing his men to leave Circe’s Island and turn them back into humans, going through the Underworld alone, fighting Scylla the six-headed monster, and being held captive by the sweet Nymph, Calypso. Being quite arrogant towards the cyclops, Odysseus says “If I could take your life I would take your time away, and hurl you down to hell” (9:438-440). The Flash’s challenges also become more difficult. Barry’s challenges are comprised of fighting off criminals with his super speed, falling in love with Iris who loves Eddie Thawne, attacking metahumans that are different from himself, going back in time to choose whether or not to save his mother, and protect his Earth from Zoom, a speedster faster than Barry, who wants to control every earth in every dimension. While Barry phased through time he erased what happened after: “I’ve kissed Iris West twice, and I have managed to erase both times from existence” (www.buddytv.com). Throughout the journey, Odysseus and the Flash mature and acquire great skill and confidence. Before Odysseus truly matured he often was self-centered, “I would not heed them in my glorying spirit, but let my anger flare” (9:414-415). Odysseus cares a lot more for his men, is more humble towards monsters, and has more respect for the Gods. Knowing how to use his power, the Flash strives to be better and uses his skills and knowledge to newer heights. The hero’s weakness or greatest fear gives us a glimpse of their humanity. Not making it back to Ithaca is Odysseus’ greatest fear. The Flash’s greatest fear is if he’s not fast enough to save someone in grave
For each hero, their challenges continue to grow and along with them a journey begins. Odysseus’ challenges consist of tricking and killing a cyclops, convincing his men to leave Circe’s Island and turn them back into humans, going through the Underworld alone, fighting Scylla the six-headed monster, and being held captive by the sweet Nymph, Calypso. Being quite arrogant towards the cyclops, Odysseus says “If I could take your life I would take your time away, and hurl you down to hell” (9:438-440). The Flash’s challenges also become more difficult. Barry’s challenges are comprised of fighting off criminals with his super speed, falling in love with Iris who loves Eddie Thawne, attacking metahumans that are different from himself, going back in time to choose whether or not to save his mother, and protect his Earth from Zoom, a speedster faster than Barry, who wants to control every earth in every dimension. While Barry phased through time he erased what happened after: “I’ve kissed Iris West twice, and I have managed to erase both times from existence” (www.buddytv.com). Throughout the journey, Odysseus and the Flash mature and acquire great skill and confidence. Before Odysseus truly matured he often was self-centered, “I would not heed them in my glorying spirit, but let my anger flare” (9:414-415). Odysseus cares a lot more for his men, is more humble towards monsters, and has more respect for the Gods. Knowing how to use his power, the Flash strives to be better and uses his skills and knowledge to newer heights. The hero’s weakness or greatest fear gives us a glimpse of their humanity. Not making it back to Ithaca is Odysseus’ greatest fear. The Flash’s greatest fear is if he’s not fast enough to save someone in grave