Heroism is defined as "the qualities or attributes of a hero or heroine." In respects of this essay I will compare The Odyssey and Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali, and their two main characters Odysseus and Sundiata. In both epics The Odyssey and Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali Odysseus and Sundiata both embark on the heroic conquest to fulfill their destiny. All throughout the two main characters quest, they encounter obstacles, and foes they must overcome in order to achieve their goal of returning home. In Homers Odyssey, numerous exemplars of the two main themes heroism and destiny are evident, whether they are for the advantage or destruction of Odysseus. In Niane's Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali, The theme of heroism and destiny appear bold
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His recognition of good – and – evil helps him on countless occasions avoid catastrophe. Odysseus sturdiness is his most magnificent characteristic; because of it Odysseus feared not a soul. Throughout Odysseus escapade with the Cyclops, the cunning hero says, "we climbed, the briskly to the cave. But Kyklops had gone afield, to pastore his fat sheep, so we look round at everything inside." (IX, 232-234). This is a depiction of Odysseus heroism, despite the unknown territory Odysseus and his men explore the treacherous inhabitants of the Cyclopes' cave. The narrative informs the reader the Cyclops is uncivilized and unpredictable. Entering the Cyclopes layer unannounced could have been the downfall for Odysseus, because the unruly Cyclops feasted on some of his crew as a repercussion, the brave warrior put forth a scheme to blind the Cyclopes' with a pike of an olive tree. "Straight forward they sprinted, lifting it, and rammed it deep in his crater eye." (IX, 414-415). Such a risk taken by Odysseus paid off in his favor, for if it had failed, he and his remaining crew would have been goners. Odysseus displays himself as a savior, which further reinforces his heroism. Throughout his experiences with the Lotos Eaters, he saves three men he had chosen to study the people on the island. "They long to stay forever, browsing on that native bloom, forgetful of their homeland." …show more content…
King Maghan Kon Fatta Who is Sundiata father, was told a prophecy by an unarmed hunter. The prediction was that Maghan Kon Fatta would wife and unpleasant woman and bear a child with her. The child later to be born was Sundiata, and he would be known as the greatest king Mali will ever have. Throughout this epic Dejeli Mamoudou Kouyaté makes it clear that men do not control their own destiny. Soothsayers foretell Sundiata’s rise before he was born, and much of his journey towards the founding of the empire is delineated as steps towards realizing his own destiny. At full lengths during the epic, Griot find amusement in those who would try to derail or work again, therefore told destiny, for it is immovable. The Griot said "God has his mysteries which none can fathom. You, perhaps, will be king. You can do nothing about it. You, on the other hand, will be unluckily, but you can do nothing about that either. Each man finds his way already marked out for him and he can change nothing of it." (Sundiata p.15). The griot depicts the story of Sundiata rise with a reminder of destiny in life. There is much irony in the ways Sundiata enemies try to hinder his future, but in the process, enable – his destiny. Griot often reminds his listeners destiny cannot be perceived, and the wise man learns patients as it
His recognition of good – and – evil helps him on countless occasions avoid catastrophe. Odysseus sturdiness is his most magnificent characteristic; because of it Odysseus feared not a soul. Throughout Odysseus escapade with the Cyclops, the cunning hero says, "we climbed, the briskly to the cave. But Kyklops had gone afield, to pastore his fat sheep, so we look round at everything inside." (IX, 232-234). This is a depiction of Odysseus heroism, despite the unknown territory Odysseus and his men explore the treacherous inhabitants of the Cyclopes' cave. The narrative informs the reader the Cyclops is uncivilized and unpredictable. Entering the Cyclopes layer unannounced could have been the downfall for Odysseus, because the unruly Cyclops feasted on some of his crew as a repercussion, the brave warrior put forth a scheme to blind the Cyclopes' with a pike of an olive tree. "Straight forward they sprinted, lifting it, and rammed it deep in his crater eye." (IX, 414-415). Such a risk taken by Odysseus paid off in his favor, for if it had failed, he and his remaining crew would have been goners. Odysseus displays himself as a savior, which further reinforces his heroism. Throughout his experiences with the Lotos Eaters, he saves three men he had chosen to study the people on the island. "They long to stay forever, browsing on that native bloom, forgetful of their homeland." …show more content…
King Maghan Kon Fatta Who is Sundiata father, was told a prophecy by an unarmed hunter. The prediction was that Maghan Kon Fatta would wife and unpleasant woman and bear a child with her. The child later to be born was Sundiata, and he would be known as the greatest king Mali will ever have. Throughout this epic Dejeli Mamoudou Kouyaté makes it clear that men do not control their own destiny. Soothsayers foretell Sundiata’s rise before he was born, and much of his journey towards the founding of the empire is delineated as steps towards realizing his own destiny. At full lengths during the epic, Griot find amusement in those who would try to derail or work again, therefore told destiny, for it is immovable. The Griot said "God has his mysteries which none can fathom. You, perhaps, will be king. You can do nothing about it. You, on the other hand, will be unluckily, but you can do nothing about that either. Each man finds his way already marked out for him and he can change nothing of it." (Sundiata p.15). The griot depicts the story of Sundiata rise with a reminder of destiny in life. There is much irony in the ways Sundiata enemies try to hinder his future, but in the process, enable – his destiny. Griot often reminds his listeners destiny cannot be perceived, and the wise man learns patients as it