The hero cycle has long been a staple of legends and tales. Everyone knows the story; the pattern is practically set in stone and finds use from the classics of ancient Greece and Rome all the way to Star Wars. Odysseus is one of the earliest examples of the hero cycle. His path parallels that of literature’s archetypical hero: he undergoes a long journey fraught with supernatural forces that test his mettle. Furthermore, Odysseus finds himself exploring beyond the mortal veil as he travels to Hades to seek the prophet, Tiresias. Finally, and most importantly, Odysseus’ journey serves as a transformational experience which causes him to gain insight about the world and himself. As one of our earliest examples of the hero cycle, The Odyssey
