Although the modern definition of a hero is open to interpretation, most heroes share attributes that classify them as some variation of a hero. The hero archetype is not uncommon in
Greek mythology. The average individual could likely describe popular Greek heroes such as
Achilles, Heracles, and Odysseus. Among these great heroes are Theseus and Perseus. These two mythological figures hold many similarities; therefore, comparing the myths of Theseus and
Perseus allows one to detect underlying themes and messages that resemble and complement each other.
The archetypal hero is known to venture on eventful journeys after an extraordinary birth.
Perseus and Theseus are famous for their triumphant quests in Greek mythology. The lives of these men …show more content…
Perseus is best known for the slaying of Medusa, the mortal Gorgon who could turn any creature to stone.
Theseus is likely most famous for killing the Cretan Minotaur, the half-man, half-bull creature on the island of Crete. In addition to these major challenges, these Greek heroes must face many obstacles before and after the primary quest as a part of their journeys.
Cardile 2
Perseus was born the son of the sky god Zeus and Danae, daughter of King Acrisius of
Argos. Acrisius, warned by the oracle of Delphi that he would one day be killed by his daughter’s son, was determined to forbid Danae from becoming pregnant. In an attempt to protect himself, he imprisoned his only daughter in a bronze chamber. Zeus, however, loved
Danae and came to her in a shower of gold. Danae became pregnant with Perseus, who she hid from her father for four years. Perseus’ characteristics already begin to suit those of the common hero, observed in his extraordinary birth and immediate opposition. Theseus’ mother Aethra, daughter of King Pittheus of Troezen, married King Aegeus of Athens. Theseus had a second father, Poseidon, god of the sea. Poseidon had walked with Aethra on the same night that she …show more content…
Aegeus left Aethra to raise Theseus alone, instructing her to send their child to
Athens if she bore a son that could move the boulder that covered a sword and pair of sandals.
Theseus’ unique birth and predestined journey begin the resemblance of his life to Perseus’ and the adherence to attributes of the general hero.
Perseus’ and Theseus’ journeys present common themes of literature that can still be applied in modern times. These heroes are forced to overcome the odds and exhibit incredible perseverance in what seem to be impossible situations. In Perseus’ case, he was placed against the odds since birth and his grandfather’s choice to cast Danae and Perseus out to sea. Their arrival on the island of Seriphos merely added to their struggle and introduced Perseus’ most famous task, to slay the Gorgon Medusa. On this quest, Perseus is assisted by the goddess
Athena and the god Hermes, who gifts him the scimitar to behead Medusa with. This divine intervention also attests to Perseus’ status as a hero. Finding the Gorgons is no easy task, and
Perseus must first approach the Graeae in order to learn of their location. Upon arrival, he is forced to think quickly and exude bravery to achieve success and escape the remaining
Greek mythology. The average individual could likely describe popular Greek heroes such as
Achilles, Heracles, and Odysseus. Among these great heroes are Theseus and Perseus. These two mythological figures hold many similarities; therefore, comparing the myths of Theseus and
Perseus allows one to detect underlying themes and messages that resemble and complement each other.
The archetypal hero is known to venture on eventful journeys after an extraordinary birth.
Perseus and Theseus are famous for their triumphant quests in Greek mythology. The lives of these men …show more content…
Perseus is best known for the slaying of Medusa, the mortal Gorgon who could turn any creature to stone.
Theseus is likely most famous for killing the Cretan Minotaur, the half-man, half-bull creature on the island of Crete. In addition to these major challenges, these Greek heroes must face many obstacles before and after the primary quest as a part of their journeys.
Cardile 2
Perseus was born the son of the sky god Zeus and Danae, daughter of King Acrisius of
Argos. Acrisius, warned by the oracle of Delphi that he would one day be killed by his daughter’s son, was determined to forbid Danae from becoming pregnant. In an attempt to protect himself, he imprisoned his only daughter in a bronze chamber. Zeus, however, loved
Danae and came to her in a shower of gold. Danae became pregnant with Perseus, who she hid from her father for four years. Perseus’ characteristics already begin to suit those of the common hero, observed in his extraordinary birth and immediate opposition. Theseus’ mother Aethra, daughter of King Pittheus of Troezen, married King Aegeus of Athens. Theseus had a second father, Poseidon, god of the sea. Poseidon had walked with Aethra on the same night that she …show more content…
Aegeus left Aethra to raise Theseus alone, instructing her to send their child to
Athens if she bore a son that could move the boulder that covered a sword and pair of sandals.
Theseus’ unique birth and predestined journey begin the resemblance of his life to Perseus’ and the adherence to attributes of the general hero.
Perseus’ and Theseus’ journeys present common themes of literature that can still be applied in modern times. These heroes are forced to overcome the odds and exhibit incredible perseverance in what seem to be impossible situations. In Perseus’ case, he was placed against the odds since birth and his grandfather’s choice to cast Danae and Perseus out to sea. Their arrival on the island of Seriphos merely added to their struggle and introduced Perseus’ most famous task, to slay the Gorgon Medusa. On this quest, Perseus is assisted by the goddess
Athena and the god Hermes, who gifts him the scimitar to behead Medusa with. This divine intervention also attests to Perseus’ status as a hero. Finding the Gorgons is no easy task, and
Perseus must first approach the Graeae in order to learn of their location. Upon arrival, he is forced to think quickly and exude bravery to achieve success and escape the remaining