Essay about The Odyssey as a Hero Journey - 2353 Words

All of us have similar experiences. We share in the life journey of growth, development, and transformation. We live the same storiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the trappings might be different, the twists and turns that create suspense might be different from culture to culture, the particular characters may take different forms, but underneath it all, its the same story, drawn from the same experiences(Linda Seger, Creating Myth, 1). All people face trials and tribulations throughout their life. Thus, what defines one from ones fellow human beings is not the trials themselves, but how one overcomes the challenges along the journey, as well as the psychological and physical lessons one learns from the actions engaged. Heroes, as depicted in†¦show more content†¦For one month Odysseus refuses to leave his safe home in peaceful and bountiful Ithaca. The reader is not told of the rationale behind his final decision to join the war; however, one must assume that he believes he will be successful, returning home with many spoils of war, or that he will receive honor for participating. His decision to leave Ithaca cannot be simply based on a whim: he is a young king with many responsibilities, and while he rules his land with great strength, he is inexperienced. Thus, the reasons for initiating his journey most probably include the experience and maturity he will gain fighting the Trojans. One can ascertain that the actual catalyst that enters into Odysseus life is the Trojan War itself. The war represents a first step for Odysseus; after all, while it is his trickery that eventually wins the war for the Achaens (it was his idea to build the large wooden horse in which the Achaen army hid and from which they successfully defeated Troy, we are introduced to Odysseus as the great tactician (Book VII, 232-301). Cunning is a trait he already possesses: it cannot be the object of his journey; it merely starts him off. Yet he must initially survive the battle, and his survival proves his capacity to undertake the journey, moving him to the next stage of the Hero Journey. The Second stage of the Hero Journey is the most visible. It consists of the trials thatShow MoreRelatedThe Odyssey As A Hero Journey1555 Words   |  7 Pagesmortal danger in order to bring back, for themselves and their societies, both knowledge and treasure. Their stories follow â€Å"Hero Journey.† The Odyssey, as the epic story of the hero Odysseus, follows closely the complete cycle of a Hero Journey, both as a physical and as a psychological undertaking. The Hero Journey, used as a framework for both Odysseus’ physical and mental journeys, serves to bind the two together. Each of Odysseus’s physical difficulties can be viewed as a metaphor for a psychologicalRead MoreOdyssey: the Journey of a Hero Essay1907 Words   |  8 PagesOdyssey: The Journey of a Hero The Heros Journey is never an easy one. This particular journey, as detailed in Homers The Odyssey, is one of struggle, loss, heartache, pain, growth and triumph. It is comprised of many steps that Odysseus has to overcome and battle through in order to achieve his final goal of reaching his home and his loved ones. From the Call to Adventure to the Freedom or Gift of living, Odysseus conquered them all. The story begins in the middle of the story, as manyRead More`` The Odyssey `` : The Epic Story Of The Hero Journey2005 Words   |  9 Pagesthemselves and their societies, both knowledge and treasure. Their stories follow what Joseph Campbell calls the â€Å"Hero Journey.† The Odyssey, as the epic story of the hero Odysseus, follows closely the complete cycle of Joseph Campbell’s Hero Journey, both as a physical and as a psychological undertaking. The Hero Journey, used as a framework for both Odysseus’ physical and mental journeys, serves to bind the two together. Each of Odysseus’s physical difficulties can be viewed as a metaphor for a psychologicalRead MoreThe Hero s Journey : The Odyssey 1833 Words   |  8 PagesThe Hero’s Journey is a format of writing that follows a similar path: Separation, Initiation, and Return. Odysseus’s adventure, in the epic poem The Odyssey, is a perfect example of the Hero’s Journey. Odysseus is separated from his hometown during the Trojan War, and is put through multiple trials and obstacles that slow his return home. Eventually, he makes his return to Ithaca. I am Matt Farruggio, although I have only been on this Earth for 14 years, I have followed the hero’s journey as well.Read MoreMythic Hero s Journey : The Odyssey And The Wizard Of Oz1452 Words   |  6 Pages Mythic/Hero’s Journey: The Odyssey and The Wizard of Oz The Mythic/Hero’s Journey is a story that has been passed down to every culture being told by people. The Mythic/Hero’s Journey is a path that is described as going to various stages. It has a beginning point which is the â€Å"ordinary point† and an ending point which is the â€Å"return.† Throughout this journey one encounters the call to adventure, refusal of call, mentor, crossing the threshold, enemies, death, reward, and road. These stages canRead MoreOdysseus Hero Essay1043 Words   |  5 PagesA hero is one who sets a goal in which takes bravery and dedication in order to achieve. The book The Odyssey written by Homer reveals a story of a true hero. The main character is a man named Odysseus who displays hero characteristics throughout the book. Odysseus is a hero because he returns home with a changed perspective which reflects his heroic abilities, such as his bravery and dedication to return home. During the beginning of the story Odysseus has to make an impactful decision while alsoRead MoreExamples Of Archetypes In The Odyssey890 Words   |  4 Pagesinformation can be gained from Homer’s epic,The Odyssey about ancient Greek civilizations and their what they valued morally. The Odyssey has a variety of different archetypes that are still relevant in modern times. The legend of Odyssey has been passed down from poet to poet for five hundred years until finally Homer wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey down somewhere between eight hundred fifty and seven hundred fifty B.C. In Homer’s epic the Odyssey, there are three archetypes that provide insightsRead MoreArchetypes In Ancient Greek Culture879 Words   |  4 Pagesconnections ,archetypes, can be found in the adventurous book The Odyssey. Ancient Greek culture is brought up by Homer through archetypes. These archetypes help connect one another over time. In the Odyssey, topics such as terrifying monsters , love te sts, and an unstoppable hero are all related to ancient Greek culture. The Odyssey shows archetypes that also reveal this culture. Three archetypes found are monsters, loyalty, and a hero, which shows the ancient Greek culture for modern readers. Read MoreArchetypes In The Odyssey868 Words   |  4 Pagesancient literature. The connections ,archetypes, can be found in the adventurous book The Odyssey. Ancient Greek culture is brought up by Homer through archetypes. In the Odyssey, topics such as terrifying monsters , love tests, and an unstoppable hero are all related to ancient Greek culture. The Odyssey shows archetypes that also reveal this culture. Three archetypes found are monsters, loyalty, and a hero, which shows the ancient Greek culture for modern readers. Skull crushing and blood thirstyRead MoreThe Characteristics Of A Hero In Homers The Odyssey779 Words   |  4 PagesWho would you consider a hero? A family member, maybe a historical figure that made an impact, or perhaps police officers, firefighters, and military personals that risk their lives everyday to protect and prevent disasters. No matter who we give the title to, all heroes share similar traits such as bravery and selflessness. Heroes are seen in just about every piece of literature including one of the most known epic poems, The Odyssey. In Homer’s Greek epic, many adventures and battles display Odysseus