Heroism In Oedipus The King And The Odyssey - 1132 Words

Brady Stobbe Dr. Dutch October 17 Heroism in Oedipus the King and The Odyssey Life is filled with a multitude of challenges and obstacles; in this case, life is often defined in relation to the ability if an individual to overcome and defeat such things. Aspects of heroism are evident in the situations and events that arise in the life of someone. This essay dives into the element of heroism that is evident is the stories: Oedipus the King and The Odyssey. Oedipus the King and The Odyssey share a multitude of similarities, with the most evident one being heroism. These two stories are both considered epic tales, which to say the least, means that they have been passed down thousands of generations. While the main goal is entertainment,†¦show more content†¦His concern for his people can be found in his reference to them as his children. His efforts as a king are directed at ensuring that fighting and overcoming evil, an element that depicts his love for his people. Oedipus heroism is to be found in his dedication to his people and kingdom. With plague, he cannot find peace of mind, as he tries to find the cause of suffering for his people. In one incident, he is described as a Surest in mortal ways and wisest in the ways of god (pg.),† by a priest he decides to visit. Not only has he been able to solve the Sphinx’s riddle but has also managed to save his subjects from the monster. Focusing on the Odysseus, several other things do appear in relation to heroism. Odysseus heroisms found in his ability to help Greece defeat the Trojans, and more importantly in his ability to ride every war that comes his way. During their lives, these heroes must transcend a great deal of obstacles to attain both their initial and final goals. Odysseus manages to turn each of his encounters into a heroic tale. Using his intelligence on many occasions, he manages to create opportunities for his escape alongside many his men. His numerous escapes, ranging from Cyclops to Polyphemus all highlight not only his intelligence but also his dedication to his men and team. Having played his role in the defeat of Troy, Odysseus sets out on sail back to Ithaca, a journey would notShow MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, And Beowulf854 Words   |  4 PagesGilgamesh†, â€Å"Oedipus the King†, â€Å"The Odyssey†, and â€Å"Beowulf†, the readers notice how society defines each main character by their heroic characteristics, the relationship between the humans and the divine, and the differences of how each hero’s journey ends. Gilgamesh, Oedipus, Odysseus, and Beowulf display several characteristics classifying themselves as heroes. In the story of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is â€Å"two-thirds divine and one-third human† (Gilgamesh, par 2). 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The myths had the authority of history, for myth is in one of its aspects the only history of anRead More Importance of the Telemachy in Developing Major Themes of Odyssey3687 Words   |  15 PagesThe Importance of the Telemachy in Developing Major Themes of Odyssey      Ã‚  Ã‚   As we begin to read the Odyssey, one of the surprising facts is that we do not meet the famed hero until we are well into Book V, on Calypsos island of Ogygia. However, during these introductory four books, we learn of the situation in Ithaca, Odysseus plight, some of the most important themes of the story and of course Odysseus son Telemachus. Homer keeps us in suspense, building the reputation of Odysseus by theRead MoreAncient Greek Culture2704 Words   |  11 PagesTwo of the most famous epic poems were written by Homer entitled â€Å"Iliad† which tells about the Trojan War and the â€Å"Odyssey† which tells about the adventures of the Greek hero Odysseus when he returns home after the fall of Troy. On the other hand, lyric poetry was used primarily with the accompaniment of a lyre. Most lyric poetry told about personal feelings rather than acts of heroism. Another type of literature was the drama. There were three great playwrights: Aeschylus, Sopho cles, and Euripides