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Examples Of Odysseus An Archetypal Hero

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Is Odysseus an Archetypal Hero?
Greek literature has given birth to highly polished and complex long epics that revolved around heroes. In the epic poem, “The Odyssey,” Homer vivified the story of Odysseus, who used his immortal intelligence and bravery to endeavor unattainable obstacles that hindered him from reuniting with his family. Although Odysseus’ return home sacrificed many, but in the ancient Greeks, people celebrated him for his intelligence. However, as time shifts, heroism seems to enhance not only the heroes’ own glory, but the significance they leave for the world. The universally-renowned modern fictional hero, Harry Potter, displays many traits in common with Odysseus, yet the distinction of their legacy proves that Odysseus …show more content…

In the epic poem, Odysseus’ voluntary stay in the cave of Polyphemus to fulfill Odysseus’ own pride resulted serious payoffs in which Homer described, “In one stride he[Polyphemus] clutched at my companions and caught two in his hands like squirming puppies to beat their brains out” (Homer 989.233-235). This illustrated that Odysseus didn’t serve as someone that saves his crew, but rather putting them in trouble and sacrificing them to merely fulfill his own pleasure. On the other hand, Harry Potter is a boy who hides impressive strength and knowledge under a humble exterior that desires to save the world. Mrs. Ryan emphasized in her article that “ Harry completes dangerous tasks to stop Lord Voldemort from reaching the Sorcerer’s Stone...His influence is so strong that people continued to fight and die for him even after they thought he was dead” (Ryan). This quote demonstrates Harry’s significance for the world by highlighting how other people are willing to die for him. From other people’s appreciation of Harry Potter, one can acknowledge Harry’s selflessness and his desire to live a life that’s bigger than his own. Thus, by analyzing the effect of both characters for the world, Harry Potter strongly contrasted with Odysseus, who carelessly sacrifice

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