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Theseus Is A Hero Essay

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When thinking of a hero, instantly what comes to mind is being bulletproof, or flying. That is not the case in mythology. In mythology people like Wonder Woman or The Flash are viewed as people slightly more than average, but nothing too special. All heroes may share some of the same qualities, but in mythological literature, a hero usually has to be clever, head out on dangerous quests, and always has the company of another. In order to succeed, a hero must be clever enough to outsmart their enemies. Theseus' father, King Aegeus, left for Athens not long after he was born, leaving behind a sword and a pair of sandals covered by a heavy stone. His father said that once Theseus is able to move the stone out of his way, he could return to Athens. Once grown, the strong young man removed the stone, gathered the items his father left him, and ventured to his father. His father welcomed him as an honored guest, still not aware of who he was. He wanted to assure that any man who claimed to be his son is telling the truth. Medea, who has a great influence over Aegeus, convinced him to poison the drink she would give Theseus. After handing him the drink, Theseus decided it was time "..to make himself known at once to his father[and] drew his sword" (Hamilton 125). The king recognized the sword at once and knocked the drink out of his son's hand. If it were not for thinking on his feet and revealing the sword, Theseus would have been murdered. Not long after he revealed himself, Theseus learned that his father gave seven maidens …show more content…

No one is ever the greatest on their own. Theseus fits all qualities, and then some. A couple modern heroes such as Superman, or Green Lantern share the qualities that Mythology's heroes posses; however, in the early eras it would be Theseus who would be considered the true hero, not some simpleton who goes by the name of

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