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Odysseus An Archetypal Hero Analysis

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To what extent is Odysseus considered an archetypal hero? The Odyssey is an epic poem; a long narrative about a hero, Odysseus who displays the cultural views of Ancient Greece at the time the poem was written. Throughout The Odyssey there are several heroes, however, none of them are as prevalent as Odysseus, who demonstrates characteristics of an archetypal hero. This title, however, includes negative characteristics such as a fatal flaw; nevertheless Odysseus has the ability to overcome his obstacles and proves to be a true hero. Firstly, Odysseus represents the qualities of an archetypal hero as he is of royalty. While he is commonly known as “The gallant and cunning Odysseus”, in which the epithet is used to describe Odysseus’ characteristic, …show more content…

A clear example can be seen when Athena appears in Nausicaa’s dream, so that she is aware that Odysseus will make an appearance soon. This demonstrates an archetype hero’s quality, as they always receive supernatural help. In fact, Odysseus states that Athena’s “inspiration spurred [him]”, and the word spurred has a strong positive connotation Moreover, having special weapons is also a characteristic, and in The Odyssey, Odysseus’ bow and arrow are presented as symbols and are described using a Homeric simile. The bow and arrow symbolise Odysseus’ power, a quality that a hero must possess, and right as a ruler of Ithaca. In addition, Odysseus’ bow and arrow are presented as being special weapons as the epic simile compares it to a musician’s harp. The quote “strung it as easily as a skilled bard strings a new peg of his lyre” Furthermore, every archetypal hero has a fatal flaw, which has a negative impact on the hero and their journey. In The Odyssey one can see that Odysseus’ fatal flaw are women, as he is held captive by both Circe and Calypso. Circe and Calypso are examples of women whose love becomes an obstacle to Odysseus’ return. In fact, Homer presents these women whose irresistible allure threatens to lead men like Odysseus

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