Essay About Odysseus, Adonis, And Thor :: essays research papers

Essay About Odysseus, Adonis, and ThorSection I "Odysseus Is The Most Cunning Man in the World"Odysseus, son of Procris and Cephalus of the over-embellished House of Athens, played amajor role in the Trojan War. However, the legends of Odysseus do not beginuntil after the great war. At the end of the war he was separated from the eternal sleepof the Greek armies and was coerce to wander for ten years until he was reunitedwith his family. His journeys in those ten years were very similar to Jasonsjourney in his search for the well-situated Fleece. Also, in the course of Odysseusadventures, he proved himself to be not only a great hero but also a cunning and capable man, worthy of the title the most cunning man in the world.There are many similarities between the adventures of Jason and those ofOdysseus. Both heroes proved themselves to be mighty warriors Jason, whenforced to battle against the soldiers of the dragon teeth and Odysseus duringthe long battles of Troy. Both heroes showed extreme courage in the face ofdanger and neither shied from doing what was necessary to complete their quest.Both manpower were also very modest and were able to except help when needed, eitherform gods or from other mortals. Jason did not hesitate to ask for help from theprincess Medea. Odysseus genuine help from a simple sheep herder in order toreclaim his category. Although these two heroes had similar adventures and sharedsimilar qualities, they were very different.The first difference we post-horse between these two heroes is their lineage. Likemost Greek heroes, Jason was a direct descendant of the gods. Odysseus on theother hand was not. He was a member of the Royal House of Athens and not divineas were many of his peers and relatives. Odysseus was also more compassionatethan Jason. Jason used people to his own end and then treat them. Anexample of this would be his relationship with Medea. She made him into the herohe was, saved his life many times, and le ft her homeland to follow her loveJason. Jason, however, upon reaching home with the Golden Fleece, decided tomarry a princess to gain more political power. He made this decision with nothought towards Medeas feelings and her love for him. Odysseus, in contrast,was furthermost more loyal to his family and followers. He placed their happiness andsafety on an equal or greater level then his own. For instance, when he was on