In ancient cultures, which Genesis as well as the Iliad and Philoctetes take place in, certain bonds were very important to the culture. In each book the characters of Joseph, Achilles, and Philoctetes experience breaking of these bonds, causing problems and turmoil for them. Joseph’s brothers broke the familial bond once they cast Joseph into slavery. Agamemnon broke the bond of warrior and king when he took away the prize that Achilles won (Achilles’ prize is what the bond is based upon. Finally Odysseus and others broke the sacred warrior and king as well when they cast Philoctetes away. Despite this initial betrayal, each character forgave. Not only did they all reconcile but each one of them followed a similar path to their forgiveness;