An epic hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to endure overwhelming obstacles. In Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, three heros named Perseus, Theseus, and Hercules exhibit different traits that affect their journey in a positive or negative way. Perseus receives supernatural help, Theseus displays incredible strength, and Hercules has a fatal flaw that will end tragically, these qualities are what classify each as an epic hero.
Hercules had tragedy from the day he was born. He lost his family but gained a love interest but soon lost her too. In the start of the movie Hercules was taken away from his parents in Mount Olympus and turned Mortal; well almost mortal. From before Hercules was born Hades and Zeus where rivals, ever since Zeus banished Hades to be the king of the underworld. Hades has been vengeful since and found opportunity when Zeus had a son.
Not only did Hercules change history but he changed many others perspective on life. With hero's journey having ended, he is given his final reward. His father, Zeus, creates a picture of Hercules in the stars in order to commemorate his true heroism. Things for Hercules will never be the same again.
However, examples within the literary narrative of the Odyssey leaves the discussion open with regards to his leadership. Thus, the question of leadership supersedes the topic of Arete. Was Odysseus the ideal leader or did he portray undesirable leadership tendencies? The examples that will presented will illustrate that Odysseus hubris, risk taking prowess, and at times unwillingness to follow instructions often placed his crew in danger as he journeyed Ithaca.
The hero has extraordinary strength, being the strongest man on earth he is sometimes he is unaware of the power he posses, Hercules is invulnerable. Although worshiped as a God, he was properly a hero. In his early years, Hercules defeated Thebes from the armies of a neighboring city. Since he was young
Hercules the noble teen ? Or a murderer ? Hercules was known for being a hero in the movie, but a murderer in the Myth. Hercules shows that he is a hero through the task he completes in the movie and the Myth. The different archetypes show that Hercules is two different characters in the movie and the myth.
One of the differences between the myth and the movie can be seen right in the beginning. Hercules is the son of Zeus and Hera, and not Zeus and one of his many mortal wives. Hera even cares about him, and so does Zeus. They have a party and everything.
The movie is about a single mission completed by Hercules rather than a whole life story even though it includes background and a meaningful lesson. Perhaps the greatest difference between the Hollywood remake and the actual book is the murder of Hercules’ wife Megara and their kids. Since movies take a lot of dedication and money the screenwriters had to take the original and make it as interesting as they could. Because of this the movie’s version of their death is due to three savage wolves made to resemble the mythological character, Cerberus, Hades guard dog of the underworld while Hercules’ was drugged. In both pieces Hercules is unaware of his actions but, for different reasons.
In this analysis my main focus would be: why Hercules was famous in Greek Myth? , how did he impact the world and its society? and what lessons can be learnt from him? Hercules, the son of Zeus, was very famous in Greek mythology because he slayed the unbeatable nine headed hydra and the famous Nemean lion. When he was a kid he strangled and killed two venomous snakes with his bare hands and also he was the only warrior in Greek myth who was half god and half human.
A Homeric leader has to have strength, courage and is of noble birth. Odysseus is considered to be a Homeric leader for he possesses all these traits. A hero is also to have confidence in his abilities and in his authority. Odysseus leads his men with confidence so that they too can have the courage and strength it will take to get them home.
Lastly, Odysseus illustrates good leadership through his use of determination. In the Circe episode, Circe persuades Odysseus and his men to stay with her. Homer explains how the
Paz, Octavio. “from The Day of the Dead” [1950] Austin, Michael and Karen Austin. Reading the World: Ideas That Matter. 3rd ed. New York: W.W. Norton, 2007.
Throughout the story “The Odyssey” by Homer Odysseus, the main character counters countless amounts of trouble. As king and leader it is his job to keep his men save and get the job done. Odysseus does whatever it takes to keep his men unharmed, and more importantly, alive. All his crew and him dream about is getting back to their homeland, but first they have to pass the obstacles. Odysseus demonstrates good leadership qualities by doing whatever it takes to get the job done, using his advanced cunning abilities to trick his enemy, and constantly saving his crew from dangers.
Danielle Okuly Professor Dann Online Mythology 1222 12 December 2015 Hercules Comparison Paper Hercules is a classic Disney movie that tells a story of Zeus and Hera’s son but turned mortal due to Hades’ evil plan to take over Olympus. When Hercules finds out the truth of his family background he goes on a journey to pray to his real father Zeus. Although there are many similarities, there are quite a few differences as well.
Though he may be ridiculously unintelligent and emotionally unstable, he had a burning passion for justice and making things right. No matter how many people he had accidently killed, he always made it right by doing more and more good deeds. He was constantly working to become the best man he could. Though he couldn’t think properly, he was a man of his word. Hercules and Theseus both did great deeds, but Hercules just achieved more because of his strength.
