Mythology In The Odyssey

Throughout human history mythology impacts our world by shaping mankind. In the society of today myths remain important because they provide us with answers that technology cannot. Myths serve as indications of human creativity, stories that are impact our minds and our existence. The Greek myth, The Odyssey is a popular Greek myth that serves an important purpose since it is depicted in school books, comic books, art, and in the theatre. While reading The Odyssey it demonstrates how to learn from some of the difficult situations and it specifically quotes, “Athena, in the guise of an old family friend, tells the contending parties to live together in peace down through the years to come” (The Odyssey 24). As society continues to change, myths

The true meaning of myths is misinterpreted, The Secret Doctrine gives a supporting opinion regarding this and states,“The origin and meaning of mythology have been missed altogether....Mythology was a primitive mode of thinking the early thought” (The Secret Doctrine I,

Within English literature they are used in order to enhance a story, and motifs are recurring elements that help set the mood in the story. Motifs contribute toward the development of a theme, and this provides readers with an understanding of the underlying message that writers use in a story. Usually they are not necessarily seen automatically in books, motifs tend to come naturally in the central theme. Using motifs in writing can create a powerful difference between a bestseller novel and a mediocre book. Throughout Greek mythology stories, motifs are being used to enrich the stories that are being told. For example in one of the Perseus myths it includes a recurring motif, and in one it says, “In the Perseus myths, include: escaping danger as a baby, defending one's mother against a seducer, a quest that is meant to be fatal but is not, magical devices used during the quest, the rescuing of a princess, and the accidental killing of a relative. Kirk uses various motifs to attempt to date some elements in these myths, contending that the hero myths demonstrate greater narrative complexity than divinity myths” (enotes 3). Authors use motifs to emphasize a certain symbol, and to represent what that motif stands for. The audience is being drawn to a motif because it catches their attention, motifs prod the reader’s emotions as well. The symbolic value