Sirens In The Odyssey

What is a civilization? According to dictionary.com, a civilization is described as “an advanced state of human society, in which a high level of culture, science, industry, and government has been reached.” So, in this essay, the reader will look forward to learning about the fictional civilization of the Island of the Sirens from the Odyssey as well as the historical civilization of ancient Egypt. The section of the Island of the Sirens offers a broad description of the civilization going into what makes them a civilization and the creatures present in this folklore. The section over Ancient Egypt offers a broad description over their civilization while also diving into their religious practices, political structures, artistic and literary

If someone were to ask the public today, most would think the sirens are these seductive half female, half fish beings better known as mermaids in today’s terms. People would also add that these Sirens would sing out to those who crossed their path by seducing them distracting the victims of their true intentions. But, what is ironic about this is that, in the Odyssey, it describes these creatures to be bird like figures with female human heads that call out to those near providing knowledge that those crossing would be very interested in. (Nugent, The Sounds of Sirens)

So, here’s the next question... Are the sirens considered a true civilization even though they are considered a fictional one? Well, if you were to look at the definition provided by dictionary.com located in the introduction paragraph of this paper, I would personally say no. Although the sirens present some of the characteristics of being a civilization, like residing on an island and speaking a common language, they still are lacking in the fields of political and industrious productions. Which in my opinion, they are two HUGE things that civilizations as a whole

Hieroglyphics described the writing on the walls using pictures as symbols. Oe of the greatest pieces of literature that came about back in that time was the Great Hymn to Aten. “...this hymn celebrates the sun as creator and sustainer of the world and emphasizes the close connection between the god and his human counterparts.” (Norton, 26) Even though its related to their religion, I still feel that this message to the god Aten was very influential to there literary works.

When people today first hear ‘Egypt,’ they automatically begin to think about their architectural productions. The main ones that come to mind are the pyramids. They were used as a great burial place for each pharaoh. And as there was a new pharaoh appointed, production on there burial place began. Now, that’s not the only thing that the ancient Egyptians were known for. Other architectural masterpieces included magnificent monuments as well as tombs for the gods.

With this, you can see many comparisons between the both fictional and historical civilizations. Although the sirens do not depict a true civilization, there were still similarities between them and the ancient Egyptians. Both had a way for conquering those who were in there way whether it was people passing by or invading their country. Also, both had languages used to articulate with one