Greek Heros- Odysseus, Jason, & Aeneas
A Comparison of the Heroes, Odysseus, Jason and Aeneas
Odysseus is unique among epic heroes in that his strength comes not from inhuman powers or exceptional physical ability, but mainly from his mind. Odysseus, regularly uses cunning, guile, and superiority of intellect to overcome obstacles. In this paper I will compare Odysseus to other epic heroes, both in terms of character and in terms of responses to crises, comparing his reactions with those of other heroes placed in similar situations.
The first hero I will compare him to is Jason, who had a similar adventure. His adventure was made to claim a throne that was rightfully his, just like Odysseus' adventure to get home to Ithaca and regain his throne. They both faced many perils on the sea, and both persevered to reach the end of the journey and gain the throne.
Jason's uncle Pelias had usurped the throne of Iolchus (much as Penelope's suitors threatened to do), which Jason had a legitimate claim to. Pelias wanted to get rid of him, but dared not to kill him outright. So, he agreed to abdicate the throne if Jason would journey and get the golden fleece, which was at a temple in Colchis (on the Black Sea). Pelias expected the voyage to be fatal, for it had danger at every step. However, Jason called for and received an impressive roster of heroes to aid him on his journey.
Jason set out for, and made it safely to, Colchis. Once there, he was received by the resident king,
Aeetes. Aeetes was used to getting visitors who had come for the fleece, and had devised a test for getting
rid of them. He had a standing challenge to give up the fleece to anyone who could tame two fire-breathing
bulls and then use them to plow a field with dragon's teeth.
Jason was confounded by how to pass this trial and was saved at the last moment by Aeetes'
daughter Medea, who gave him a potion of wild herbs that would protect him from the fire. With the
Odysseus is unique among epic heroes in that his strength comes not from inhuman powers or exceptional physical ability, but mainly from his mind. Odysseus, regularly uses cunning, guile, and superiority of intellect to overcome obstacles. In this paper I will compare Odysseus to other epic heroes, both in terms of character and in terms of responses to crises, comparing his reactions with those of other heroes placed in similar situations.
The first hero I will compare him to is Jason, who had a similar adventure. His adventure was made to claim a throne that was rightfully his, just like Odysseus' adventure to get home to Ithaca and regain his throne. They both faced many perils on the sea, and both persevered to reach the end of the journey and gain the throne.
Jason's uncle Pelias had usurped the throne of Iolchus (much as Penelope's suitors threatened to do), which Jason had a legitimate claim to. Pelias wanted to get rid of him, but dared not to kill him outright. So, he agreed to abdicate the throne if Jason would journey and get the golden fleece, which was at a temple in Colchis (on the Black Sea). Pelias expected the voyage to be fatal, for it had danger at every step. However, Jason called for and received an impressive roster of heroes to aid him on his journey.
Jason set out for, and made it safely to, Colchis. Once there, he was received by the resident king,
Aeetes. Aeetes was used to getting visitors who had come for the fleece, and had devised a test for getting
rid of them. He had a standing challenge to give up the fleece to anyone who could tame two fire-breathing
bulls and then use them to plow a field with dragon's teeth.
Jason was confounded by how to pass this trial and was saved at the last moment by Aeetes'
daughter Medea, who gave him a potion of wild herbs that would protect him from the fire. With the