{"id":22228,"date":"2022-07-07T06:16:49","date_gmt":"2022-07-07T06:16:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ancient-literature.com\/?p=22228"},"modified":"2022-09-02T11:52:25","modified_gmt":"2022-09-02T11:52:25","slug":"archetypes-in-the-odyssey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ancient-literature.com\/archetypes-in-the-odyssey\/","title":{"rendered":"A Sneak Peek Into the Many Different Archetypes in the Odyssey"},"content":{"rendered":"
There are three kinds of key archetypes<\/strong> in the Odyssey used to illustrate various aspects of Ancient Greek civilization. These are the hero, the monster, and the need for love. Each of these three archetypes serves a purpose in the literature, and despite the fact that their definitions change, they have distinct traits. Keep on reading to discover more.<\/p>\n Archetypes in the Odyssey consist of many kinds, but the theme of the epic novel<\/strong> revolves around the main hero, Odysseus, and his adventures on the journey back home to Ithaca.<\/p>\n The hero archetype reflects the ancient Greeks’ love of adventure and thrills.<\/strong> In the Odyssey, there are two types of hero character archetypes: established and initiate heroes. Usually, these are characters who have royal lineage or have a unique ability, as well as bravery.<\/p>\n In Odyssey the hero established is Odysseus<\/a>, who possessed characteristics that sets him apart from all the other characters. He is from a royal family and is known for his bravery and determination.<\/strong> He participated and became one of the Greek heroes of the Trojan War from the prequel poem, The Iliad. He was able to survive ten years of brutal battle and another ten years of overcoming numerous obstacles on his journey back home.<\/p>\n Telemachus is the hero initiate. He may be incomparable to Odysseus\u2019 characteristics, but Telemachus stepped up<\/strong> after being motivated and guided by Athena, who was in a disguised appearance when she met with Telemachus. The monster archetypes symbolized the Greeks’ love of horror.<\/strong> The monster character archetype is presented as a supernatural creature that causes conflict. In the epic poem, The Odyssey, the monsters and mythological creatures served as the antagonists. There were also love stories that demonstrated the Greeks’ emotional and passionate nature.<\/strong> All of the love stories also demonstrated compassion and sympathy. For instance, the love between Odysseus and Penelope showed loyalty in that even after almost 20 years of no news about Odysseus, Penelope still refused to mourn him and still believed he will be coming home. There are four archetypal symbols in the Odyssey: Laertes\u2019 shroud, Odysseus\u2019 bow, the sea, and Ithaca. They all represent something very important to the protagonist that influences his actions<\/strong> and steers the story as it unfolds. Laertes is Penelope\u2019s father-in-law. The shroud or cloak for Laertes\u2019 eventual funeral is what Penelope weaves in the day and unravels in the night for three years.<\/strong> It symbolizes Penelope\u2019s deception of her suitors as she used it to delay her remarriage as she tells her suitors that she would choose a husband when she has finished weaving it.<\/p>\n The bow represents Odysseus\u2019 physical prowess<\/strong> as he was the only one capable of stringing it on his first try. The suitors were unable to do it while his son, Telemachus, had a hard time. Although Telemachus could certainly string the bow, it took him four attempts. As the main focus of the epic is the journey of Odysseus, throughout the poem, the sea is a reoccurring symbol.<\/strong> It depicts the remarkable life story of a man full of challenges, triumphs, and heartbreaks. Ithaca represents home.<\/strong> It is a place where Odysseus can enjoy his being king: his wealth, his food, and most importantly, his family. Ithaca symbolizes the destination of the quest, and reaching it was achieved by overcoming a lot of struggles.<\/strong> The three main archetypes in Homer\u2019s Odyssey are the hero, monster, and yearning for love.<\/strong> There are also five supporting character archetypes in Homer\u2019s Odyssey.<\/p>\n In the story, Athena is the character archetype for a mentor. As this goddess favors Odysseus, she guides him and helps him<\/strong> in his predicaments. She even disguises herself in order to interact with Telemachus and convince him to visit Pylos and Sparta where he can hear the news that his father is alive.<\/p>\n Penelope, Odysseus\u2019 wife, has been loyal to him throughout the story.<\/strong> However, she was stressed when her multiple suitors of unmarried young men move into their residence and compete for her hand in marriage.<\/p>\nWhat Is the Archetype Definition in Odyssey?<\/h2>\n
Hero<\/h2>\n
Established Hero<\/h3>\n
Initiate Hero<\/h3>\n
\nEven though he has not met his father yet, Telemachus made sure to take care of their estate,<\/strong> especially when his mother, Penelope, was anxious and upset. He set on an adventure of his own to find his father whom they strongly believed is still alive even if he has been missing for almost twenty years.<\/p>\nMonster<\/h2>\n
\nIn The Odyssey, there are a total of seven mythical creatures<\/strong> that Odysseus encountered throughout his journey. These are Circe, Cyclopes, Calypso, the Sirens, the Lotus Eaters, Scylla, and Charybdis.
\nAlthough not all of them have monstrous features, they all have one thing in common: they represented the struggles<\/strong> that Odysseus must overcome for him to continue on his journey and attain his ultimate goal of coming home.<\/p>\nYearning for Love<\/h2>\n
\nAnother story is Calypso\u2019s selfish love for Odysseus. Although it is unrequited love, Calypso proved that she still wanted the best<\/strong> for Odysseus by providing everything he needed before he set sail.
\nFather and son love was demonstrated between Odysseus and Telemachus, who has never met his father<\/strong> but still loved him enough to stand in his absence and travel to Pylos and Sparta, where he was informed that his father was alive.<\/p>\nArchetypal Symbols in the Odyssey<\/h2>\n
\nThe shroud that Penelope weaves for Laertes, Odysseus’ enormous bow, the sea, and the island of Ithaca are all examples. Penelope’s cloak for her father-in-law Laertes’ eventual funeral represents her deception in dealing with the suitors.<\/strong><\/p>\nShroud of Laertes<\/h3>\n
Bow of Odysseus<\/h3>\n
\nIn a world where physical prowess is one of the most significant factors to be seen as a powerful king,<\/strong> the bow represents Odysseus as the man capable of ruling Ithaca and is, therefore, its rightful king.<\/p>\nThe Sea<\/h3>\n
\nInvoking the wrath of the sea god, Poseidon, is a major turning point in the poem. Due to Odysseus\u2019 lack of judgment and boastful attitude,<\/strong> he couldn\u2019t let go of not taking the credit for blinding the cyclops. He did not consider the possibility that the cyclops Polyphemus\u2019 father would be enraged and would affect his only route home: the sea.
\nIn effect, Poseidon made sure to prolong Odysseus\u2019 journey by giving him struggles to overcome,<\/strong> including sending monsters to defeat him.<\/p>\nIthaca<\/h3>\n
\nThe struggles did not end when he reached his own home, but they instead started anew. Being away for 20 years with no news of him being alive, Odysseus must prove that he is who he claims he is.<\/strong> In addition, the presence of the aggressive suitors infiltrating his home did not make it easy for him.
\nHe needed to disguise himself to enter his own home and gather information on how to attack and get rid of them.<\/strong> With the help of his son, two devoted herdsmen, and Athena\u2019s encouragement, Odysseus was restored as king of Ithaca.<\/p>\nWhat Are the Character Archetypes in the Odyssey?<\/h2>\n
Mentor<\/h3>\n
Damsel in distress\/loyal wife<\/h3>\n
Villain<\/h3>\n