The Heros - Odysseus, Jason and Aeneas :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Comparison of the Heroes, Odysseus, Jason and Aeneas Odysseus is unique among epic hoagiees 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 canvas 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 stand 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. Jasons uncle Pelias had usurped the throne of Iolchus (much as Penelopes suitors threatened to do), which Jason had a legitimate claim to. Pelias wanted t o 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 specious 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 advocate 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 testing 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 dragons 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 help, Jason slow tamed the bulls, and beg an to sow the field, but noticed that where he had put the teeth, soldiers were springing up from the ground. Jason hid from them, but then came up with a plan for getting rid of