The uses of archetypes are crucial in helping in the development of a story. They come in handy in helping the writers to avoid the use of some clichés as well as negative things that may be viewed by the audience as being socially unfit and entirely unethical. Being significantly employed in the classification of characters, they play a crucial role in the determination various qualities that the characters may share. In the context of the Greek mythology, non-Greek as well as in the modern-time stories, different archetypes have been used including the heroes, shadows, mentors and much more to help in the classification of various characters. This paper will, however, focus on an in-depth exploration of shadows with a central focus on how the use of Villains and enemies have been used to classify characters in the context of Greek mythology, non-Greek mythology as well as the stories of the modern times in general. Otherwise referred to as the tragic villain, the archetype of villains and enemies come in …show more content…
In the myth “The Gift of Fire Zeus and Prometheus” Zeus was not happy with mankind so he decided to punish mankind and not give them the most essential resource of all, fire! Prometheus felt sorry for the poor humans so in return he stole Zeus’s thunderbolt and gave it to the humans and next thing you know man discovers fire. Zeus was furious with prometheus and ordered him to be chained to a rock as punishment for stealing his thunderbolt. To make matters worse Zeus ordered an eagle to eat at Prometheus liver every day. This punishment was brutal for a god who was only trying to help mankind. Over a thousand years has passed and humans have changed dramatically. At this point Zeus has found humans quite entertaining, for Prometheus Zeus no longer cared if anyone rescued him or not (Donn). Untimely Zeus made a horrible decision in having Prometheus chained to a rock for trying to save
Most people think of a hero as a strong, superior, good-looking person that could never make a mistake. However, in a story called The Odyssey, a connection to real life reveals imperfections to be common in heroes. Each person has their low points and highlights, regardless of their “rank”. The author and epic poet, Homer, exemplifies our main character, Odysseus, to take on this idea of a hero throughout his writing. The time period took place in Ancient Greece, allowing Greek culture to relate to the poem. Different aspects of such culture and history may have influenced the works and creativity of Homer as well. A major point includes The Trojan War because it focuses in on Odysseus’ journey to bring Helen back home by devising a plan to destroy warriors in the city. Acknowledge this factor when reading The Odyssey, for not only evidence of heroism, but also other major points of archetypes, in which the device reflects the insights of readers in modern time and what is seen from Ancient Greek culture.
Zeus finds out and is very angry with Prometheus for not only disobeying him, but also besting him and making a fool out of him. To pay for his crime, Zeus binds him to a pole and sends an eagle to eat away at his liver every day; and at night, it regrows only to be re-eaten the next day, and the next day, and the next, turning into a viscous cycle.
Through out the reading that have been read in class, they all have some type or multiple types of archetypes with in them. These archetypes have been either very noticeable or farther under the surface, the stories, poems and folklore are not all the same by any means but they do have some similarities besides the fact that they are all old. Ranging from The Odyssey to The Popol Vuh. The way of describing which archetype is in the stories is by thinking of an onion, that layer by layer seeing the archetype is more under the surface than the last, so the most significate is a scapegoat that is within all six stories. The scapegoat is not always a person it more than likely is an idea the main character has when trying to go around their fears or even when making a simple decision. The respectable way to compare six different works would be like peeling an onion; one begins by peeling away at the layers, starting with the skin which is the simplest like The Odyssey, then The Pillowbook of Sei Shonagon, afterwards The Epic of Gilgamesh, following Poems of Catullus, later The Popol Vuh and lastly Lysistrata with all of the writings sharing a scapegoat to advance the plot of the story
In Homers epic poem “The Odyssey” there are many archetypes, many of which were the origin of the archetype. An archetype is a character type, place, or symbol, every culture shares. In “The Odyssey” Homer uses archetypes to evoke meaning to the story. Some examples of archetypes in “The Odyssey” are the temptress, and the father-son conflict.
Moussa D Ragan mythology November 20, 2015 rough draft heroes and villains archetype Heroes and villains archetype are the most important archetypes in the world and in mythologywithout them the myths and legends would be boring and kinda not have any morals in them.these two archetypes are makes most of the myths relatable to the time period we live in now. These archetypes changed history of myths. There are of ways that a hero and villain archetype can appear. One way that heroes usually appear as the warrior that fights for his or her town or city and everybody praises them and everybody looks up to them. One way villains mostly appear is as evil, greedy and bitter person that has nothing to lose and usually tries to bring to the end
Zeus’ affinity for being the main character of a myth is no different in the epic myth about his fight against Cronus and the Titans or the “Titanomachy.” In this larger-than-life battle Zeus has to overthrow his father Cronus and take his predestined place as king of the gods. In this myth however, Zeus has to grow and overcome many challenges that stand in his way to greatness. Zeus has to ask for help from his mother in order to be able to free his sibling from his father Cronus who had swallowed them whole. After Zeus frees his siblings he has to face the mighty Titans, so he asks the Cyclops and the Hecatonchires to aid him in this battle that lasts
Prometheus Greek meaning "forethought") is a Titan in Greek mythology, best known as the deity in Greek mythology who was the creator of humanity and its greatest benefactor, who stole fire from Mount Olympus and gave it to humankind. Prometheus (Ancient Greek Προμηθεύς "Forethinker") is a Titan of Greek mythology, the son of Iapetus and Themis, and brother to Atlas, Epimetheus and Menoetius. A Trickster figure, he was a champion of mankind known for his wily intelligence, who stole fire from Zeus and the gods and gave it to mortals. In Greek mythology, Epimetheus Greek which mightmean "hindsight", literally "afterthinker") was the brother of Prometheus (traditionally interpreted as "foresight", literally "fore-thinker"), a pair of Titans who "acted as representatives of mankind In classical. Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman on Earth.
In the play, it is revealed that Zeus intended to keep fire away from man. Lines 233-235 say “…but to the unhappy breed of mankind he gave no heed, intending to blot the race out and create a new” (Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound lines 233-235). By keeping fire for the Gods, Zeus was planning to let mankind perish, and replace them with a different race of his design. Not wanting to see the downfall of humanity, Prometheus steals fire from Zeus and gifts it to mankind, allowing them to survive. This is an example of binaries between fondness and hatred for mankind. While Zeus may not explicitly hate humans, he is more than willing to allow them to die. Prometheus steals from the Gods in order to sustain life on earth, pitting him against Zeus.
The traditions of storytelling have long been used as a means to impart wisdom and life lessons to others. One of the most effective ways in which this is done is through the use of archetypes. While it is possible to look at these images in a general way, one may also focus an analysis on a single tale. In this way it is possible to explore the particular images used and their significance in a given situation, (often a coming of age rite of
The ambiguity of the myth of Prometheus lies in its interpretation. The Greek myth surrounds the creation of man and the part Prometheus played in it. Prometheus (meaning forethought) and his brother, Epimetheus (meaning afterthought), were given certain tasks by Zeus after they fought on Zeus' side in the war with the Titans. As a reward for their loyalty, Zeus gave Epimetheus the responsibility of creating the animals and distributing their qualities, for example, strength, speed, and stamina. Prometheus, on the other hand, was given the task of creating man. Prometheus molded man out of clay, giving them the ability to walk upright so that they could be closer to the heavens and the Gods. Since Epimetheus was extremely rash in his dispersion of the traits and qualities to the animals, when it came time for Prometheus to give some to man, there were none left. So, Prometheus gave man fire, and taught him how to grow food, and how to make objects, such as tools.
The myth of Pandora starts with two brothers, Epimetheus and Prometheus, who were Titans that tasked themselves as spokespeople for their creation from clay: mankind. Epimetheus was in charge of creating the creatures that were to roam the Earth while Prometheus was to distribute them. While most animals were armed or protected by their physical attributes, man stood alone naked and bear to all those that may attack. Thus, Prometheus, the mischevious of the two, deceived Zeus one day into giving mankind the best portion of a sacrificed bull, leaving behind bare bones and fats for the gods. Outraged and offended, Zeus then took the gift of fire away from mankind to leave them in the cold and darkness. However, Prometheus once again outwitted Zeus and stole unwearying fire for men to have the intelligence necessary to sustain their lives. As punishment, Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock in Caucasus where an eagle ripped apart and devoured his liver every day, which then regenerated each nightfall as result of his immortality. Although Prometheus caused him the most angst, Zeus believed the kind-hearted Epimetheus deserved to struggle as well in a form that would not only punish him but also the brothers’ creation of mankind. Zeus called out for Hephaestus to construct the most beautiful, intelligent, and brave women named Pandora to be the new companion of Epimetheus in place of Prometheus. However, he also graced her with one other quality: curiosity. So, Zeus delivered his
The mythological character and God, Zeus, is portrayed in many ways, by many different people. Hesiod describes Zeus as being relentless in his fury. When he gets mad he unleashes all of his power. If his brother Hades wasn’t in charge of the Underworld, he’d make all of Hell break loose. For example, in Hesiod’s Theogony, which is about when Zeus defeated his father, Cronus, he says, “Then Zeus did not hold back any longer, but now immediately his heart was filled with strength and he showed clearly all his force.” (Morford and Lenardon 85) He tends to treat others, mortals and immortals, very unfairly. Two mortals could do the same exact type of sacrilege towards him, and depending on how he felt that day, he would take two very different approaches to how he would treat them. He also doesn’t take any threats towards him very lightly at all. If anyone ever threatens him, he normally punishes them very severely, if he doesn’t destroy them completely. Hesiod’s approach to Zeus’ behavior is overdramatic, and makes it seem more extreme than it probably would’ve been.
Prometheus, the Titan of Greek mythology, was considered to be the most important Titan ever in all the myths. He helped the human race tremendously in his efforts to sustain an easier lifestyle. Mankind had great respect for him because of his advantages and gifts or abilities he gave them. Also, his battle against Zeus as a result of his love for man was very much appreciated. Prometheus was one of the most interesting Greek mythology figures in his time. He was a very kind, loving, generous, and courteous god to mankind. This can be seen through many events in his life including a particular myth that the reader will acknowledge in this research paper.
Since the beginning of time the people of the world have their share of beliefs. Greek mythology is the arguably the most popular region of study. In Ancient Greece every citizen had a patron that would protect them and pantheism was commonplace. The Romans admired the Greeks in their art and culture and even took different aspects of their gods. Polytheism was widely accepted in all cultures so the seed of mythology bloomed. The time line of the creations of gods to the end of their reign is an important factor in Greek Mythology.
With that it is hard to make a determination that Zeus is at fault. Hesiod version in Theogony and Works and Day, gives the impression of Zeus as scorned, angry, and justified for punishing Prometheus. This is the difference between the two stories.