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How Does Theseus Show Courage

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The two most important traits found in a hero are courage and honor which both Perseus and Theseus demonstrate remarkably. Early in the myth of Theseus it is apparent that his profound strength matched his courage when “he felt it would disgrace his father Poseidon if he chose to avoid the kind of struggles that Heracles purposely sought”(245). This desire to seek out quests and challenges in order to prove himself demonstrates his innate courage. Later on in the myth his courage and his honor are put to the test when in response to Minos taking fourteen athenian civilians and slaughtering them in the labyrinth he “willingly volunteered to be one of the fourteen sacrifices and share the fate of the victims of the lottery”(248). Knowing that his decision may mean his death, Theseus …show more content…

This vow that Theseus is determined to keep is the foundation to his honor. Ultimately this is what separates Theseus from other heroes such as Heracles who while was courageous would often kill in fits of rage. Perseus demonstrates his courage when he tells Polydectes that he would “kill the horrible Gorgon Medusa in order to prove my loyalty and courage”(200). When Perseus could not donate horses or wealth to the king he instead turns to donating his loyalty and services by killing Medusa. By volunteering to kill this beast Perseus willingly puts his own life on the line demonstrating courage. Later on in the myth Perseus comes across Andromeda who is destined to be devoured by a great sea monster but Perseus states “ I have severed the Gorgon Medusa’s snake-haired head, and I will rescue your daughter from this monster”(206). Perseus uses his newly found weapon in order to help the Princess Andromeda from the dreadful sea monster and in return Andromeda becomes his bride. By helping and protecting the defenseless, such as Andromeda, Perseus demonstrates great

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