The Athenian King: Not Without Theseus

In ancient Greece, Theseus would be considered a hero because he was courageous while also being kind. Even as a small child, Theseus showed great courage. For example, when he was a young boy and was looking for his father, he chose travel by land instead of by sea because the land was more dangerous. The land was more dangerous because there were many bandits along the way, but Theseus wanted to become a hero as quickly as possible, so he traveled by land and killed every bandit along the way. Greeks would have valued this courage because in ancient Greece, people greatly admired brave and powerful heroes who wouldn't back down from any challenge. Although Theseus was brave, he was also kind to others. This is why he convinced Hercules not to kill himself after he murdered his family under the influence of Hera. Many other people would’ve agreed with Hercules ending his own life for what he’d done, but Theseus knew that it wasn’t his fault, and that suicide was not the right way. The ancient greeks would have valued this because ancient greece was a violent and dangerous, so someone who was kind and gentle and was also strong was person to be respected.

Theseus, born of Aethra and Poseidon, grew up secretly in Troezen keeping him protected from those who would harm him. Thus, claiming the items his father left him and setting out for Athens, he started on the path leading to many great and heroic adventures.

Now Theseus is older and is in his father’s palace in Athens, the fame seeking youth decided to set his sights on a new journey. A journey which would lead to him being loved and remembered by all the people of Athens. During this time Athens had a severe problem, the neighboring island Crete would attack them every so often. The king of Athens decided to try and compromise with Crete. He stated if Crete left Athens alone for nine years they would send fourteen Athenian youths seven male and seven females as a sacrifice to Minos to be fed to the Minotaur king Minos pet. The king of Athens goal was to build a strong navy, so they could defend themselves from Crete. Surprisingly the king of Crete Mino kept his word and never attacked Athens. Now nine years had come, and it was Athens turn to keep their word. The king of Athens was conflicted as he knew the value of keeping one's word. Theseus seeing this as the perfect opportunity to earn new fame and liken his image in Athens volunteered as the seventh male Athenian youth. Theseus’s goal is to slay the Minotaur and save his fellow Athenians. Theseus promises his father, he will return alive and when he does, he will change the color of the sail on the ship from white to black. In the event the sails stay black his father should assume Theseus has met his demise. After the Athenians arrive in Crete they are welcomed by King Mino’s and princess Ariadne, upon seeing

Odysseus is a hero because he acts courageously while facing the many challenges he encounters. Odysseus’s shows great bravery when he engages in physical challenges. Odysseus daringly fights against the suitors, while significantly outnumbered: “For I must

Classical ideals of behavior between man and woman are presented in the play. Also Theseus seems to be noble and smart ruler, who cares about his nationals.

If compared to Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey theory, Theseus is considered a mythological hero; however, not in a historical manner in which he is often accredited.

Theseus has many changes in his character throughout his adventures. These developments in his mindset lead him from being a depressed, weak child, to a strong leader that many look up to.

Heroes need sidekicks, whom they rely on for multiple reasons, but end up with all the credit; just like how Theseus obtains all the glory for Ariadne's thinking and how Odysseus attains almost all the credits for Athena’s work. Ariadne tells Theseus the way to get out of the Labyrinth where the Minotaur stays, “ She would bring about the escape if he would promise to take her back to Athens and marry her ” (“Theseus” Hamilton 207). The only reason Theseus is able to slaughter the Minotaur and escape the maze is because of Ariadne. Theseus leaves Ariadne to die on an island. Even if she dies because of a disease, he should have at least informed the people of Athens that she is a huge reason for his success. At the end he gains all the glory and becomes known for single handedly defeating the Minotaur. Moreover, Athena releases Odysseus, after many arguments with the gods and sends him on a journey, which makes him a legend. “ The Olympians were moved by her words… Zeus spoke for them all when he said they must put their heads together and contrive a way for him to return” (“The Adventures of Odysseus” Hamilton 287). Athena releases Odysseus from his punishment after having many debates with the gods. Not only that, but she also helps him by giving him a boat to travel back to his homeland. After a long journey, he returns home and takes his kingdom back and becomes a legend, but not many appreciate Athena for Odysseus’ success.

Heroes are inspirational figures in stories that relay relatable messages. Some of the most famous heroes include Harry Potter, Superman, Wonder Woman, etc. In greek mythology, Theseus, like Superman or Harry Potter, is also considered a hero. Theseus was the son of Poseidon who went to Athens to meet his supposed father, the king. In hopes of freeing him of his debt, he travels to Crete where Minos resided and killed the minotaur whom Aegeus was to feed 7 each of the most beautiful maidens and courageous men in his kingdom. Theseus is considered a hero for he possesses qualities of a hero and his/her journey. Theseus fits the hero archetype because he is clever, which means that he has situational intelligence; he is determined, which means that he is firmly set in opinion or purpose; and he has a supernatural helper, which is someone who aids the hero in his/her quest usually by providing them with a talisman or advice.

Today, Odysseus is known as an epic hero, due to many of the courageous acts he marked out during his journey in the odyssey. For, example when he steers his ship around the deadly whirlpool Charybidis and valiantly tries to defend men from Scylla. This act shows that he was brave and that he risked his life to save other lives. Another example of his courageous act is when he blinds the Cyclops with a sharpened log after the Cyclops captures him and his men in his cave. This, heroic act makes Odysseus courageous, which is one of the traits a hero has.

One way to be a hero is to be idolized for courage. Odysseus was idled by his son, wife, his people of Ethica, and his troops he fought alongside in Troy. This makes him a hero because without courage, you cannot be a hero. Courage is one of, if not, the biggest characteristics of being a hero. Without courage, you are not able to go on any long journey, fight in a war, or even be the leader

Therefore, Captain America’s actions and choices turned him into a heroic symbol for his people. In the book Mythology, Theseus was praised as a champion by the people of Athens, because he rid of the bandits, “Greece rang with the praises of the young man who had cleared the land... he was acknowledged as a hero” (150). Like Captain America, Theseus has become the champion of his world. He was recognized as a hero for his brave deeds, and becomes a symbol of hope. Captain America and Theseus each are champions of their world and symbols of strength, another important factor of the hero. They also teach different lessons of life through their story.

Overall, the ancient greeks valued Theseus because of his compassion and wisdom. Theseus showed compassion when Hercules’s burst of insanity, caused by his stepmother, Hera, led him to kill his wife and children and then want to kill himself. Although the public shunned Hercules, Theseus thought that a man could not be charged for murder if he had not known what he was doing, and those who had influenced the man should be charged for the crime as well. So Theseus brought him under his wing and welcomed him inside his house. Theseus, who was just as compassionate as he was wise, demonstrated his wisdom after his father’s death, who was king of Athens. The only place of power he wanted was the position of commander and chief. He also formed a council and a place where people could vote. Thus, establishing the first democracy. As seen in my first example, Theseus showed compassion to Hercules, when no other man

Notwithstanding, the fact Perseus severed Gorgon Medusa's head, Theseus is braver than Perseus as he is more courageous and intelligent, consequently leading him to be a better role model for adolescents.

Introduced as “a conqueror…greater” than any other “beneath the sun,” Thesëus, the wise and chivalrous lord Athens, is a merciful and noble duke (Chaucer 24). As a wise and noble leader, Thesëus, with a “heart of pity,” mends the ailments of his people, “ as he [is] a true knight.” (26).