Is the Odyssey the First Hero’s Journey?
The Odyssey, an epic poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, has long been celebrated as a cornerstone of Western literature. Since its composition around the 8th century BCE, scholars and readers have debated its themes, characters, and the profound impact it has had on subsequent works of art and literature. One of the most enduring questions that has emerged from this classic text is whether the Odyssey can be considered the first hero’s journey. This article explores this intriguing question, examining the narrative structure, character development, and thematic elements that define the hero’s journey and argue that the Odyssey indeed embodies this archetypal narrative.
The hero’s journey, also known as the monomyth, is a narrative template that has been identified by scholars such as Joseph Campbell in his seminal work, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.” This template outlines a series of stages that a hero must undergo in order to achieve personal growth and transformation. These stages include the call to adventure, the refusal of the call, the meeting with the mentor, the crossing of the first threshold, trials and tests, the approach to the inmost cave, the Ordeal, the reward, the return with the elixir, and the crossing of the return threshold.
In the case of the Odyssey, the narrative follows Odysseus, the protagonist, as he embarks on a ten-year journey to return home to Ithaca after the fall of Troy. The poem can be seen as a clear example of the hero’s journey, with Odysseus facing numerous challenges and trials along the way. The first stage, the call to adventure, is evident in Odysseus’s decision to participate in the Trojan War. Despite his reluctance, he is drawn into the conflict by the promise of glory and honor.
The refusal of the call is also present in the Odyssey, as Odysseus initially tries to avoid the war and its subsequent hardships. However, once he is involved, he must face the consequences of his actions. The meeting with the mentor occurs when Odysseus encounters the goddess Athena, who becomes his guiding force throughout the poem. Athena provides him with wisdom, protection, and guidance as he navigates the treacherous waters and encounters various challenges.
The crossing of the first threshold is when Odysseus leaves his home and family behind to embark on his journey. This stage marks the beginning of his transformation into a hero. Throughout the poem, Odysseus faces numerous trials and tests, such as the Sirens, the Cyclops, and the Laestrygonians. These encounters challenge his courage, wit, and resilience, ultimately leading to his growth and development.
The approach to the inmost cave and the Ordeal are encapsulated in Odysseus’s encounter with the Underworld, where he meets the spirits of the dead and receives guidance from the shade of his deceased friend, Achilles. This experience serves as a critical turning point in his journey, as it allows him to confront his own mortality and the fragility of life.
The reward and the return with the elixir are evident in Odysseus’s eventual return to Ithaca, where he reclaim his kingdom and family. However, the poem also highlights the challenges he faces in reintegrating into his former life, as he must overcome the suitors who have taken over his home and the resentment of his wife, Penelope.
In conclusion, the Odyssey can indeed be considered the first hero’s journey. Its narrative structure, character development, and thematic elements align with the stages of the hero’s journey as outlined by Joseph Campbell. By examining the poem through this lens, we can appreciate the profound impact that the Odyssey has had on the development of the hero’s journey as a literary and cultural phenomenon.
