Archetypes In The Odyssey

The Odyssey, an epic story by Homer is a Greek poem written in 700 BC. It is a piece of literature that has been widely analysed because of the hero, Odysseus. O Brother, Where Art Thou is an 2000 adventure comedy film by Joel and Ethan Coen. This film has been described to be a retelling of the epic story The Odyssey with Ulysses Everett McGill (Everett) being the hero of the film. The two pieces of literature are based around their different cultures, but the Hero’s journey and adventure are the same. Even though their stated reason for their journeys are different, the archetypes are parallel in both myths and Odysseus and Everett are “ideal” heroes within their cultures.

The stated reason for the journey and the actual reason of the journey

is different between The Odyssey and O Brother, Where Art Thou. In the film, Everett deceived his two cohorts into believing they were to take a treasure hunt adventure if they will break out of prison with him, although his actual reason for leaving prison was to return to his family. However, Odysseus is in the turmoil of war and his reason for adventure is to return to his wife. His stated reason and actual reason are the same. Everett had six children and a wife that was already moving on with her life and finding interest in other men. His call came when he received word that his wife, Penny, was being unfaithful. He had to convince the inmates he was chained to to leave with him or on his journey. In The Odyssey, Odysseus was returning to the island of Ithaca and his wife, Penelope. Everett knew that his fellow inmates would not risk capture unless he presented a true reward for their risk. Odysseus did not want to leave his family in the beginning and he is in a position of authority and his men are more willing to obey his wishes. Although their stated reasons for accepting the call and crossing the threshold were different, the journey was accepted.

The Archetypes are parallel in The Odyssey and O Brother, Where Art Thou.

Although the stories take place in different time periods and have different cultural influences, there are many similarities/parallels between them.The temptress in O Brother, Where Art Thou is the three girls sitting by the river singing and washing their clothes. These women, being the tempters that they are, lured Everett and his two friends over to them. The Temptress in The Odyssey was the Sirens. The Sirens were women in the ocean who lured the men in with their feminine charm and beautiful singing. Also, in The Odyssey the Lotus Eaters are another form of temptation, and in O Brother, Where Art Thou the people who are baptising in the river are seen as tempters. This Archetype is a trap to danger. The Giant Monster Archetype is portrayed in The Odyssey as the one-eyed monster, Cyclops. In O Brother, Where Art Thou the piano player at the restaurant, Big Dan, with the eye-patch is parallel to the Cyclops. In both stories these characters represent an incident where their journey back home was set back because of another trial they had to face. The Wise Old Mentor Archetype is the blind prophet Tiresias, and in O Brother, Where Art Thou the old blind man on the railroad. The last Archetype is the Unfaithful Wife. In both stories the wives, Penelope and Penny are unfaithful to their husbands and are attracted to a more desirable man. The Temptress, with sensuous beauty, message is clear to

seduce the boys in both stories and bring about their downfall. The fruit of the Lotus Eaters and the congregation in a trancelike state at the baptism both were trying to distract the men from their journey and cause them to forget their calling. In both cases the heroes had to save their men from the temptation. The Giant Monsters were used in both stories to bring physical harm to the heroes. The Wise Mentor gives wisdom and knowledge of things to come to the heroes. Although the time period is quite different, the archetypes are a direct parallel in both stories.

In these epic stories there are two ideal heroes that share similar traits and goals.

In the book The Odyssey, the epic hero is Odysseus. In the film, O Brother, Where Art Thou, Everett is portrayed as the epic hero.Odysseus is presented as the epic hero in this story because he actually reached his destination. His destination was to go to Ithaca. He also established peace on the island all with the help and guide of Athena. Odysseus also remained faithful and loyal to his wife, Penelope.Everett is the epic hero in this story because he successfully arrived at his home and reunited with his wife and children. Odysseus overcomes many dangerous experiences because of his cunning and wisdom. Throughout the entire voyage Odysseus was in search of his home, and his family. Just like any great hero, everyone has a tragic flaw. In Odysseus case, he did not have any big flaws, but he did lose his crew men and he boasted about himself too much. Everett was seen as a hero in this story because of the loyalty in his heart to always stick with his family and fight for them. Everett was also very brave in the many trails he was faced. Along Everette’s journey he has changed spiritually. He is not the egotistical man he was at the beginning of the film and he returns to Penny a more sincere and loving husband. Although the heroes share different qualities and achieve their goals differently, they are still seen as ideal heroes in their individually

stories.
The comparisons of Homer’s Odyssey and O Brother, Where Art Thou are sometimes obscure and at other times parallel, but the journey the heroes take is ultimately successful. All comparisons have not been mentioned in this essay as they are numerous. Although the stated reason for their call was different in both scenarios, the archetypes portrayed were parallels in the stories and both of the protagonist were seen as ideal heroes within their culture.