Harry Potter And Odysseus Comparison Essay

Similarities in the Epic Heroes Odysseus and Harry Potter

The Odyssey by Homer tells the story of a man named Odysseus who fought in the Trojan War, and is trying to return home to his wife, and son. During his return home, he faces many difficulties and monsters that he has to overcome. Odysseus serves as the model for an epic hero. An epic hero is a brave and noble character in an epic poem, who is admired for their skill, achievement, and is affected by grand events. Though this idea comes from an ancient story, it is still relevant in modern popular culture. One example of a modern-day epic hero is Harry Potter. A hero created by J.K Rowling for The Harry Potter series, Harry Potter clearly shared many characteristics with Odysseus. Odysseus is the model for the modern-day epic hero, Harry Potter, who, like Odysseus, battles villains or monsters, puts himself in harm's way for a loved one, and becomes a well-known figure in his society

Both Harry and Odysseus battle evil monsters and villains throughout their journey. For example when when Odysseus and his crew have to pass the six headed monster called Scylla, Circe warns him:

Skirting in the lugger…

but that is the den of Scylla

when she

yaps abominably a newborn's cry
though she is huge and monstrous. (Homer 12.34-35)
When Odysseus is faced with two dangerous paths to get home, he chooses the one with the horrific six headed and twelve legged creature called Scylla who can devour six men at once. This path is more reasonable, because the other path is a whirlpool that can take all his men instead of only six like Scylla. Also when Harry goes to save the Sorcerer's Stone with Hermione and Ron, he combats with Voldemort and Professor Quirrell, the villains. Harry encounters the evil villain, Voldemort who tries to get the Sorcerer's stone, and is successful in beating Voldemort even though many powerful wizard fear him. Harry used his sorcery and pure intentions to defeat both villains, and is able to turn them into dust with his bare hands. Not only do Odysseus and Harry battle evil villains and monsters, they also put themselves in danger for someone close.
Like Odysseus, Harry also puts himself in harm's way for a loved one in both pieces of literature. For instance, when Circe turns Odysseus’ men into pigs, the narrator explains, “ Against Eurylochus advice, however, Odysseus rushes to save his men from the enchantress.” ( Fitzgerald,920) When Odysseus’ men meet Circe they do not know that she is a powerful witch, so Crice tricks them into drinking the wine and turning them into swine. When Odysseus is notified about this he rushed to save his beloved crew, even if it requires risking his own life in the process. Also, when Harry goes to save Hermione during the troll attack, he puts his life in harms way for his friends. The troll attack takes place when Hermione is crying in the ladies room, and she does not know about the troll coming her way. But when everyone is evacuating, Harry rather gets the idea to go save his friend who is in danger without thinking about getting himself in harm. In addition to them risking their lives for a loved one, Odysseus and Harry also are admired by their society.
Both Odysseus and Harry become a well-known figure in their societies. Also, when Odysseus disguises as a beggar and asks the swineherd and herdsman about Odysseus, they reply by saying, “Ah let the master come! / Father Zeus , grant our old wish! / Some courier guide him back.” (Homer 21.64-67) Odysseus is disguised so that everyone does not know his plan, but even without knowing that the beggar is Odysseus they still show their respect and loyalty with the dialogue. The text helps us infer that Odysseus is well admired in his kingdom, because he is the king of many loyal people. In addition, when Harry finds out that he is a wizard, he discovers that many wizard know and admire him for being, “ the boy who lives”. When Harry was a baby Voldemort spared his life, which was a rare incident because people are even afraid to say his name so they call him, “ You know who.” Since the incident many wizards admire him and know him by his scar, also they are excited for Harry to go to Hogwarts so he can do great things. In conclusion both characters, Odysseus and Harry are famous figures in their societies.
All in all Harry the modern day hero like the model Odysseus, encounters many difficulties from monsters and villains, take part in a situation that threatens their own life for a loved one, and become a significant figure for their societies.

Epic heroes are not only in ancient times, but also in modern popular culture. Epic heroes are idols, or characters that reflect human traits and values which are still found important. The modern day culture is still telling stories about adventures that reflect choices and ideas of Epic heroes. Most people use epic poems to describe their daily lives and emotions, making the tradition to go on. An Epic heroes traits are not only found in fictional characters, but also in each and everyone in our

societies.