Epic heroes in literature and mythology

Epic Heroes of folklore and classic literature have several common traits, which allow them to be called "heroes." Epic heroes do not only posses virtues common for "heroes" but they do also perform heroic deeds for the sake of their family, motherland or their people, sacrificing their lives and personal happiness for the better of others. Heroes should overcome a series of obstacles and deprivations and stand them with dignity and honor. Epic heroes always fulfill their quests and only after that they return back to their families, to their homeland. it's typical for ancient eposes of both Greece and India that due to a number of objective reasons heroes having the call of duty have to leave their homes: "Their journeys are filled with great sense of commitment and purpose which may range from fulfilling a moral duty or win the heart of a maiden. In addition to their devotedness and strong faith, the heroes portray a great deal of intelligence, nobility and personal courage" (Rosenberg). In most of heroic epos stories, heroes experience moral and spiritual transformations during their adventures so that after they return back home they are called "heroes": "hero-myth" cycle in which the hero embarks upon his journey usually follows the pattern: call to adventure; meeting the mentor; obstacles; fulfilling the quest; return of the hero; and, transformation of the hero" (Dominguez). The most famous heroes of ancient literature are Odysseus from Homer's "Odyssey" and Rama from Valmiki's "Ramayana."

Both Indian and Greek cultures have rich mythology and folklore, with special role devoted to epic heroes, who are regarded to be middle persons between mortal people and gods. Heroes serve as classic model for common mortals, as they are smart, witty, brave and possess all human virtues. Heroes are also noble and generous, which makes them equal to kings.

A typical epic hero who finishes his quest with fair virtuous woman of his dream (Sita) is hero Rama, from Indian "Ramayana," written approximately in 5th century B.C. Ramayana is a story of Rama, who was king's son and incarnation of god Vishu. Rama had to spend 14 years in exile together with his brother Lakshama and maiden Sita. Rama's fiancee Sita is later kidnapped by a demon king Ravana, whom Rama kills, rescuing Sita. Rama then returns to his kingdom and restores his right to be the ruler after years spent in exile. It takes several years for Rama and Sita to reunion as being accused in treachery she had to live and raise twin sons alone.

Rama and Sita embody models of Indian man and woman, their personalities represent the most valued virtues in Indian culture. Rama spends a long time in exile, as she follows the advice of his mother to leave the kingdom in trouble times in order to return once and restore his right to rule. His faithfulness and devotedness to mother impress, and even today respect towards parents is considered to be one of the main moral obligations in modern Indian society. Rama had overcome a lot of obstacles in order to rescue his loving fiancee Sita, showing courage, bravery, strength of will and great commitment. Image of Sita is also associated with loyalty and devotedness, the most valued family virtues in Indian culture. Sita voluntarily agreed to follow Rama in his exile, despite all future hardships and dangers. Years of exile tempered her will, made her independent and confident. Moral and spiritual transformation that Rama received in his quest allowed him to restore his social status and unite with his wife Sita again.

Odysseus from Homer's Odyssey also follows the image of a classic hero. He is brave, courageous, wit and intelligent. He is also a devoted and loyal husband. After the Trojan War is over it takes nearly 10 years for him to get back home, ten years of great obstacles and ordeals. The household of Odysseus is close to full collapse, as there are lots of men trying to tempt his wife Penelope and destroy his property. But before Odysseus returned back home his destiny gave him serious trials: mean-eating giant Polypheus, temptations of Calypso who offered him immortal life if he refuses from return home, etc. Odysseus returns home, but first in order to spy the real situation in Ithaca he dresses as beggar. "At the end after revenging his enemies he reunited with his family." (Rosenberg).

Odysseus is the first Greek epic hero, who on the hand with typical heroic traits of call of adventure and strength possesses such quality as intelligence. All his actions are contemplated; he never acts spontaneously and never gives freedom to his emotions. Such traits on the hand with his patience and wit put him apart from the rest of epic heroes. Unlike heroes of other eposes who are god-like, Odysseus has much of an ordinary man. He has weaknesses, which are common for all mortal people. He is especially punished for his pride by Poseidon. He is also weak in standing temptations, but nevertheless his strong will and brilliant mind allow him to finish his quest.

Comparing epic heroes of "Odyssey" and "Ramayana" we can say that both of them reflect national, religious and historical particularises of two cultures: Indian and Greek. Odysseus like most of Greek myth heroes is not a perfect man. it's also important to note that Gods in Greek mythology posses evils and they are not perfect as well. Homer pays an important role to Odysseus's physical appearance as he is described as physically God-like, well spoken, noble and generous to his servants and subordinates. Homer equally describes Odysseus's courage, strength, intelligence and wit tongue. it's also clear that Odysseus is not perfect as he is pound and jealous.

Unlike Odysseus, Rama is described as a God's incarnation: righteous, self-controlled and restrained, "patient as the earth" and kind. In description of Rama's personality a very special emphasis is made on his righteousness and virtuous nature. Such description is mainly explained by Indian Hindu beliefs of karma and dharma that a person has to live a righteous life in order to move to a better life after his death. That's why Rama is distinguished by his good conduct. The story of Odysseus is different as Odysseus is described mainly by his ability to overcome different hardships and trials given by God's in order to test his will, strength and moral obligation to his homeland and his wife. Odyssey is also an allegoric story of Greeks who settled all over Mediterranean cost and who's life was in many respects similar to the life of Odyssey: it was a continuing battle against endless hardships and obstacles. Odyssey shows that in Greek mythology God's were in charge of people's fates, they controlled their life, punishing indociles and rewarding those who obeyed them. Greek mythology showed a small belief in after life so for Greeks, reality was more important and personal participation in life of community took a central place in their lives.