The Influence of Storytelling Archetypes in Homer’s Odyssey
The Influence of Storytelling Archetypes in Homer’s Odyssey By Sam Thomas Odysseus’ tale of his encounter with the Cyclops, which he recounts to the Phaecians in Book 9 of Homer‘s Odyssey, is one of the most famous stories ever told. It is deeply rooted in the classical literary consciousness and is yet familiar to even those modern readers who have never studied ancient texts. Why does a nearly three-thousand year old piece of epic poetry maintain such an influential presence in modern culture?
The Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jeung’s theory of archetypes asserts that there are certain archetypes which have been present in literary works since the beginning of recorded history. Furthermore, Jeung’s theory suggests that these archetypes are evidence of a continued mimesis of cultural memory that precludes even history itself. Jeung believed that fictional characters who possessed strong archetypal traits would resonate with audiences in profound and unconscious ways. One of the most notable recurring archetypal characters is the Hero.
According to literary theorist Joseph Campbell, an archetypal or mythological hero is one who “… sets forth from his commonday hut or castle and is lured, carried away, or else voluntarily proceeds, to the threshold of adventure. Beyond the threshold, then, the hero journeys through a world of unfamiliar yet strangely intimate forces, some of which severely threaten him (tests), some of which give magical aid (helpers). When he arrives at the nadir of the mythological round, he undergoes a supreme ordeal and gains his reward.
The triumph may be represented as the hero’s sexual union with the goddess-mother of the world (sacred marriage), his recognition by the father-creator (father atonement), his own divinization (apotheosis), or again – if the powers have remained unfriendly to him – his theft of the boon he came to gain (bride-theft, fire-theft); intrinsically it is an expansion of consciousness and therewith of being (illumination, transfiguration, freedom). The final work is that of the return. If the powers have blessed the hero, he now sets forth under their protection (emissary); if not, he flees and is pursued (transformation light, obstacle flight). At the return threshold the transcendental powers must remain behind; the hero re-emerges from the kingdom of dread (return, resurrection). The boon that he brings restores the world (elixir). ” Based upon this definition, one can easily make the claim that Odysseus’ s journey is typical of the archetypal Hero. The particular tale describing his encounter with the Cyclops, then, presents Polyphemus as an example of a severely threatening force that tests Odysseus and forces him to utilize his heroic traits in order to overcome an intimidating obstacle.
Odysseus’ well-executed escape from Polyphemus’ cave in the guise of a sheep is an example of two of Odysseus’ often epithetically referenced characteristics, namely his cunning and his industriousness. An audience could be expected to be impressed by this display of heroic guile and wit. A layer of complexity is added to the tale after Odysseus and his men have escaped the cave. In response to the blinded giant’s furious throwing of boulders at his escape vessel, Odysseus reveals his own true name to Polyphemus in taunting the Cyclops, who then prays to his father Poseidon to exert vengeance on the fleeing hero.
In light of the anteceding events that have Odysseus undergoing numerous sufferings as per the will of Poseidon, Odysseus’ vain decision to reveal his identity to Polyphemus can be interpreted as showing an especial foolishness that clashes distinctly with the clear foresight he utilizes in most other sections of the story. The audience can almost immediately transition from a state of reverence towards Odysseus’ heroism to a state of disbelief at his self-injurious action.
This hurtful decision by Odysseus reveals aspects of the more human side of his character. Heroes in Greek myths often exist in the partially exalted state of demi-gods. They embody certain heroic traits shared with the Gods, while also serving as examples of the flaws that plague mankind. Odysseus, then, is both hero and human, allowing audiences to be captivated by the seamless inter-weaving of the divine and the quotidian, the victories and defeats that have captivated audiences through the mouths of storytellers since the first man.
