Mythology Essay

Hero Defined Heroes are necessary in our everyday lives. They are looked up to as leaders and role models. Whether it be a superhero, a parent, a god, or even a friend - everyone, no matter whom, has a hero. To be a hero you have to complete difficult tasks and contribute to society, therefore we dream and strive to emulate them. For example, Jason’s story, one of the greatest known, is a perfect outline of each step in a hero’s journey. A hero of his own, Jason is a brave and goal-oriented young man, until his greed overcomes him which leads him to poor decisions, and ultimately leaves him with nothing but his sorrow. Jason is driven by his courage to accept his call to enter the unknown and defeat his early challenge. Jason’s request from Pelias is to “bring back the Golden Fleece” for the “dead Phrixus” to restore its “spirit”(124). This establishes him as trustworthy and as a man of bravery. Easily persuaded to complete this task, Jason is confident in the outcome of his journey and is proud that such a deed is placed into his hands. It’s time for the “Argonauts” and Jason to leave “Lemnos” and sail the “Argo”(125). Leaving the known, Jason and his crew sail off without the slightest hesitation. Jason is faced with a difficult early challenge-the Clashing Rocks, and obtains knowledge from Phineus: “The way to pass between them, he said was to first make trial with a dove. If she passed through then chances were they would too”(127). Without a sense of discouragement when the “tip of her tail feathers” are “caught between the rocks” they put “forth all their strength” and come “through safely” (127) as well. Ultimately, Jason is fearless, he accepts his Call, travels the unknown, and defeats the temptation to give up on his journey and continues his mission. Jason, assuring himself he is the best, faces his abyss and succumbs to a change that is only for the worse. Once Medea, Jason’s guide, and himself return the Golden Fleece, Jason treats Medea as if