Comparing Heroes In The Canterbury Tales And The Odyssey

Heroes are the game changers in society, who create the misfortune and accomplishment through their efforts. Throughout time, heroes have been represented in a variety of different ways. The Canterbury Tales and the Odyssey both portray their heroes far different than the other. In addition, heroes from the fifteenth century may be considered villains in today’s society. In conclusion, heroes are viewed in different ways because of perspective, the time period, and their self morals.

In the Odyssey, Odysseus has been portrayed as a war hero. His characteristics on the other hand, portray a villain. In Book 9, Odysseus stole Polyphemus’ sheep, as well as blinded him. Polyphemus was considered a villain when he held Odysseus captive, yet Odysseus was still a hero when he stole his sheep in the first place. This shows that heroes gained their glory by taking over other regions. Heroes sacked cities, heroes attacked the innocent, heroes fought for what they thought was right. The time period the Odyssey took place revolved around fighting. As a result, the heroes were then based on who ever sacked more cities, not an impact of the greater good. All in all, a hero is shaped through portrayal and the time period.

The heroes in the Canterbury Tales are similar to those in …show more content…
Today, however, heroes are portrayed as those who brought throughout change in a positive way. For example, Odysseus would have related to Osama Bin Laden in today’s political spectrum. Both have terrorized other regions of territory. In 700 B.C. both would have been considered heroes, but in today’s society, criminals. Martin Luther King Jr. is considered to be a hero for his efforts in breaking the color barrier. In addition, a hero is not always liked by everyone, yet they always make an impact. In conclusion, the evolution of time can cause and result in different perspectives of people, including