Odyssey vs. Finding Nemo

Epics Over the Years The Odyssey, a historical epic, was the first written of its kind. Since then, many stories’ plots have focused on the characteristics that made it an epic, such as Finding Nemo. Although the Odyssey was written many years ago, Finding Nemo’s qualities are along the same lines. Both stories contain characters on a journey in search of something of significance. Monsters threaten the quest home, helpers assist the heroes on their journeys, the heroes are glorified in the end, and there is a strong relationship between a parent and their child. Some of these are more commonly found or recognized than others. The most commonly used motif of all is the quest for something of importance. In the Odyssey, Odysseus was away from home for twenty years and could not wait to see his faithful wife, Penelope, and loyal son, Telemachus (Homer). Odysseus is on his journey home to see his family and reclaim his throne as king of Ithaca. Just like Odysseus, in Finding Nemo, Marlin, a clownfish, swims across the ocean in a desperate search for his son, Nemo, after he was captured by a scuba diver. Marlin’s son was precious to him, and the only family he had in his life (Stanton). Odysseus and Marlin’s families are greatly important in their lives, and they make it clear that reuniting with them is a top priority. Not all trips are smooth sailings, for there will always be an obstacle to overcome. In the Odyssey, Odysseus comes in contact with many different characters that lengthen his journey home. He had to trick the Cyclops into allowing him and his men to leave. He was forced to pass the Lotus Eaters, Sirens, and overcome Zeus’ lightning bolt to his ship (Homer). These are just a few of the problems that Odysseus and his men had to conquer. Finding Nemo has many obstacles, also. Marlin has to flee the sharks without being eaten or blown up, he has to escape the Anglerfish, and he has to reach the East Australian Current without

Cited: Homer. Odyssey. Elements of Literature: Third Course. Daniel, Kathleen et al. Austin: Holt, Reinhart, and Winston, 2000. 888-947. Stanton, Andrew. Finding Nemo. Albert Brooks and Alexander Gould. 2003.