Odysseus vs Gandhi Essay

A hotshot, a fab or legendary figure a good deal of divine descent endowed with keen strength or ability (Merriam-Webster). at that place atomic number 18 devil showcases of heroes, bigger-than-life heroes and new(a) heroes. Odysseus, wizard of the most famous epos heroes ever, go forth be comp bed to Mahatma Gandhi, a youthful sidereal day hero, to fill if at that place authentic all in ally is a large gap separating the cardinal types. However, bingle thing is certain, modern heroes tail end be identical to epic heroes if they atomic number 18 larger than life, embody the ideals of their culture, embark on a dangerous pilgrimage, and possess super-hu military man, grownup characteristics.Epic heroes are al slipway larger than life however, modern day heroes disregard achieve astounding feats too. Odysseus, an epic hero, show this through the gods interference with his affairs. Poseidon played a major role in strike Odysseus away course (Applebee, 912). Also, he is so famous, that people all oer Greece admit him. For instance, the Phaeacians sung whateverwhat Odysseus triumph in Troy to Odysseus just a mates of years subsequently(prenominal) it happened (Mythweb). Gandhi, my hero, achieved independence for his ground using only peaceable protest.This is shown by the salt March, in which he embarked on a 240 mile adjoin, protesting about the British salt tax, which do it extralegal to sell or produce salt, allowing a complete British monopoly (Thenagain). Also, he has quotes that will live on forever, such as, Where there is love there is life, You mustiness be the change you wish to see in the world, and, An nerve centre for eye only ends up making the only world blind (Proverbia). These quotes are some of the most used and repeated quotes of all time.In different ways, Odysseus and Gandhi are both larger than life, proving that epic heroes and modern day heroes arent in fairness different after all. A nonher chara cteristic of epic heroes would be how they embody the ideals of their culture. In The Odyssey, Odysseus warns Polyphemus, a giant, man-eating cyclops, that it would hardiness Zeus wrath if he doesnt treat him nicely (Applebee, 902). This shows us how the Greeks give care a lot about a healthy host-guest relationship and vice-versa. The latter is turn out when Odysseus slaughters the suitors who didnt behave well at his castle in his absence (Applebee, 955-960).Also, having their lives spared, the cardinal shepherds were rewarded for remaining loyal to Odysseus, proving that the Greeks admire those who are loyal (Applebee, 947-948). Gandhi, on the other hand, embodies the nonviolence of his culture. Within a month of him just now gathering salt from a coast in Dandi, people all over India were making salt illegally, and more than 100,000 were send to jail many fell victim to police violence, but none retaliated or nevertheless defended themselves (Herman, 99-101). In fact, a s the wise Mahatma once said, Anger is the enemy of non-violence and compliment is a monster that swallows it up.Gandhi in any case embodies the humbleness of his people. In fact, a man wearing Gandhis picture around his neck considered Gandhi to be the sole coiffure of his recovery from paralysis (since he regain after uttering the Mahatmas name). Seeing this, Gandhi said, It is not I but God who made you whole. Now will you not concur me by taking my photograph off your neck (Fischer, 288-289). This shows Gandhi doesnt view himself as more than another average man, an amazing trait. Embodying the value in ones culture is as well as another shared aspect between epic heroes and modern day heroes, confining the rift between the devil kinds even more.An epic hero always embarks on a long perilous travel. The Odyssey, describes Odysseus journey home in a very detailed way. Odysseus faces many dangers on the way, including Polyphemus, a ferocious, one-eyed giant, Circe, a de ceptive enchantress, and two sea monsters, Scylla and Charybdis. Polyphemus was a big holy terror to Odysseus and his crew be event he was going to pop all of them, ending their journey (Applebee, 906). Also, if Hermes, the courier god, didnt warn Odysseus about Circes powers, he would be another malodourous swine on her island (Applebee, 920).Lastly, when Circe didnt warned Odysseus Odysseus that he has to fall O.K. six men in guild not to get sucked into Charybdis, a whirlpool, Odysseus whitethorn have never returned (Applebee, 930-931). Gandhi has gone on a long journey too, the journey to give his country independence. Gandhi began to think of ways for his voice to be heard, but not to hurt anyone. He immediately had pursual that joined him in his passive protests. Gandhis protests didnt always go as planned. In fact, he was imprisoned on numerous occasions, including the years 1922, 1930, 1933, and 1942.Just because he was in jail didnt hateful he would stop fighting for his rights. unmatched of Gandhis most famous protests was the common salt March from March 12 to April 5, 1930. Gandhi and thousands of Indians frame ined cd kilometers to produce their own salt. This was a major statement because any money spent on salt that was bought in India went to Britain. after(prenominal) his march, thousands of people were jailed, but were later freed when Gandhi and passkey Irwin negotiated a deal. Finally in 1947, India tell independence from Britain (Myhero)(Thenagain).Both Gandhi and Odysseus embarked on long, perilous journeys, proving to us once again that a modern day hero basin have similar experiences with an epic hero. sensation trait Odysseus shared with Gandhi is cuting. Odysseus shows his leadership skills numberless generation in The Odyssey. One of the times it was most apparent was when he protected his men from being trapped on the isle of the Lotus-eaters All hands on base said Odysseus, come, clear the beach and no one tas te the Lotus, or you brook your hope of home (Applebee, 898).Another scenery where Odysseus leadership skills shine is when he goes back to rescue his men from Circes hall. Eurylocus tells Odysseus what has happened and begs his original to sail away from Circes island. Against Eurylocus advice, however, Odysseus rushes to restrain his men from the enchantress (Applebee, 920). Gandhis leadership skills were the sole reason for Indias independence. On March 12, 1930, Gandhi and 78 male activists of truth and resolution (satyagrahis) started their 23-day-long journey.To each village they passed, Gandhi gave a speech, and more men joined the march each time (Thenagain). This shows Gandhi was able to lead one of the most influential nonviolent protests India has ever seen with ease, using his speaking skills to cheer up the shy into joining the resistance. It was he, Mahatma Gandhi, who led the Salt March. That march began a series of protests that resulted in the closing of many B ritish shops and mill around (Thenagain), and ultimately the independence of India.Leadership skills are yet another aspect that forms the finish resemblance of the two heroic types, epic and modern. Bravery, the classic heroic quality, is what separates heroes from average men. Odysseus and Gandhi, both being heroes, do not drop this quality, but instead it thrives and prospers within their souls. Odysseus exhibits his braveness on countless occasions one of them being when he worked up the fortitudeousness to ask the giant cyclops Polyphemus, after seeing the petrifying beast for the origin time, to treat them well, lest it face the wrath of the gods. as is custom to honor strangers.We would entreat you, bang-up Sir, have a care for the gods discretion Zeus will avenge the euphemistic guest (Applebee, 902). Gandhi has also shown ample amounts of braveness during his journey an amazing feat screening this being when he started picking niggling lumps of salt in Dandi af ter his march (), an illegal act. This simple action, this minor crime, this is the pebble that started the rockslide, the grim offense which caused India to be free. Heroes, these brave beings cause great things, no matter what type they are.Heroes, by definition, people noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life (Thefreedictionary), are classified into two types. Is there a vast difference between these two types, epic and modern? The answer is that it is pat for a modern hero to be thought of as an epic hero if he/she has defining, distinctive traits, is larger than life, goes on some sort of dangerous trip, and personifies the values of his/her culture.