Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the movie, "Jason and the Argonauts", to the actual myth. The author provides a brief summary of the story and examines the similarities and differences of the characters in the movie and the myth.
From the Paper "The myth of Jason and the Argonauts is told differently in books and movies. I rented the movie, "Jason and the Argonauts", which was made in 2000. In this essay I will be comparing the movie version to the actual myth from mythology books. Many things in the book are left out of the movie and vice versa.
From the Paper "Bronislaw Malinowski, in Argonauts of the Western Pacific, provides "an account of native enterprise and adventure in the archipelagoes of Melanesian New Guinea." In his Preface, Sir James G. Frazer writes that Malinowski uses comprehensive and effective methodology, and the work itself supports Frazer's claim. Malinowski applies both "theoretical training and practical experience," living
as a native among the natives for many months together, watching them daily at work and at play, conversing with them in their own tongue, and deriving all his information from the surest sources---personal observation and statements made to him directly by the natives . . . without the intervention of an interpreter. . . . He has accumulated a mass of.."
Abstract This paper discusses a Greek stele dating back to the Early Hellenistic Period (about 300?250 B.C.) which depicts various divinities, the ship of the Argonauts and diplomatic text. The paper explains the shape of the stele and discusses the meaning of the text against the background of Greek history, specifically the Peloponnesian Wars. The paper also explores the importance of the dieties depicted on the stele, in relation to the gods and legends of the time period.
From the Paper "In analyzing and interpreting the text, it is safe to assume that Timeas of Laconia is being given the authority to serve as proxy for the Boiotians. The word "proxenos" is so close to the English word ?proxy,? meaning someone who has the authority to act on behalf of another, that is nearly impossible that this could be a misinterpretation. Furthermore, this authority will pass on, presumably indefinitely, to his heirs.
Ergoteles, who apparently was in power when this decree was issued, was archon. An archon was a chief magistrate in ancient Athens; that is, a local official exercising administrative and often judicial functions. Therefore, it was Ergoteles? responsibility to make sure that not only was this decree carried out, but also that it was enforced."
Abstract In Greek mythology, sirens were creatures with the head of a female and the body of a bird. By using an archetypal lens to look at the mythical qualities of a classic siren in Adele Ratignolle, this paper proves that it is Adele who ultimately sends Edna Pontellier to her death. It explains the role of sirens in Greek mythology, references a contemporary poem by Margaret Atwood regarding sirens, shows all the siren-like qualities of Adele, and references particular situations in which Edna is lured by Adele the siren. The paper quotes from the text and Margaret Atwood's poem.
From the Paper "In the scene in which Edna and Adele sit at the beach together, the interest they both share in each other is showcased. Adele lures her friend into opening up her emotional side and sharing most of her intimate feelings and thoughts. Edna is attracted to her friend's beautiful appearance, their ability to communicate and understand each other is described not as sympathy, but rather as love, and their interaction in this passage is highly eroticized. It seems that Edna is metaphorically falling for Adele much like a sailor falls for the Siren."
Abstract This paper defines Medea as the anti-hero of the anti-monomyth. The author traces the stages of the myth of Medea and parallels them with the stages in a typical monomyth. By drawing the parallels, the author is able to show that the Medea myth is a parody of the standard monomyth, showing the phases play out in a manner that is antithetical to the typical monomyth.
From the Paper "Joseph Campbell might well turn over in his grave to hear Medea's final murder of her children described as an example of the monomyth. Certainly, if one were to take into account other moments of Medea's life and her adventures with the Argonauts, it would be possibly --though difficult-- to make such an argument seriously. However, arguing that Medea's tale as told by Euripides is an example of the monomyth at work seems rather blind to the fact that the hero cycle is meant to be about the exaltation, rather than the denial, of life. The problem may be as simple as the fact that Medea is female. Many critics have noted that, "Joseph Campbell is widely acclaimed for his conception of the hero's journey. However it addresses only half the population by excluding females," (Johnson) and that as such a different schema may be necessary for approaching a woman's experience. Medea is not a hero-she is the goddess or temptress without whose aid a hero neither rises nor falls."
Abstract This paper discusses the development of Theseus and his myth which resulted in his becoming a founder-hero, credited with uniting the tribes of Attica to form the Athenian polis. The writer explains how the story of Theseus grew and was modified as the city he represented grew and was re-created after Athens' own ideals and in her own image. Plutarch's "Life of Theseus" already shows developments and additions as it relates variants, some conflicting, of some of Theseus' actions. Many of these changes attempt to explain certain less than heroic actions by Theseus, and others are aimed at representing Theseus as the Heracles of Attica. The writer concludes that the incorporation of Theseus in recent novels shows that the myth still posses qualities that are of interest to modern society.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most well-known and recognized adventure or deed of Theseus was his battle with the Cretan Minotaur. This event is also shown to have been added to, changed and developed as different writers have told their own story and present us with a number of different variants. Plutarch presents us first with the view in which he says "most writers agree on" . This was that tribute was given from the Athenians to the Cretans; in this the Athenians were to give seven youths and seven maidens every nine years . Without going into any great detail, Plutarch notes here that the "most dramatic" of the stories declare that these youths and maidens were destroyed by the Minotaur, which lived inside a labyrinth."
