by Rae Bryant

Created on: April 30, 2008

Greek mythology reflects humanity at its best and at its worst. The demigods, part human, part god (often fathered by Zeus) were a mixture of both, most often highlighted in their acts of hubris, or perceived arrogance. Though earlier myths focused more on the principal gods-Zeus, Hera, Athene, etc.-later myths turned to the demigods, as these were the stories that most reflected life and earth, what the Greeks could see and hear.

The ancient writer, Homer, thought to be either a collection of writers or possibly one blind man, made famous many of the ancient Greek stories. Through his writings and the writings of others, the most famous of demigods came to life: Heracles, Odysseus, and Achilles. Though one might think it is in the partially divine status of these characters that they grew to such literary and mythological prominence, it is not really so. It is more in the heroes defiance of the Olympians that makes them so memorable.

*It is important to note that Greek and Roman mythology are often confused, and though, similar in many respects, differ in spelling (i.e. Hercules is a Roman spelling, whereas, Heracles is the Greek spelling).

HERACLES
Heracles, though most famous for his twelve labors, actually attained his hero status through penance. For his self-inflicted guilt of killing his own children (tricked by his own wife), Heracles agreed to take on the twelve labors as suggested by his brother, who was partly responsible for the murders of Heracles children, as well. Heracles does complete his twelve labors, but in his ridding of them, sought to defy the Gods by taking credit for his actions. An act of hubris as seen by the Greeks.

ODYSSEUS
The Odyssey describes Odysseus' twenty year journey to the Trojan War and back again to his homeland, Ithaca. Odysseus was loved by the goddess Athene. She advised and helped him through many trials. Trials incurred due to the wrath of Poseidon. Poseidon cursed Odysseus and his men with never seeing their homeland again, because Odysseus showed arrogance in taking credit for defeating the Trojans. The gods did not like humans taking credit for their successes. The ancient Greeks believed the gods were responsible for the good and ill of the world. Humans were simply pawns.

Still, it was Odysseus' cunning in particular that not only helped the Greeks win the Trojan War, but also helped Odysseus reclaim his kingdom, Ithaca, from the terrible suitors that circled his wife during his absence. Suitors that sought to take

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