Greek mythology as Archetype

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Greek Mythology as Archetype
Greek mythology has seen the tests of time and has remained an important part of literature even in the modern world. This has been emphasized by the literary devices employed in the narratives that have made the stories memorable to the readers. The application of the literary techniques is well elaborated in the myths of Theseus and the Minotaur as well as the story of Oedipus. In both narratives, the archetype of the hero is dominant as expressed by the actions of the main protagonists which in this case are Theseus and Oedipus respectively (Campos 11). The protagonists perform heroic tasks through their bravery and become a symbol of victory over evil. Theseus decides to face the Minotaur in the battle to end the suffering of his people, and he achieves this through the help of the Cretan Princess Ariadne.
In the case of Oedipus, the story portrays him as the heroic figure, and the reader is taken into the hero’s journey from the time of birth until he becomes king. On the other hand, fate also appears as an archetype in both narratives whereby Oedipus meets the same fate prophesied by the Oracle of Delphi. The characters in the story try to do everything in their power to have their way, but they life enfolds as described by the prophecy (Campos 18). Theseus’ encounter with the Cretan princess can be considered the work of fate because she played a crucial role in ensuring that her love made his way of the Labyrinth.

According to Greek mythology, fate was an integral part of the life, and people believed it had a role to play in the experiences people faced in the course of their lives. This is contrary to the beliefs of the contemporary world where free will has been given priority over fate.
Work Cited
Campos, Thais. “The Philosophy Behind Theseus and Minotaur.” Suite 101 (2010): 18.