Odysseus and the Invention of the Hero’s Journey
99 Things Worth Knowing
Hardly any other figure in world literature has shaped our idea of adventure and heroism as much as Odysseus. With the Odyssee, Homer created not only a captivating story full of cunning, courage and trials, but also the first literary version of the “hero’s journey.” It continues to shape our storytelling to this day – from myths to novels to modern films.
This book takes us on a search for clues: How was the character of Odysseus created? Which episodes of his wanderings made him the epitome of the hero? And why is this ancient storytelling pattern still relevant and effective today, even in modern psychology? In connecting antiquity and the present, this work is intended for anyone who wants to understand why great stories never lose their power.
- Entertaining writing
- The first hero’s journey of the Western world, interpreted for today
