Odyssey vs. Finding Nemo free essay sample

Epics Over the Years The Odyssey, a historical epic, was the first written of its kind. Since then, many stories’ plots have focused on the characteristics that made it an epic, such as Finding Nemo. Although the Odyssey was written many years ago, Finding Nemo’s qualities are along the same lines. Both stories contain characters on a journey in search of something of significance. Monsters threaten the quest home, helpers assist the heroes on their journeys, the heroes are glorified in the end, and there is a strong relationship between a parent and their child. Some of these are more commonly found or recognized than others. The most commonly used motif of all is the quest for something of importance. In the Odyssey, Odysseus was away from home for twenty years and could not wait to see his faithful wife, Penelope, and loyal son, Telemachus (Homer). Odysseus is on his journey home to see his family and reclaim his throne as king of Ithaca. We will write a custom essay sample on Odyssey vs. Finding Nemo or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Just like Odysseus, in Finding Nemo, Marlin, a clownfish, swims across the ocean in a desperate search for his son, Nemo, after he was captured by a scuba diver. Marlin’s son was precious to him, and the only family he had in his life (Stanton). Odysseus and Marlin’s families are greatly important in their lives, and they make it clear that reuniting with them is a top priority. Not all trips are smooth sailings, for there will always be an obstacle to overcome. In the Odyssey, Odysseus comes in contact with many different characters that lengthen his journey home. He had to trick the Cyclops into allowing him and his men to leave. He was forced to pass the Lotus Eaters, Sirens, and overcome Zeus’ lightning bolt to his ship (Homer). These are just a few of the problems that Odysseus and his men had to conquer. Finding Nemo has many obstacles, also. Marlin has to flee the sharks without being eaten or blown up, he has to escape the Anglerfish, and he has to reach the East Australian Current without losing his way or being stung by the jellyfish (Stanton). Although these problems are different from one another, they both could cause a failure to the journey. Another theme of an epic that the Odyssey and Finding Nemo share is the characters that assist Odysseus and Marlin along the way. Odysseus had the help of Athena, Hermes, Eumaus and many others on his long and rough journey to Ithaca (Homer). If Odysseus would not have had their help, he might not have made home. Marlin also had his share of friends to help him along the way, such as Dory, who was with him every step of the way, the sea turtles, who helped him on the East Australian Current, and the Pelican, who kept Marlin from being eaten and took him to Nemo (Stanton). Just like Odysseus, Marlin would not have been able to save his son without the help of the others along the way. Glorification of the hero at the end of the story is another motif the Odyssey and Finding Nemo share. Odysseus is seen as a hero for surviving all his hardships, and for coming back home and saving his family from the suitors (Homer). Marlin is also glorified as a hero of the sea for advancing past the sharks and swimming across the sea. He is also praised by his son for being so brave and fearless (Stanton). Although both Odysseus and Marlin would have taken these journeys without being exalted, they were still envied by many for their heroic journeys. Finding Nemo and the Odyssey also share the theme of a parent and child relationship. In the Odyssey, Odysseus was away from home for the first twenty years of his son’s life, which meant he never formed a relationship with him. When they reunited with each other after twenty years, it was as if no time had passed. They were ecstatic to see each other and held nothing back (Homer). Marlin and Nemo are the opposite of Odysseus and Telemachus, because they spend every moment together. When Marlin and Nemo reunited, Marlin better understood Nemo and was no longer overprotective. He gave Nemo space to make his own decisions (Stanton). Whether a parent or child has seen each other yesterday or twenty years ago, there will always be unconditional love for one another. Although these stories are largely contrasting, they each share some of the main characteristics of traditional epics.